With spring well underway, the chances of flooding are higher than ever. If your home is struck with water damage, you must act quickly to get rid of the effects before you are stuck with long-term damage. Unlike many other household issues, the impact of water damage increases over time and can create severe damage to your home’s structure and the health of anyone inside.
Prevent Mold
One of the primary risks of water damage is the growth of mold and mildew. This nasty duo thrives on any level of moisture and organic matter. Even if your water damage was minimal, ensuring that every scrap of material and every inch of space is bone dry is critical, especially if it’s in a hard to reach area. Mold and mildew spread through airborne spores, this not only allows it to grow to at-risk regions far from the source of the leak- but it can become incredibly quickly. Once mold and mildew have started building, they’re incredibly difficult to kill, and specialists may need to be called in to handle the issue. Over time, mold creates serious issues including health problems and the increased decay and damage of organic materials like wood necessary for a secure home.
Reduce Wood Rot
When the wood in your home is exposed to water, it can quickly become compromised. Wood is porous and will absorb water causing swelling. If left untreated this can cause warping, splitting, weakness, and eventually rot and decay. If left too long the support beams of your home may become compromised and need to be replaced. In the event of a flood or similar, the first step is to get everything dry as quickly as possible and then to continue drying and running dehumidifiers for long after the initial water is gone. Because wood holds water so well, it can take quite a while to ensure its safety. If you’ve waited too long to start treatment, you may need to replace some sections of wood.
Eliminate Health Problems
Depending on the scope of your water damage you may need to consider the potential for other hazards along with mold and wood rot. Depending on the type of water that floods your home, you may find yourself facing additional health risks. Freshwater and rainwater leaks can be safe to treat as usual; but if you have a sewage or gray water flood, it’s likely that you’ll be dealing with dangerous bacteria and pathogens. No matter what the flooding or leak type is, never walk into a flooded area and call a professional immediately. While the cost for service may be high, the risks of waiting can lead to far higher expenses.
Questions? North Arundel Contracting is Here to Help!
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