Floods spills and other forms of Water Damage -- Nothing to take for granted!

There are several problems that arise from floods, and other forms of water damage, not just to your carpet, but the whole infrastructure of your building. Hard wood floors, walls, cabinets, any porous material in your house is subject to mold, or other forms of damage if not properly dried.

At Tim's we have the training and equipment to handle your needs in a time as serious as this. We not only know what to do, but take into consideration what your needs are. Working with insurance companies, needing a place to stay if not possible in your home. We can help with all these problems, and at the same time, save you money by saving materials that other companies may just give up on. If you have a flood, or any type of water damage, call us Immediately! Call our 24 hour emergency pager anytime. (907) 262-3033.

In the meantime, make sure the water source is shut down, and try to stay out of the area flooded so you do not track any more water out of that area. Get your insurance policy #'s ready, and call the insurance company if you haven't already. Sometimes furniture and other valuables need to be removed from this area immediately. If so, remove them, and then try to stay out until we arrive. Do not turn up heat at this time, unless the air is extremely dry outside, and you have windows open throughout the house. In the winter time it is recommended to turn up heat between 75-85 degrees farenheit, and open windows at half hour intervals.

Do not attempt to dry yourself, unless you have no other option. If you have insurance, you will waive your right to help if mold does manifest, and this could cost you a family members life, and/or your home. Please don't risk your families health.

The first thing to do if insured is immediately call your insurance agent, and listen to the instruction they give you.

PLEASE NOTE BOTTOM OF THIS ARTICLE, This is not in any way comprehensive or full proof, in fact it is NOT recommended!

Cleaning water-soaked carpets and floors is a difficult chore in itself, but in the aftermath of a flood, contamination by mud, silt, and mildew can compound the problem.

Carpets contaminated by sewage should not be salvaged. It's best to get professional cleaners to work on carpets and floors, but this may not be possible.

In any case, begin cleanup as soon as possible.

Pull up carpets and rugs and drape them outdoors. Hose carpets down. Work a low-sudsing, disinfectant carpet cleaning product deep into soiled spots with a broom. To discourage mildew and odors, rinse with a solution of two tablespoons bleach to one gallon water. Don't use this solution on wool carpets.
Dry carpet and floor thoroughly before replacing carpet to avoid future mildew problems and shrinkage.

Use fans, vacuum cleaners and dehumidifiers to speed the drying. Waffle-weave and foam or rubber-type pads may be reused. Sections of subfloors that separate must be replaced to avoid buckling.

When floor coverings are removed, allow subfloors to dry thoroughly, even though it may take several months.

In wood floors, remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. Ask a carpenter for tips on removing tongue-and-groove boards.

Clean and dry floor thoroughly before attempting repairs.
In vinyl floors with wood subflooring, the floor covering should be removed so the subflooring can be replaced.
With concrete floors, removal isn't necessary except to hasten drying of the slab. Loose tiles may be replaced individually if the floor hasn't been soaked. If water has seeped under sheet flooring, remove the entire sheet.

While cleaning, wash exposed skin frequently in purified water. Wear rubber gloves for extra protection against contamination.

In NO way does Tim's endorse this as an effective or comprehensive way to dry your home, these tips are placed here for emergency situations in case you cannot get a professional to come out to your house immediately. There is much more to drying a place than listed here, and if you attempt to do this all by yourself, most likely you will be replacing items that would cost more than hiring a professional company...which the company such as ourselves could have saved. This includes items which are irreplaceable and human life!