PRIORITIZE SAFETY AND STOP THE SOURCE OF FLOOD WATER
The first priority after discovering flooding is making sure everyone in the home is safe. Standing water can create electrical hazards, weaken building materials, and contain bacteria, sewage, chemicals, or other contaminants depending on where the water originated.
Avoid entering standing water if electrical outlets, appliances, cords, or wiring may have been exposed. If you are uncertain whether the area is safe, stay out until qualified professionals can assess the situation.
If the flood was caused by a plumbing issue, shutting off the home's main water supply may help prevent additional damage. An overflowing appliance may also have a nearby shutoff valve that can be closed if it is safe to access.
Immediate steps may include:
- Keep children and pets away from flooded areas
- Avoid contact with potentially contaminated water
- Shut off the main water supply when appropriate
- Stay away from electrical equipment near standing water
- Leave rooms with sagging ceilings or structural damage
- Contact a professional restoration company promptly
Flooding caused by rainfall, groundwater, stormwater, or sewer backup may be more difficult to control without specialized equipment.
The longer water remains inside a property, the more time it has to absorb into porous materials. Quick action can help reduce the amount of demolition and reconstruction that may be needed later.
BEGIN PROFESSIONAL WATER EXTRACTION AND STRUCTURAL DRYING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Once the property is safe to access, professional water extraction and drying should begin quickly. Removing visible standing water is only the first step in proper flood damage restoration.
Water can move underneath flooring, behind baseboards, inside wall cavities, and into insulation. These areas may remain wet even when the surface looks dry.
A professional restoration team may use:
- High-powered water extraction equipment
- Commercial air movers
- Industrial dehumidifiers
- Moisture meters
- Thermal imaging equipment
- Air filtration equipment
The goal is to remove excess water and reduce moisture levels throughout the affected structure.
Depending on the severity of the flooding, restoration work may also involve:
- Removing saturated carpet and underlay
- Drying subfloors and wall cavities
- Removing damaged drywall or insulation
- Cleaning and disinfecting affected surfaces
- Treating unpleasant odours
- Monitoring moisture levels during drying
- Removing materials that cannot be safely restored
Some building materials may be saved when drying begins quickly enough. Others may require removal if they have become heavily saturated, contaminated, or structurally compromised.
Household fans and open windows are generally not enough for significant flooding. Professional drying equipment is designed to move larger amounts of air, control humidity, and help draw hidden moisture out of structural materials.
Fast moisture control is also important for reducing the risk of mould growth. Mould can develop when damp materials remain wet for extended periods, especially in hidden areas where airflow is limited.
DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE AND START THE COMPLETE FLOOD RESTORATION PROCESS
Before damaged materials are removed, document the condition of your property whenever it is safe to do so. Photos and videos can provide a useful record of the extent of the flooding and the materials that were affected.
Try to document:
- Flooring
- Drywall and ceilings
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Cabinets
- Personal belongings
- Basement contents
- Visible water levels
You may also want to create a written list of damaged items and keep receipts related to emergency services, temporary repairs, water removal, or restoration work.
If you plan to make an insurance claim, contact your insurance provider to discuss your coverage and determine what documentation they require.
Once emergency water removal and drying are underway, the restoration team can evaluate which materials can be cleaned and restored and which need to be replaced.
The repair stage may include:
- Drywall replacement
- Insulation replacement
- Flooring installation
- Baseboard and trim repairs
- Cabinet repairs
- Painting
- Structural repairs
- Final cleaning
Professional flood restoration in Calgary can help manage the process from the initial assessment through water extraction, structural drying, cleaning, and reconstruction.
After a flood, speed is important, but thorough restoration is equally important. Removing visible water does not necessarily mean the property is fully dry. Moisture testing, controlled drying, sanitation, and proper repairs can help prevent hidden damage from creating larger problems later.
If your home has experienced flooding, contact 24/7 Restoration for professional flood damage restoration in Calgary. Prompt water extraction, drying, cleanup, and repairs can help limit further damage and restore your property as efficiently as possible.
FAQs
Q: What should I do first after my home floods?
A: The first step is to make sure everyone is safe and avoid entering areas where standing water may have come into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring. If the flooding is caused by a plumbing issue and it is safe to do so, shut off the main water supply. Contact a professional restoration company as soon as possible so water extraction, moisture detection, and structural drying can begin before the damage spreads further.
Q: How quickly should flood damage restoration begin?
A: Flood damage restoration should begin as soon as the property is safe to access. Water can quickly absorb into drywall, flooring, insulation, cabinetry, and framing, which can increase repair costs and create conditions where mould may develop. Prompt water extraction and professional drying help reduce secondary damage and improve the chances of saving affected building materials.
Q: Can I clean up flood damage myself?
A: Very minor clean-water spills may sometimes be manageable with basic drying, but significant flooding should usually be handled professionally. Water can remain hidden beneath flooring and behind walls even after surfaces appear dry. Floodwater may also contain contaminants depending on its source. 24/7 Restoration can assess the affected areas, remove water, monitor moisture levels, dry the structure, and complete the necessary restoration work.
