Despite Alberta being landlocked, our province is no stranger to flooding. Flooding still occurs regularly, even outside of significant flood events. Whether it’s from heavy rainfall, ice jams as we turn to spring, or aging pipe systems, flooding is a real risk for commercial building owners and homeowners alike. 

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a flood and aren’t sure what steps to take, Grimebusters has you covered. We’re Edmonton’s choice for flood restoration and clean-up, supporting those affected by water damage for over 30 years. Read along with us as we delve into the crucial steps to take after flooding, and how we can help. 

 What Is Flood Cleanup?

Flood cleanup begins immediately after the water subsides. Flooding results in widespread water damage, with damaged belongings strewn about, mud and dirt, and standing water everywhere. This clean-up stage is the first part of the aftermath, and is often challenging to handle yourself, especially if the flooded area is large. 

Flood cleanup typically involves:

• Pumping out still water 
• Salvaging and throwing out items
• Cleaning, wiping down, and disinfecting items
• Using a dehumidifier to prevent mould

While it may be tempting to do the flood cleanup yourself, it’s best to reach out to a professional. Not only is attempting a DIY cleanup going to take considerably longer, but it can also be highly risky. Floodwater from sewers or rivers can contain biocontaminants that pose a risk to your health. Structural damages can also be easily hidden, creating potential tripping or weakened areas in the foundation. 

What Is Flood Restoration?

Flood restoration, on the other hand, is what happens after cleanup to get the flooded area back to its original state. It’s the entire reconstruction process and involves several complex steps. Flood restoration should only be performed by licensed professionals who understand the complexities of flooding on a building. 

Flood cleanup typically involves:

• Re-painting walls 
• Laying down flooring
• Drywall and insulation installation
• HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work
• Structural repairs 

Why You Need Both Flood Restoration & Cleanup

When it comes to flooding, simply removing the water isn’t enough. Flooding often causes deep structural damage, even if it is not immediately seen. Cracked foundation, warped flooring, degraded insulation, and more can happen as a direct result of flooding. If not dealt with properly, these issues caused by flooding can eventually emerge later.

We’re proud to offer comprehensive flood remediation services, with both full flood restoration and cleanup. At Grimebusters, we believe that the job isn’t done until it’s been restored to its original state. We do it all ourselves, so you don’t need to worry about bringing in multiple contractors after a flood, giving you more time to focus on recovering after such a devastating event. 

Why Elevator Waterproofing is Essential 

In multi-story commercial or residential buildings, elevators can pose even further challenges. After all, they’re essential for accessibility, and restoring them quickly isn’t only necessary for safety, but also compliance in many cases. 

Common causes of elevator flooding include:

• Flash flooding from rain or storms 
• Damaged, cracked, and burst pipes
• Plumbing issues

Elevators contain electrical and mechanical components which are highly susceptible to water damage. That’s why elevator waterproofing is an essential step—not only for flood restoration but also for preventative maintenance. 

Don’t Let Water Damage Make Itself at Home

At Grimebusters, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with the aftermath of flooding. Despite good intentions, it’s not something that you can truly prepare for. That’s why if you’re currently dealing with flooding, we’re here to help. We won’t leave you high and dry. 

We’re proud to offer 24/7 emergency support for flooding situations in the Edmonton area. Get in touch with our team today, and receive expert care that you can trust. Our team has you covered, from flood restoration to helping sort your insurance claim.