How to Handle Water Damage Restoration in West Chester PA

by: Leo Nov

Water damage to properties is often caused by weather disturbances such as hurricanes and storms. In Pennsylvania, the hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking during the months of August and September. Sometimes, the storm has weakened by the time it hits landfall but heavy rains can still cause water damage in West Chester homes that are not properly maintained. Water can also enter a house through weak spots in the building such as rusty pipes, a leaky roof or broken windows.

If you find water damage to your property, report it to your insurance company immediately. It is also important to promptly fix the source of water. Your home insurance agent will most likely ask you to do the same in order to minimize further damage. However, repairs should be temporary only until the insurer tells you to go ahead with permanent fixes. All necessary repairs, however temporary, should be done to limit damages.

In addition to fixing the water source, you also need to remove standing water immediately and dry out the affected surfaces as soon as possible to stop the likelihood of mold growth. The best way to do so is to hire a qualified, professional company offering water damage restoration in West Chester PA. There are instances though when you can handle the problem on your own. If the water that entered the home is clean and the spill is limited to a small area, it should be easy to soak up and dry the area on your own. Take wet furniture and waterlogged objects outside and let them dry. Just be careful not to operate wet electrical appliances until a qualified electrician has checked those.

If the water damage has affected the interior of walls and especially if the water that entered the building is contaminated, you would want to hire professional water damage restoration in West Chester PA. When the drywall becomes contaminated with dirty water, it will definitely be harboring molds and pathogens that can lead to serious health risks to occupants. Aside from wooden surfaces, cement surfaces and carpeting are also in danger of mold development since these are all porous. So, treating them promptly is key to prevent the formation of molds.

This is where professional restorers can help because aside from drying the wet area, they can also treat contaminated surfaces with chemicals that prevent or kill mold. This service is very important since most home insurance policies do not include or have limited coverage of mold damage so timely remediation of water damage in West Chester will ensure less out-of-pocket costs.

When choosing a water damage restoration company, it's not smart to go ahead with the first company you get in touch with or the first one that gives you a quote, even if you want to get the job started right away. Remember, you're trying to minimize damage and you'll be doing the opposite if the wrong contractor handles the job. You can ask your insurer if they can recommend a professional restoration company or get referrals from trusted neighbors. Get estimates from different companies and don't hesitate to ask them about their qualifications. It is best if they can provide you with referrals of their previous customers who you can contact to get feedback about the company's services.