Water is a unique and versatile substance. Water naturally occurs in all three states of matter, as a liquid, a solid and a gas. Water’s versatility makes it a most valuable resource, but at the same time makes it a dangerous material. According to most insurance company estimates, water damage is responsible for the highest percentage of property damage in a given year. In the wake of the recent flooding in Nashville, residents of middle Tennessee learned first hand just how much damage water can do, and how quickly it can do that damage. Even without a storm to blame, frozen or broken pipes and interior flooding cause almost as much damage as hurricane waters.
When repairing flood and water damage, the real challenge is going deeper than merely visible problems. Water can get into the most obscure nooks and crannies in a home, spots impossible to see. For example, water stains in the ceiling of a room are likely to have a damp trail behind them that leads all the way to the exterior of the home. Drying the walls and floors may not be a sufficient response to extensive water damage. Flood damaged walls and cabinets must be demolished and thoroughly cleaned and renovated. The damp wood and standing water trapped behind flooded walls or above leaky ceilings can become a breeding ground for decay, mildew, and potentially dangerous molds.
Flood damage, whether the result of catastrophic storms or broken plumbing, must be dealt with as promptly as possible. Once floods recede, the clock starts ticking on flood repairs and renovations. When flood waters go, moisture remains behind and works quickly to decay and contaminate constructions. If your home is one of those harmed by the flood or any other water damage, it it best to act quickly to dry and repair your home, to avoid mold, mildew, bugs and other decay. Now is the time to renovate your flooded space, because you are going to have to get behind the walls anyway, to clean and dry out the water damage.
The most common flood damage repairs are roof repairs, siding repairs and mold remediation. In addition, most structures that have been flooded will require demolition, including the removal of all damaged material like carpeting, insulation, and drywall. Additionally, mud and damaged property will need to be hauled out of homes and gotten to landfills. Some homes were so ravaged by the deluge, they will need foundation repair and total restoration. For those fortunate enough to have flood insurance, this cloud has a silver lining. At least their homes will be renovated for all the trouble of being flooded.
The aforementioned damages are the most basic first response repairs. To give a sense of the scope of flood damages and their attendant repairs, here is a short list of additional services a typical property owner may need in the wake of the Tennessee flooding:
*De-humidification
*Sewage removal and decontamination
*Document recovery
*Decontamination of HVAC systems
The flooding in Middle Tennessee received national attention, and is being set right through local action. All over Davidson County, experienced contractors and civic minded volunteers are bustling through Tennessee cleaning up the detritus left in the wake of the flood. Fortunately for Tennesseans who need their homes rebuilt, the talent is on their doorstep. Flood repair must be swift and thorough. The building professionals of Middle Tennessee know this and are ready for action. With tens of thousands of homes lost in the flood, Nashville’s construction teams and clean up crews can barely keep up with all of the work that needs to be done.
Be sure to exercise caution when searching around for a qualified contractor to handle your flood renovations. This flood that has washed through Middle Tennessee is a once in a lifetime catastrophe, creating desperate times. Disasters bring out a lot of good in people, as evidenced by the multitude of volunteers that are helping clean up Tennessee. But disasters also bring out a lot of con artists and unreliable operations that want to cash in people’s misfortunes. Choose a licensed and bonded contractor with local references who is established in Davidson County. Find a contractor that has dealt with flood damage specifically, and has developed effective methods for restoring flood damaged property.
