Tips for dealing with the aftermath of floods: UK Property Shop News

Many owners and occupiers of flooded properties will need help with the clean up operation and Home Stagers have come up with a list of practical advice and suggestions.

When your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings and your whole life is affected. Flood waters contain contaminants, especially if there has been a sewage leak, as well as mud and other debris. Even with just an inch of water, carpeting, appliances and furniture are instantly ruined. A few more inches can damage even more of the property, such as the heating and boiler, electrics, plasterwork, and in some cases even the foundations. After a flood, cleaning up is a long and tedious process before you get your house in order again.

1) Contact your insurance company. You need to check that your insurance covers the damage. Your insurance company will tell you when an adjuster will come out to you. You may be advised that you should not start clearing up until they have visited the property personally.

2) Make a list of all the damage and take as many photos or videos as you can both before you start to clean up and while work proceeds. You won't be able to see the full extent of the damage until you start. You need complete records for insurance claims and any government help that may be available through your local council.

3) Electrics must be shut off at the fuse box and inspected and repaired by a qualified electrician before it can be turned back on. Wiring must be completely dried out - even behind walls. Sockets, switches, light fixtures and junction boxes all need checking out if they have been submersed in water.

4) Remember mud will be contaminated, so shovel out as much as possible, then use a garden hose to wash away mud from hard surfaces.

5) Floor coverings (vinyl, cushion flooring, carpet) must be removed so the flooring boards or concrete floors can dry thoroughly which may take several months. Open windows and doors to expose the boards to as much air as possible. Wooden floors should be dried gradually because sudden drying could cause cracking or splitting. Some restoration companies can accelerate drying time by forcing air through the fluted underside of hardwood floorboards. Remove hardwood floor boards to prevent buckling. Remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. Clean and dry wood before attempting repairs.

6) Take out carpets, rugs and furniture as soon as possible and put on the central heating to a low background heat to help the drying out process once the electrics and heating system has been given the all clear. Open windows to give as much ventilation as possible. Use dehumidifiers to remove remaining moisture and electric fans to circulate air in the house. If mould and mildew have already developed, brush off items outdoors to prevent scattering spores in the house. Vacuum floors, ceilings and walls to remove mildew, then wash with disinfectant. Wear a protective mask to prevent breathing in mould spores.

7)Upholstered furniture soaks up contaminants from flood waters and should be cleaned by a professional; wood veneered furniture is usually not worth the cost and effort of repair; solid wood furniture can usually be restored, unless damage is severe; toys and stuffed animals may have to be thrown away if they've been contaminated by flood waters.

8) Photographs, books and important papers can be frozen and cleaned later. They should be dried carefully and slowly. Wash the mud off and store the articles in plastic bags and put them in the freezer to protect from mildew and further damage until you have time to thaw and clean them, or take them to a professional.

9) Plasterboard in walls and ceilings acts like a sponge when wet. If soaked by contaminated flood water, it can be a permanent health hazard and should be removed. If most of the wall board was soaked by clean rainwater, consider cutting a 4 to 12 inch-high section from the bottom and top of walls. This creates a "chimney effect" of air movement for faster drying. Get in the professional to advise on the best approach for your property.

10) Clean and disinfect every kitchen surface. Scrub surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner, then disinfect with a solution of bleach or disinfectant to kill germs. Cupboards need to be cleaned and rinsed with bleach solution before storing clean dishes.

11) Immerse glass, porcelain, china, plastic dinnerware and enamelware for 10 minutes in a disinfecting solution of hot water. Air-dry dishes - do not use a towel. Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, pots and pans by boiling in water for 10 minutes.

You need to plan for the whole process to take up to three months before you can even start to redecorate and start to replace carpets and furniture. Your insurance company will help advise you on what is covered under your policy. You can contact the Home Stagers team on 0800 5428952.