If you leave your home with water damage, the more you’d be losing and the more you’d have to repair. The clean-up that is required after a disaster can be daunting but it is imperative that you begin immediately. If you are unsure about what you need to do to address that water damage, here are some of the first steps you should take:
- Immediately call your insurance company. Don’t move anything until you have discussed the matter with your insurance company. If there is anything important that needs to be removed or moved at once, document everything with pictures or videos.
- Contact water remediation specialists and have them visit your home as soon as possible. They will be the one to remove all those damaged items and begin the process of having everything dried out. It would be best to have a mould specialist over as well to make sure the remediation process was thoroughly done and successful.
- Resist dealing with things yourself. When something like a flood happens, resist the urge to handle things on your own and leave it to professionals. It is because the more you disturb the mould the bigger the chance that it can become hazardous and spread throughout your house.
- Turn off the power. Make sure that you have the power turned off before you do any work. Water and electricity do not go together well.
- Sort through all the damage. See if anything could be salvaged. Throw away furniture or carpet that has been really saturated. It may be helpful if you cut the carpet into small sections using a knife or a cutter. Check everything else, cabinets, your hardwood floor, baseboards, and more.
- Get the biggest dumpster you can find. Systematically load everything that you have to throw away. Remember that you have to maximize the amount of debris that you can squeeze into the limited amount of space. Be careful when you do the loading!
- Collaborate with your adjustor. You have to be there when your house is visited. If you have a contractor, it is better to have him onsite as well.
Aside from these tips, one should also be both mentally and physically prepared to deal with water damage. Do not be discouraged by the amount of damage, and instead think of how you can restore your property! You can start by getting high quality flooring from Tony’s Flooring Centre. There is nothing better than having the best flooring to start a restoration project!
Explore our services: Hardwood Floor Refinishing | Contact Us For A Free Estimate
For more information, visit NRCan Energy Efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should Toronto homeowners know about water damage?
When considering water damage, evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, and cost per square foot for your specific needs. Tony’s Flooring Centre at 268 Royal York Rd offers expert advice and free estimates to help you make the right choice for your Toronto home.
What is the best way to clean different floor types?
Hardwood: damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner. LVP: damp mop with vinyl cleaner. Carpet: vacuum 2-3 times weekly. Cork: damp mop with cork-safe cleaner, reseal every 3-5 years. Laminate: dry or slightly damp mop — never use excess water.
Can scratched hardwood floors be repaired?
Minor scratches can be buffed out or filled with wood filler. Deep scratches may need spot sanding and refinishing. For extensive damage, a full professional refinishing restores the floor to like-new condition. See our refinishing services.
Start Your Flooring Project Today
Whether you’re renovating one room or your entire home, Tony’s Flooring Centre is here to help. We offer free estimates, professional installation, and a huge selection at our Etobicoke showroom. Call (416) 255-9631 or get in touch online.