After a flood has damaged your property, the initial restoring works such as cleaning have already been completed, but if you are still struggling with the longest process of all – drying your property – we can assist you. Here’s a quick guide to dealing with remaining water or moisture in your home or business.

House Flooding

The best way to dry out a property and clear the air inside is to use air circulation. Be patient and ensure that the property is completely dry before moving back in.

Some suggestions for Dos and Don’ts:

• Do ventilate your home, open your doors and windows.
• Do ensure your home is secure.
• Do unclog the airbricks and vents.
• Do clean with disinfectant if you have come into contact with flood water
• Do check the exterior walls and roof for structural damage before entering a property,
• Do not attempt to activate any services until they have been thoroughly tested by an expert.
• Do not attempt to move any heavy or unstable objects by yourself; seek assistance.

Cleaning and drying the property:

You can let your property dry naturally, but this process can take months. Forcing the drying process can reduce its duration to a few weeks. Whatever method you use to dry your property, make sure that the moisture trapped within the structure is removed. The walls may appear dry on the outside, but they are still damp on the inside. If in doubt, have a professional inspect your property to ensure that it is completely dry.

If your heating system has been professionally tested and is certified safe to use, you can turn it on to help dry the house. Maintain a temperature of 20 to 22 degrees Celsius. Excessive temperatures should be avoided because rapid heating can cause plasterwork to crack, among other things.

Keep in mind that temperature alone will not dry out your property. The importance of air circulation and humidity is essential, so keep windows and doors open in good weather and ajar during wet weather. Keep external windows and doors closed if you’re using a dehumidifier, especially during wet weather.

If you haven’t yet contacted your insurance company for a claim settlement, you can always start by contacting a company that specialises in loss assessment, such as Claim Management Group at  0818 118 118 (ROI) or 028 8224 9015 (NI), or visit our contact us by email info@cmg-group.com. As a result, you may receive additional advice and guidance in order to obtain a better settlement.