Become Familiar with Flood Damage Remediation Standards in Telluride

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Even if the floodwaters invaded your living space, Team SERVPRO can make it "Like it never even happened." Call right away for best results.

Why SERVPRO Disposes of Certain Items Damaged by Flooding in Telluride

The odor of water that overflowed a river or crossed significant sections of land and flooded different neighborhoods in Telluride is very distinctive. Far from clean, but not quite like sewage, this water ruins a significant portion of a family's possessions. Others, though, become usable after we implement specific cleaning methods and disinfectants.

The composition of the items determines why SERVPRO technicians decide to restore or dispose of items from a home in Telluride after flood damage affects that specific property. We understand that our customers want to save as much as possible, and more often than not, this is the most cost-effective approach. However, when it is not the safest option, certain items can continue to harbor pathogens no matter how much we clean something.

Furniture comes in several styles and materials. Some, like tubular frames, does not absorb any floodwater. When the ends are sealed, the inside can remain damp. Prying off the caps lets us drain the dirty water. Then flushing it out with clean water and allowing it to air dry can salvage such furniture. Solid wood pieces, like an oak dining set, can survive a flood, but requires our teams to start as soon as possible to prevent splitting of the wood and blistering of any durable finishes.

Upholstered furniture containing foam sheeting that pads the front panels or other slightly padded areas might come clean enough for your family to continue using after returning home. Heavier padding (cushions and overstuffed pieces) almost never become safe enough to occupy a place in the home again. This is because there are just too many cells in the foam padding that give microbes a place to hide.

Bedding produces a quandary of sorts. The uppermost part, the mattress, might sustain less damage than the lower piece, the foundation of the bed. However, the mattress almost always requires disposal and SERVPRO technicians can often salvage the foundation. Hosing it down with clean water and then applying a disinfectant can render it usable again. This option only works in a cost-effective manner when the homeowner can locate a solo mattress for sale. This can become difficult because many vendors only sell mattresses with a matching box spring.

Furniture pieces made of plywood and particle board might already have fallen apart by the time flood levels drop enough to permit any mitigation efforts to begin. Other pieces might need examination individually, but the majority of such items soon fall apart. These are also quite inexpensive to replace, making it the better option in almost every situation.

Odors from microbes, many of which can cause unwanted health effects, cannot safely suffice as the only indicator of the presence of microbes. Other sources can also produce strong odors, and microbes can exist without producing any distinctive smells.

SERVPRO of Montrose / Telluride is always ready to help your family recover after flood damage and other disasters. When your home in Delta, Gunnison, or Ouray needs restoration experts, call (970) 240-6970.

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