If your home has experienced water damage, one of the first things you will want to do is remove the water and start cleaning up. As you clean up, it is important to understand how water damage can impact different parts of your home so that you can take the proper steps to clean up those areas of your home.

Drywall and Wallboards

Both drywall and wallboards are extremely porous. They may seem solid when they are hanging up on your wall, but when they come into contact with water, they become more like a sponge and are incredibly fragile. If your drywall experiences water damage, it needs to be replaced more than likely, even if it dries out over time. Drywall and wallboards can become contaminated with mold and mildew, even after they dry out.

Plaster

Plaster may look thicker than drywall, but it is can still be impacted by water. Plaster usually can dry out, but it takes a really long time to do so. If the plaster ends up looking warped or cracked at all, then it has to be replaced.

Insulation

The impact of water on insulation depends upon the type of insulation that you have. If you have cellulose, which is a type of insulation made from treated paper, it will need to be fully removed and replaced. The same goes for fiberglass batts insulation. If you have foam insulation sheets, those can be cleaned off, dried, and used again.

Solid Wood

With solid wood, the sooner you can get the water away from the wood, the better. Solid wood can often become cracked and warped following extensive exposure to moisture. However, if solid wood is dried out, it can be saved.

Wood Framing and Studs

Wood framing and studs are usually safe after a flood, as long as they can completely dry out. They will need to be disinfected, but they shouldn't have to be replaced.

Particle Board

Any particle board or laminated wood will need to be replaced after they get wet. They are not as strong as solid wood or the wood used for framing and studs and tend to be more porous and thus more easily damaged.

Floor Coverings

Floor coverings usually don't stand up to flood water that well. Small carpets may be able to be saved with professional cleaning. However, general carpet and laminated flooring will more than likely need to be thrown away and replaced.

Appliances

If your appliances were in the direct path of water, they could be shorted out. Each impacted appliance needs to be cleaned and inspected by a professional to determine if it was damaged and if that damage is repairable.

HVAC

HVAC systems are extensive and run throughout the entire home. In a flood or extensive water damage situation, their internal electrical systems can become compromised. Water can also get into the vents. It will need to be carefully taken apart by a professional, cleaned, and inspected with an HVAC system. It may be saved with the right care.

After your home is impacted by water damage or by a flood, you need to start cleaning things up right away. Many items can be saved with the proper cleaning; other items are just going to be a complete loss. A water damage restoration team can help you with this process.