Flooding and water damage, while extraordinarily damaging to any type of structure, can be especially detrimental to mobile homes.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to fix water damage in a mobile home, including the types of damage to look out for, the cleanup steps for remediating water damage, and when to bring in the help of a water damage restoration company.
Steps to Fixing Water Damage in Mobile Homes
Mobile homes can be an affordable housing option. However, because they’re often made with inexpensive and porous materials, even the smallest floods can wreak havoc. We have compiled a list of steps to ensure the proper restoration of your home after flooding:
Hire a Water Damage Restoration Company
One of the first things mobile homeowners in Tennessee should do after experiencing a flood is hire a water damage restoration company.
Water damage restoration professionals have access to professional equipment, like a dehumidifier, moisture detector, air movers, and remote cameras. In addition to removing water, a damage restoration company can also help you schedule repairs, build your insurance claim, and salvage more of your personal belongings.
Water damage can also lead to mold, which may require the services of mold removal and remediation professionals.
Remove Standing Water
Before focusing on repairs and cleaning damaged materials, you must extract all standing water from the room. Mobile homes are often made of materials like medium-density fiberboard and oriented strand board, which are more porous than the materials used in traditional homes.
This means you may need to remove pieces of the wall or, in some cases, whole walls. The faster you remove the water, the better you can protect your home against structural damage. Water in the floor beams or walls can eventually lead to rotted wood that causes structural damage.
Begin Drying and Dehumidifying the Air
Water extraction and drying is one of the most important parts of the drying process. The longer that water sits, the more time it has to develop mold. Eventually, mold can turn into airborne particles, leading to health issues for you and your family.
Acting quickly to avoid dangerous mold growth in your home is crucial. Professional air movers help circulate air, reduce moisture, and prevent mold.
An air purifier can also be used to remove excess water vapor, which can help speed up the restoration process. Air and dry scrubbers can remove airborne particles that can make your home smell odd or affect its air quality.
Repair Any Damaged and Porous Materials
Removing damaged materials, including carpeting and walls, is essential to the remediation process. Many mobile homes have gypsum boards, which quickly absorb water. You’ll also need to replace all water-damaged insulation, carpets, and subfloors.
Clean and Sanitize the Room
After removing all damaged materials and traces of water damage, it’s time to clean and sanitize the room. Working with an emergency water restoration company helps ensure your room is thoroughly cleaned, and all bacteria is removed.
Water Damage and Mobile Homes: What To Look Out For
Some of the most common causes of water damage in a mobile home include:
- Backed up appliances
- Pipe leaks
- Inclement weather
- Burst pipes
- Toilet clog
Regardless of the cause, immediate water damage restoration is a must after experiencing flood events in a home to minimize structural damage, mold growth, and restoration expenses.
Can a Mobile Home be Repaired After Water Damage?
A mobile home can absolutely be repaired after damage from water. Repairs include fixing the cause of the flood, thoroughly drying the room, and removing all traces of water. If you notice any visible mold or musty smells during restoration, it’s important to act quickly and call a professional mold remediation company.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Home Water Damage?
The average cost to repair home water damage is between $1,000-$100,000, depending on the extent of the damage, necessary repairs, and the water damage classification.
Water damage is typically categorized depending on the source of the water. Category one water damage is from clean water. Category two is gray water. Category three is biohazardous damage, such as backed-up sewage systems.
Does Insurance Cover Home Water Damage?
Whether or not your homeowners insurance policy covers flood damage depends on the cause and your specific policy. It can be overwhelming dealing with the insurance company following a flood, especially when you’re focused on removing water and repairing walls.
This is another exceptional reason to work with a professional restoration company. A restoration company can help you document flood damage and navigate the claims process.
Contact a Tennessee Home Restoration Company Today!
Dealing with a flooded home is never convenient. The damage that water causes to a manufactured home can sometimes be harder to repair and replace than a traditional home. Outsourcing the cleanup and remediation tasks of your floors, walls, and personal items to Flood Kings Water Restoration can help you restore your home back to its excellent condition.
