Owning and managing a commercial property is a great privilege. Many owners take great pride in their properties and do everything in their power to keep their investments protected. Unfortunately, no matter how diligent you are, mishaps and accidents can happen. Flooding and water damage can occur despite your best efforts, especially in Florida. If you are facing either of these problems, it helps if you know what to do. That’s why we’ve assembled some essential tips for surviving flooding and pride ourselves on being the best company for water damage restoration in Jacksonville, FL.
If you find water damage in your property, follow these steps:
1. Assess the situation
Your first task is to determine how extensive the damage is. It is best to fully understand what has happened before taking any action. Examine all areas that you have access to, and ensure that you know what has been damaged.
2. Take photos
Document the damage thoroughly. This includes structural damage and damage to items inside the building. Your insurance will need this proof to give you the necessary funds to fix or replace everything. There is no such thing as too many pictures when it comes to proof of damage, especially as modern phones can hold thousands of them without an issue.
3. Call Contractors Inc
When it comes to commercial contractors in Jacksonville, FL, no one does higher quality work than we do at Contractors Inc. We offer comprehensive ceiling water damage repair services, as well as renovation, restoration, and maintenance services. No matter what you are dealing with, we are your one-stop-shop for any repair job.
4. Begin emergency flood cleanup
Though it won’t take us long to arrive, it is crucial that you begin cleanup right away. Some essential points include:
- Remove all electronics and other valuable items from the water. Unplug all electronics, even if they are in dry spots.
- If the water is clear, dry off any areas that you can with towels, rags, or sponges. If the water is gray or black, it is best to wait for us to arrive.
- Remove rugs and textiles from the area.
- Turn on air conditioning if the weather is warm.
- Wipe extra water from surfaces, such as tables, chairs, and other furniture.
- Move furniture. If you cannot move it out of the wet area, place aluminum foil between the furniture and the floor to prevent further damage.
During this process, there are several activities that you should avoid to mitigate damage.
- Do not turn on ceiling lights, fans, or other appliances. You do not know the internal state of the ceiling, and until you are sure things are structurally sound, you should not use these items.
- Do not use a vacuum to clean the mess. This will likely only damage your vacuum and could pose a risk of electrocution.
- Do not use televisions or other electronics. It is entirely possible for your electrical system to be compromised during the flooding. Plugging in or using electronics only increases your risk of danger.
- Do not remain in a room with sagging or damaged ceilings. If the damage is causing your ceiling to sag, bow, or crack, make sure to evacuate all people and pets from the area. Visible damage is a strong indication that your ceiling’s structure is not reliable and could collapse. Even if you don’t see a lot of damage, keep as many people from entering the area as possible, just to be safe.
5. Contact your insurance
Call your insurance company and inform them of the damage. By this point, we will likely be on-site to assess the damage and give you a better idea of what it will cost to fix. Your insurance adjuster will tell you what further information the company needs to file your claim. You can expect to send them photos, testimonies, and invoices.
Contact us
It is always best to be prepared, even before an emergency occurs. When you work with us at Contractors Inc, we make sure that you have access to a full range of services whenever you need them. We are your single point of contact for all repair, renovation, and maintenance needs. This means that, in the case of a commercial building emergency, there is only one number you need to call—ours. We can be on hand whenever you need us, giving you peace of mind at all times.
For more information or to book our services, contact us today.
