Essential Steps in Flood Damage Remediation for Frederick Homes

4/23/2024 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO to remove floodwaters and cleanup your storm damaged Frederick property, "Like it never even happened."

Frederick Flood Cleanup Solutions from SERVPRO® 

Frederick offers abundant historical sites and museums, like the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, which provides insight into medical practices during the Civil War. Additionally, the city houses the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, highlighting German colonial architecture, and the Monocacy National Battlefield, where enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the history of a significant Civil War clash. The Delaplaine Arts Center presents rotating exhibitions from artists within the local and regional community, while the Weinberg Center for the Arts offers numerous live performances. Additionally, annual gatherings such as the Frederick Festival of the Arts and the Frederick Film Festival enrich the city's dynamic cultural landscape. 

Flood damage in Frederick is a menace that confronts homeowners with numerous challenges. Floodwaters can exert hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls and floor slab. This pressure increases with the depth and duration of flooding. Over time, the force of the water can cause foundation walls to bow, crack, or even collapse. This harm often requires extensive restoration and reconstruction, imposing substantial financial burdens on homeowners. Even when floodwaters do not result in catastrophic destruction, they can still cause significant water damage to properties with only slight infiltration. Small amounts of water can saturate walls, floors, and ceilings, leading to warping, swelling, and deterioration of materials, including drywall, wood, and insulation. Over time, this water damage can weaken the property's structural integrity, necessitating repairs and replacements. 

Steps in flood damage remediation 

• Water removal and drying 
• Residue identification 
• Surface cleaning and sanitization 
• Repair and restoration of damaged structures 

Managing Flood Water Remnants  

Residue identification is a crucial step in flood damage remediation, as it informs the selection of appropriate removal techniques and cleaning agents. 

Types of residue present in flooded properties 

• Mud 
• Silt 
• Microbial contaminants 

Mud is a common residue left behind by floodwaters, consisting of soil, clay, and other organic matter. Its removal typically requires a combination of physical and chemical methods. For excess mud, SERVPRO crews scrap or shovel the sludge away from surfaces, followed by pressure washing or hosing to dislodge stubborn deposits. We may also use biodegradable detergents or degreasers to dissolve mud and facilitate its removal from surfaces. For interior spaces, we perform thorough vacuuming and mopping to eliminate traces of mud and prevent staining and odors. 

SERVPRO of Frederick County manages flood damage "Like it never even happened." Call us at (301) 662-1747.