Heavy Rains Can Equal Property Damage in Portland

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

The wet weather in Porland can sometimes be a problem for homeowners. SERVPRO of NW Portland is always here to help.

Many natural bodies of water provide hours of fun and relaxation to Portland residents. If they overflow due to heavy rains, flooding can rush into homes and cause extensive damage. Mitigating such damage by professionals restores homes to pre-flood condition. 

When residents find their floors soggy with water, flood damage in Portland is already beginning. Carpets become ruined quickly, and the flooring support underneath becomes at risk of becoming severely damaged. Walls made of stucco, drywall and other absorbent materials quickly wick water upwards, making two lines – flood line and a wavy one where moisture prevails. 

SERVPRO professionals use pumps of various kinds to remove standing water. Switching to smaller units helps remove puddles inside usually unnoticed depressions. Afterward, we quickly remove the carpeting and padding. Setting up the machinery to dry out floors comes next. Walls that receive immediate attention can often remain standing instead of being torn away and replaced. We include the treatments needed to kill any pathogens, as well. 

Because flooding inside a home happens on lower levels, many people become surprised at how muggy the air becomes inside their flooded home. Water continually attempts to find equilibrium and uses evaporation and condensation to achieve this state. Opening windows and doors after a flood can help the moisture exit your home to much drier air outside. The air movers used to dry out walls also keeps moisture from settling, and the desiccant machines trap the water molecules before they can condense elsewhere inside your home. 

If flooding occurred inside your kitchen area, we can help restore this area to functioning capacity again. However, unlike other areas of your home where cleaning and removal of silt and other minute debris suffices, government regulations require the disposing of all foodstuffs. Contact with floodwater, no matter how temporary, renders those items inedible. In cans, there are too many tiny places where dangerous pathogens can hide, and the risk of contamination is extremely high. Bleach may render these pathogens inert, but it can also corrode the can and cause additional problems. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is ready to help you with flood damage when the Columbia or the Willamette overflow in our area. Calling 503-283-3658 puts you in contact with our 24-hour service and begins the restoration process every flooded home needs.