The extent of flood damage to a house largely depends on how quickly action is taken after the water recedes. To limit the scale of damage as much as possible, it is worth starting work as soon as possible. Of course, efforts will only bring the right results if the cleaning and renovation are undertaken with the right equipment and, most importantly, knowledge. In the new guide, we explain how to renovate a building after a flood and what tools will be needed for this purpose.
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What should be checked after the water recedes?
According to GIS recommendations, a house that was severely flooded should not be used until it is renovated. The threat to its residents results from the weakening of the structure by moisture and water pressure, and from the increased risk of the development of pathogenic fungi or microorganisms. The water could also have carried dangerous contaminants, such as fertilizers and plant protection products.
Immediately after the water recedes, a thorough inspection of the building should be carried out, which will allow for planning the renovation. Particular attention should be paid to those structural elements that affect the stability of the building. These include:
- foundations : make sure they are not damaged;
- ground near foundations : if water has exposed the foundations, it will be necessary to fill the gaps and make new waterproofing;
- walls : the most dangerous are vertical cracks and deformations;
- beams and ceilings : the inspection of these elements should focus on finding any displacements and separations. In the case of beams, it is also worth checking whether they are rotten.
Disconnecting the power and preparing the equipment
Thanks to a thorough inspection, you can plan the entire renovation of a flooded house in detail. In addition to making a list of things to do, preparations should also include other activities:
- disconnecting the power : water is a good electrical conductor, so in flooded and damp interiors the risk of electric shock is high. The electrical installation and equipment may also have been damaged. Therefore, the house should be disconnected from the power supply using the main fuse (installed before the meter);
- pumping out water : if water is still in the building, it is necessary to pump it out. Use a dirty water pump for this, but make sure that the groundwater level has already dropped. If it is still high, pumping out the water quickly may damage the foundations;
- risk assessment : if the condition of the building indicates a risk of collapse, plumb (wall) and/or ceiling supports should be used;
- Documentation of damage : photos showing the extent and type of damage will make it easier to obtain compensation;
- preparation of protective equipment : the aforementioned biological and chemical contaminants and disinfectants make work on the renovation of a flooded house hazardous to health. It is therefore worth carrying out the work with personal protective equipment (a mask with an air filter and goggles, waterproof work gloves , overalls and a helmet).
Removing rotten elements and cleaning the house
Renovating a house after a flood should begin with removing all materials and objects that easily soak up water. It is essential to remove plaster, carpets, floor panels, or furniture made of wood-based panels. Wooden structural elements require a thorough inspection. If they are rotten, they should also be replaced.
Sludge and other dirt from other items can be removed using shovels, spades and shovels . Since water may be contaminated, tools should be thoroughly washed with a strong detergent after use. Exposed surfaces should also be thoroughly checked for moisture and mold.
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Disinfection and disinfestation of buildings after flooding
Water from rivers and canals almost certainly contains bacteria, viruses, and hazardous substances. Disinfection of a flooded home eliminates these threats. It can only be done if all the water has been removed.
The selection of appropriate disinfectants is of great importance. They should effectively kill bacteria and viruses. Chlorine-based preparations (e.g. 10% solution of ordinary bleach) will prove to be particularly effective in combating bacteria and fungi. Fungicides will also be necessary.
In preparation for disinfection, it is necessary to protect objects that may be damaged by contact with chlorine. Disinfectants must be applied to all surfaces that have been in contact with water. They should be left for a time in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. After disinfection, it is necessary to rinse the surfaces with clean water - so as to remove any residual chemicals.
It is also important to check all rooms for insects, rodents and other pests. Pests often gather in damp places, so you need to pay special attention to them. In addition to insect control measures, it is also worth using bait traps that will effectively get rid of rodents.
Drying out buildings after flooding
In flooded interiors, it is best to install an industrial dehumidifier , which will quickly and effectively remove excess moisture. Drying a house after a flood should begin with choosing the right device. Due to the way they work, they are divided into two groups:
- adsorption : they work well at low temperatures and in rooms with high humidity. Their operation is based on the use of substances that bind moisture from the sucked-in air;
- condensing (compressor) : work best at higher temperatures. They work by drawing air from the rooms and condensing the water by cooling it to below the dew point.
The positioning of the device is of great importance for the efficiency of dehumidification. Dehumidifiers should be placed in the central points of the rooms - this is where the humidity is the highest - away from walls and other obstacles. Free air flow should be ensured. When they are working, the windows should be closed. It is necessary to constantly monitor the humidity level using a hygrometer. Its optimal value oscillates between 30 and 50 percent relative humidity. If dehumidifiers are not connected to a water drainage system, it is also important to regularly empty the tanks.
Renovating a house after a flood – preparation is key
After the dramatic flooding, home renovations can seem overwhelming. However, it is worth remembering that quick, methodical actions will minimize the scale of losses. Proper preparation for renovations will improve the efficiency of the work.
By following our tips, you can quickly restore your building to its pre-flood condition, while minimizing the risk of future moisture or mold problems. After a disaster, health and safety are paramount. That is why all work should be carried out using protective clothing and personal protective equipment.