At Restoration Specialists, we pride ourselves in being experts in the field for all things water in terms of damage, repair and restoration. We often get questions about the process, scope of damage, and how this affects the various parts of your home or business not only in the short-term but also longer-term, especially if not dealt with correctly (and immediately). In that regard, here are five lesser-known tips and facts about water damage restoration:
- Mold can grow quickly after water damage occurs
To learn more about mold growth after water and flood damage, check out this article from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-after-flooding-hurricanes-and-tornadoes
- Water damage can affect your property’s structural integrity
Mold and mildew can grow rapidly, especially in a humid environment, and it can start growing within 24-48 hours after a leak and water damage occurs. Mold can cause serious health issues and further damage to your property. Therefore, it’s essential to act fast and call for professional help to prevent mold growth and further damage to your property. Professionals use specialized equipment to detect and remediate mold growth, ensuring the safety of your property.
It’s crucial to have a professional restoration company assess the type of water damage to ensure that your property is safe to inhabit. Water can weaken the foundation of your property and lead to structural damage that can be expensive to repair. Additionally, water damage can cause rotting and decay in the wooden structure of your property, leading to further damage and making it unsafe to inhabit and it can often be challenging to find the source of the leak.
To learn more about water damage and its effects on your property’s structure, check out this article from the National Institute of Building Sciences.
https://www.nibs.org/water-damage-how-it-affects-your-building
- The water restoration process involves more than just drying out the affected area
Professionals use specialized equipment to measure moisture levels and ensure that all affected areas are completely dry. Gallons of water can seep into hidden areas, such as walls and floors, causing further damage that can be difficult to detect. To ensure a thorough restoration process and to prevent further damage to the property, professionals use specialized equipment such as moisture meters, hygrometers, and thermal imaging cameras.
To learn more about the water damage restoration process, check out this article from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
https://www.iicrc.org/page/Water-Damage-Restoration-Technician
- Water damage can lead to electrical hazards and cause additional electrical damage to your home or business
It’s important to avoid electrical appliances that have come into contact with water to prevent the risk of electrocution. Water can damage electrical wiring, circuits, and appliances, which can be dangerous and cause a fire hazard. It’s crucial to have a professional inspect the electrical components of your property after water damage to ensure that they are safe to use.
To learn more about electrical hazards after water damage, check out this article from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
https://www.esfi.org/resource/electrical-safety-and-water-damage-543
- Water damage can affect your property’s value and insurance coverage
Water damage can rapidly affect the value of your property if it’s not properly restored. Water damage can cause visible damage to your property, such as stains, discoloration, and warping. Additionally, it can lead to mold growth, which can cause a musty odor and be a health hazard. If water damage is not properly restored, it can significantly decrease the value of your property. It’s crucial to have a professional restore your property to its pre-damage condition to ensure that its value is not affected.
To learn more about how water damage can affect your property’s value, check out this article from Forbes.
In conclusion, water damage restoration is a complex process that requires the expertise of professionals. It’s essential to act quickly and call for professional help to ensure that your property is fully restored and safe to inhabit. By understanding the lesser-known tips and facts about how water can enter and cause extensive damage and the subsequent restoration process that occurs, you can take the necessary steps to prevent further damage and ensure that your property is properly restored and mitigate water damage effects and effect an expedient cleanup of black water or grey water.