After heavy rain, we hear horror stories about damage to homes. Usually a leaky roof, flooded basements and mold are the most common stories. However, the contents of your home can just as easily be damaged by water. Some items are beyond saving, while others might be able to be repaired or restored. Let’s talk about these different items and how Aladdin’s can help you after rain damage to your home.
It is important to understand that while it is possible to restore some items, you may still be recommended to replace them because of the hidden risks of contamination and high cost of repairs in comparison to replacement. Consider the following four factors to take a final decision:
Anytime anything is touch and contaminated by “black” water – flood water and sewage backups – it is recommended you immediately throw it away. It usually is not worth the risk or cost of cleaning. You can see more about the different types of water damage in another article here.
If you act promptly, porous materials like fabrics and wood can be easily saved and cleaned. If you wait too long or catch the damage to late and the saturation levels get too high though, there is a great risk of shrinking, deformation, and mold growth which would likely lead to replacement.
Time of saturation is often a critical factor, as soaking makes water penetrate deep into the structure and causes irreversible damage to many items. Wooden furniture is a great example here: if items are not taken out of water soon, it is impossible to restore them to the previous condition.
Professional drying, sanitation, and deodorization of personal possessions is a lengthy and expensive process, which can exceed replacement costs. This is why emergency restoration experts like Aladdin’s immediately discard wet insulation, drywall, carpets, and pads in agreement with IICRC guidelines for water restoration. If the objects do not hold emotional value, it’s better to ask your claim adjuster concerning the best course of action.
