How to Deal With Water Damage from Clogged Gutters

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How to Deal With Water Damage from Clogged Gutters

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Water damage can be a serious issue for any home, regardless of whether you’re in a warm place like Los Angeles or in a cooler Midwest. If you want to ensure that your home remains dry and damage-free you have to pay attention to the gutters of your roof system, especially after heavy rainfall.

Gutters’ main purpose is to catch rain or other forms of moisture and carry it away from the structure of the home and its foundations. If they spring a leak or are blocked with debris or leaves moisture can eventually find its way into the home and affect the walls as well as the foundation which would lead to damage to its structure and other moisture related problems. Here’s how to deal with water damage from clogged gutters.

Content Table:

Cleanup the Debris from Gutters
Check the Security
Dealing with Leaks

Let’s go!

Cleanup the Debris from Gutters

If they are safely reachable and you plan to clean it on your own that is a great idea. Use a ladder to remove debris and other materials. When selecting you ladder check and confirm if it is strong and safe and that you are comfortable working on it. It is always a good idea to have a second person to brace the ladder to ensure you are safe during this procedure. If you rest the ladder against the aluminum gutter it may damage it. Another option would be to use a standoff ladder attachment to perform the task.

Firstly wear protective gloves and remove leaves as well as other material that would have accumulated in the gutter and place them in a bucket attached to the ladder. If it is a matter of concern as to how the leaves debris are to be disposed then do not worry. Decomposed leaves are an excellent source of compost for plants and can be used in the garden. Do not forget to check the downspout when cleaning the gutters as every part of it needs to be clean and free of blockage so that the water or moisture can drain away safely.

Check the Security

Once they are cleaned ensure that all attachments including spikes are holding the gutter securely in place. Snow or ice damage ca cause gutters to sag over time. You can replace spikes with gutter screws as spikes and aluminum ferrules tend to bend easily and work loose over a period of time. You can go online and learn how to replace brackets, fix spikes or repair gutters that are attached by straps or hangers.

Dealing with the Leaks

Common issues with gutters are leaks. If they are leaking the first place to check for damage would be between the joints. Once the source of the leak is determined first ensure that the gutters are dry, brush clean the seams and then apply a water proof caulking sealant along the seams both inside as well outside. This will help to seal the leaks. For small holes water proof cement can be used and for larger damage a sheet metal patch in roofing cement can be embedded over the damaged area and then covered with waterproof cement.

If the leaking water found its way into your home, you can apply some of the tips for water damage cleanup from our blog:

Otherwise, if you can’t DIY, call in a professional like Vetted Los Angeles Restorations.

Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles California

Dealing with water damage is never easy, whether it came from gutters, leaking pipes, sewage, or flooding. That’s why our experts are here – to help you restore the damage and be there to support you during these challenging times.

Call Vetted Los Angeles Restorations for any of the following:

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Mold Prevention After Water Damage

If any place has been subjected to water damage the likelihood of mold infestation increases manifold times. They form in areas where there is excessive humidity or moisture and grow on surfaces that are wet. They cause discoloration on the area they affect and can be seen on wooden fixtures such as cupboards, bookcases or even beneath the carpet padding if they have been exposed to water or moisture.

They form whenever conditions are favorable – broken pipes, flooding, leaky roofs etc. are all factors responsible for their growth and spread. They grow in places where organic matter as well as moisture are present and can spread easily through their spores. Therefore it is essential that mold is removed as soon as it is detected. If a homeowner overlooks or neglects the situation there may be widespread mold infestation that would then require expert assistance to eradicate.

Having an expert remove mold is expensive and is generally not covered by insurance. They also pose a health risk so it is a necessity to have them removed at the earliest. So, here’s how to detect and prevent mold infestation – the DIY route.

In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary:

Seal the Area
Shut off the Electricity
Remove Excess Water
Scrub the Area
Rinse and Repeat until Mold is Gone
Disinfect the Area
Dry The Area Out Using a Dry Vac

That sums it up nicely! Need more information? Let’s get right into it!

How to Remove Mold

Seal the Area

The way to get rid of mold is by thoroughly cleaning the affected area. For this organic cleaners which are easily available in the market can be used. It is essential to take some precautions like wearing gloves, eye goggles and a respirator to prevent exposure to the harmful spores.

Also wear clothes which can be discarded safely after the clean up is completed. Only after taking these preventive measures and having the right cleaning solutions proceed with the cleaning.

The first step is to have the affected area sealed off from the rest of the property using tape and plastic sheets. This is done to ensure that no spores are spread to other areas of the home.

Clean and Disinfect the Area

If your home is facing a flood situation turn off the electricity.

Remove all the excess water completely and then look for potential areas which would be conducive for mold growth. Scrub the affected area thoroughly and use detergent and a good brush which will remove the mold from the affected area.

After scrubbing rinse the area with the solution. The area needs to be disinfected and cleaned. Then use a dry vacuum cleaner to blow dry the area completely until all the moisture is totally removed. This will help to prevent a recurrence of mold in the area.

There are good quality mold cleaners available in the market which are organic and contain no harmful chemicals that may be toxic when exposed to.

Do not use cleaners which have a high content of chemicals such as chlorine, bleach etc to clean and remove molds. For bathrooms and shower curtains a simple household product like vinegar can be used. It is bio-degradable and much safer than solutions with chemicals that could harm anyone who inhales it.

Call a Professional

Incase a DIY method does not seem to provide the solution to your mold problem then it is important that you contact a professional mold remediation service to carry out the task. It will be more expensive but it is well worth the money spent as it will leave your home clean and mold free for many years to come.

Water Removal Los Angeles CA

Now, we at Vetted Los Angeles Restorations don’t deal with mold. We can help prevent it but we’re here primarily to help you with flooding and water damage in Los Angeles. Sometimes, there’s too much water damage to even try to remove mold. You’ll need expert restoration assistance to remove standing water, dry out the property, and then prevent mold growth. For such assistance, call us now!

We can help with:

Restoration of Damaged Electronics

Consumer electronics is a booming industry with a multi trillion dollar market. The demand for the latest gizmos and gadgets is perpetual and never seems to wane in popularity. Electronic appliances can cost thousands of dollars and are not easily replaceable after an accident or household disaster.

With advances in technology by leaps and bounds gone are the days when any damaged electronic item was straightaway disposed of or discarded. Electronics restoration is no longer a distant dream but rather very much in the realms of reality.

Companies nowadays use sophisticated and highly specialized equipment and technology to restore electronics that have faced the ravages of water or even faced exposure to soot or smoke. One of the quirkier applications in use to repair these damaged electronic items is to immerse them in a special water based chemical solution to clean and remove soot or any other remnants. These highly specialized solutions work in removing any material that might be lodged within the item without damaging the electronic components or circuitry.

After the chemical bath they are places in special drying chambers which are then warmed in temperature at different stages. This is done in a very controlled manner so as to prevent the item from heat damage. The amazing end result is the electronic appliance or gadget is restored to functionality once again.

How Can Water-Damaged Electronics Be Saved

Generally most electronic equipment can be salvaged after being exposed to water damage in Los Angeles up to 72 hours. When it comes to fire damage the level of heat it has been exposed to and the quantity of soot within the item are factors that are taken into account. Severe heat can melt fiber or plastic as well as electronic wiring which could render the entire unit as irreparable. However there is no hard and fixed rule that is followed and this requires judgment on a case by case basis.

If a computer hard disk or media file needs to be recovered there are forensic restoration experts who can make a successful task of it by extracting most if not all of the data and files.

The first thing to be done if you have any electronic item that has been exposed to water or fire damage is to try and avoid handling or moving the equipment as this could lead to further damage. Amateur efforts to remove smoke or soot will end in disaster with the equipment being left irreparable.

Any use of inappropriate materials or chemicals could make it impossible even for an expert to later restore. The most prudent course of action would be to get in touch with the nearest electronic restoration experts listed in your area and let them take stock of the situation.

However, for water removal, smoke and odor removal, cleanup and sanitization, and restoration of your entire property, you should get in touch with a water damage restoration professional.

Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA

If you need professional assistance with water damage repair in Los Angeles, we can help. Vetted Los Angeles Restorations can respond at any time of the day or night, just dial +1 (213) 410-1873 and we’ll be on our way!

We can help with:

Should You Replace Drywall If It Gets Wet

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Should You Replace Drywall If It Gets Wet

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No, unfortunately, it’s not just in Los Angeles. Water damage is actually quite common of an issue nationwide, with thousands of households experiencing some form of it every month. One of the most vulnerable parts of a property during water damage events is drywall. While quite durable overall, drywall really doesn’t get along with water. In this post, you’ll learn what to do if your drywall gets wet and how to know whether you should replace your wet drywall or not.

In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary:

Implement dehumidifiers and fans to thoroughly dry the damp drywall
If the drywall is more than 1% wet, it should be replaced
Consult with a certified water damage restoration professional

Signs of Water Damage on Walls

Alright, let’s say that you haven’t experienced an abrupt event like a sewage backup or an appliance leak that’s pretty obvious to spot. In some cases, homeowners have a leak that’s hidden behind walls and that spills just enough water to cause damage over the long run.

In that case, you will have some signs of water damage on your walls that you should pay attention to. Those are:

Peeling or bubbling paint
Stains, usually of light brown or gray color
Cracks
Musty odor
Mold

If you see any of these signs right now, it’s time to raise an alarm. You can try to dry out your wallpaper, concrete, and drywall but it’s also important to detect and neutralize the moisture source to permanently resolve the problem.

How to Fix Water-Damaged Drywall

First step is to find a moisture source. Usually this shouldn’t be that hard. Since leaks cause damage around them, look at pipes which are behind those water damage signs you’ve noticed. If there’s mold, apply some mold removal techniques.

Once you’ve identified a leaking pipe, turn off the water supply until you get it fixed. You can use a tape or you can clamp it. You can also put a slip coupling on your pipe.

The next step is testing for drywall moisture levels. Sometimes your drywall is already too wet that putting in the hard work required to dry it out will just be a waste of your valuable time and energy. Note that you should replace a drywall if it’s only more than 1% wet. But how do you determine that?

You’ll need a moisture meter. Penetrating moisture meters are typically more accurate than non-penetrating, and they also come with more features. If you already have one, great, but if not, note that they’re pricey so, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing, we’d advise consulting with a professional. We’ll get to that later.

You can also use a screwdriver to pry off the baseboards and poke holes in the drywall. If the drywall is soft and the screwdriver easily penetrates it, it is wet.

Wet drywall is not just an eyesore. It’s also a structural integrity threat and a health hazard. Any damp surface in your home can aid in mold development, and soft and weak drywall can further compromise your house.

So, to avoid this, turn up dehumidifiers and fans and put them to work. Fans are great for targeting small damp areas while dehumidifiers will aid in drying the entire room. If you don’t have this equipment, rent it out or borrow it from a friend or family member. Also, tape plastic sheeting over doorways and windows to make the room as airtight as possible. Make sure you’re regularly checking the progress with your moisture meter.

How Long Does it Take to Dry Out a Drywall

It depends. It usually takes up to 3 days to dry out a drywall completely but in some cases it might take much longer than that. Factors like the extent of water damage, humidity levels, and weather conditions will all play a role in the length of your project. You should, however, see improvements within the first 24 hours. If you don’t, it’s time to call a professional.

Hire a Water Damage Restoration Company

A lot of homeowners may get stuck at a certain step of the whole process. Some might not know how to fix a leaking pipe, others may struggle with drying. Note that drying is sometimes pointless as there might already be too much damage for the drywall to be brought back to normal. If you don’t know what to do, call a water damage restoration company like Vetted Los Angeles Restorations.

Vetted Los Angeles Restorations is the best water damage restoration company Los Angeles CA has to offer, with many years of experience and positive reviews backing us up. Our professionals will consult with you and help you learn what is the best way to go in your specific scenario.

We provide the following services:

How Much Does Fixing a Wet Drywall Cost

It usually costs between $300 and $800 for a professional drywall water damage repair job. Read more on water damage restoration costs.

Great job on taking the steps and doing something, way better than leaving water damage untreated. However, sometimes it’s best to leave this work to professionals who do it for a living. Call Vetted Los Angeles Restorations today at +1 (213) 410-1873!

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What Happens if Water Damage is Left Untreated

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What Happens if Water Damage is Left Untreated

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There’s a few possible scenarios you may be going through if you’re asking this question right now. You may have experienced water damage and your budget is tight, leading you to wonder if you could possibly delay the repairs for a while without any additional consequences.

Or, you ought to not be physically present at your property for days, weeks, or even longer after the incident, and you can’t possibly delay that travel to repair water damage and there’s nobody to be at your house while you’re away.

Regardless of whether you belong to the first or second group, or you’re simply just lazy, this post will help you understand exactly what happens after water damage and how bad it can really get. Without any further ado, let’s jump right in.

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How long does it take for water to cause damage?

It takes anywhere from an hour to a full day before water damages your home’s infrastructure. Affected furniture or drywall will show bulging, cracking, and swelling. Your paint will begin peeling off or bubbling, and mold will start developing around the damaged surface. These are just some signs of water damage you might notice.

In case water damage has JUST happened to you, make sure to waste no time. Try stopping more water from entering the property on your own. If you can’t do that – perhaps there is a sewage backup or a leak you can’t DIY fix – call in a professional like Vetted Los Angeles Restorations.

Does water damage get worse over time?

The simple answer is YES – water damage does get worse over time. The answer to the followup question – how worse will water damage actually get – depends on many factors, including the extent and severity of the damage, types of materials affected, and where the damage happened, just to name a few.

To give you an example, basement water damage can obviously cause much bigger problems than kitchen water damage, given the location of the problem in your home. Flooded basement can cause cracks in your foundation and wooden beams rotting, among other things like mold which will eat up much of your organic materials in the basement.

This can lead to altering of your entire home’s structure, which is something that can be irreparable in many cases.

Of course, kitchen water damage shouldn’t be overlooked, but given the circumstances, you should have a much higher sense of urgency in the first scenario. But, for the sake of it, let’s also explain what could happen in your kitchen.

Your wooden materials – which is probably most of your kitchen – would get soaked up, along with your drywall (which has to be replaced if it’s only more than 1% wet), and the mold would likely start growing quickly, given the humid conditions and also presence of many organic materials, one of which is food.

Will water damage go away by itself?

Another straight answer – NO. While the water itself may dry out on its own if the conditions allow it, the damage it caused won’t fix itself. Your peeling paint won’t just repair itself. Your damaged drywall won’t replace itself. And mold won’t stop growing on its own either. Also, since nothing was done, the water might return at some point because the moisture source was not fixed. You need to take action.

It’s easier said than done, we understand. You might not know where to start, so here’s a few helpful tips on what to do immediately after water damage.

What to do immediately after water damage?

Evacuate your family and your pets out of the flooded room(s).
Pick up the items you can’t afford to lose. However, only do this if you can physically carry them and make it out on time without risking your health.
If you have to leave the house, call a neighbor or a friend to help you.
Reach out to your insurance company and try to get coverage
Contact a Los Angeles water damage restoration company to start the cleanup. In an ideal case, they should also deal with insurance on your behalf.
If you’re DIY-ing, make sure the home is thoroughly dry and inspect for mold. If you’re working with a professional, they’ll take care of this.
After the damage is fully restored, which usually takes 1-2 weeks in most cases, you can move back in. You may be able to move back in while the restoration process is being carried out too, it just depends on whether the conditions will allow it.

Professional Water Damage Restoration Company Los Angeles

Water damage is no joke. You can get seriously sick if exposed to a lot of contaminated water. We definitely do not recommend any delaying of water damage restoration. Instead, we suggest – and almost demand – that you take the right steps and start dealing with the damage right away. It will only cause more problems down the line if you don’t.

Vetted Los Angeles Restorations has the know-how required to tackle all types of water damage. One room or entire floor, contaminated or not, minor or severe – we can do it all. Call us at +1 (213) 410-1873 to experience the best water damage restoration service Los Angeles CA has to offer.

We’re experts at:

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