The fear of water damage often hounds property owners. Unfortunately, water damage is quite common, as it can be caused by many natural events. When there is water damage, this affects everything, from the basement to the attic, and restoration costs frequently run into the thousands. Let's take a look at the ways that water can damage a home.
The most common problem of water damage is mold growth, requiring mold remediation and mold removal services. While mold is necessary in nature to decompose certain things, it also destroys man-made things. Mold grows very quickly, appearing within one to two days after exposure to water. Mold grows anywhere, from your broom cabinet to the cushions on your couch. Mold will start to affect anything it comes into contact with, including the health of humans living in that property. It is not possible, therefore, to just allow mold to be there for long. Another potential effect of water damage, and a very dangerous one, is black water contamination. Black water is water that comes from unsanitary places, such as sewage water. Black water contamination is a real danger to health, and can be caused by flooding from lakes or rivers. Remediation is possible but incredibly difficult, with most people having to replace all the structural parts of their home and all their furniture. Anyone involved in the property or its cleanup will require vaccinations against tetanus and other diseases. Black water is often found in basement water flooding. Gas and electricity lines are also often damaged by water. Indeed, anything that could explode or runs on electricity must be turned off and have its wiring checked. This means that most people in a water damaged property will not be able to make use of their utilities for some time. Even the smallest bit of basement water can cause this problem and it usually means having to replace electrical and gas appliances, costing thousands of dollars.
The final thing to consider is the effect of water damage on health. Indeed, as soon as water damage is present, a restoration expert must be called in to prevent negative repercussions on health. Mold spores, for instance, enter the airways and cause people to suffer from asthma attacks and/or allergy attacks. If some of the home residents are very young, very old, or ill, this could potentially cost them their life. Indeed, even people in good health are at risk. Black water contamination is, as stated, the most significant danger to health and should be avoided at all times. Last but not least, it is important not to forget about the emotional effect of being affected by water damage. Often, homes end up condemned, meaning people will literally lose the things that they have loved.