Flooding can happen for a lot of reasons. It can be due to a plumbing issue or a natural calamity. Either way, the ensuing water damage caused by the flood will have a tremendous impact on your home’s structural integrity and your family’s health.
Although the severity of a water disaster sometimes varies, there’s little doubt that it will leave some form of damage. You might not notice it at first, but it can immediately turn for the worse if it’s not addressed as soon as possible.
Continue reading to learn how bad water damage can get and why you should get it fixed by a professional without delay.
What Is Structural Damage?
This could be anything that affects the foundation of a given property, especially where it involves the roof and the load-bearing walls. Structural damage to a house is usually caused by water damage like floods or windstorms. However, plumbing problems may also compromise the stability of a property. Hidden leaks, for example, may weaken the metal structures that keep your foundation upright.
Signs of Water Damage in the Home
Below are some of the water damage signs you should watch out for following a flood.
1. Black Water Contamination
This is one of the categories of water damage and is usually the result of floods. Black water poses serious health hazards since it contains pathogens from either human or animal waste.
While it’s still possible to restore your home after black water contamination, the process can be difficult. There’s a likelihood that all home furnishings will be lost and you will need to replace them with new ones. Clearly, of the three categories of water damage, black water is the most serious.
2. Severe Mold Growth
When floodwater enters your home, it takes approximately 24 to 48 hours for mold infestation to begin. Molds are not only dangerous to your home;’s structural integrity, they are also bad news for your health, especially if you’re suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions. The fungi has to be removed by mold mitigation specialists so your home, your belongings, and your health can be preserved.
3. Damaged Appliances
After cleanup, you will likely be left with broken appliances that may no longer work. The connecting wires may also be damaged, especially the gas lines, so you’ll have to get them rewired. Otherwise, new ones may need to be installed.
For your home appliances, such as the furnace, washer, air conditioner, dryer, and water heater, even minor basement flooding can leave them damaged. Replacing these appliances can be costly, making property restoration more stressful.
4. Ceiling Damage
When the ceiling gets damaged because of a hurricane, your property can end up structurally unstable. Even if the problem is isolated to the ceiling area, you should still get the help of restoration experts right away as the situation can get worse over time. A collapse is a distinct possibility if the problem is not resolved right away.
5. Foundation Damage
Flood restoration is of utmost importance when it affects your home’s foundation. When water is coming out of your basement, crawl spaces, or small cracks of the foundation, don’t let it sit for an extended period because mold growth will likely follow.
6. Roof Damage
Another area that you should check for structural damage is the roof. Although this can be hard to spot since it could be hidden from plain sight, stains in the area are sure signs of roof damage. Other indications can include cracks, corroded roof flashings, and moldy or splitting wood shingles.
7. Drywall Damage
During a flood, the walls are often not given too much attention, which is dangerous because they can become the perfect breeding places for mold spores. If your drywall gets infested, they will have to be removed and replaced.
It’s quite easy to determine if a drywall has been damaged by water. Usually, it feels spongy when you touch it.
8. Wood Damage
Water damage in homes made of wood is common. This is because wood and water are not exactly good friends. If some parts of the home are built on wood, you should watch out for any musty smell soon after a water disaster.
9. Metal Damage
Even metal-fabricated houses can fall to the force of water. Since metal is also prone to rust and decay, it can deform and corrode when submerged in water. This can create a domino effect that will place the stability of your property at risk.
The Role of Restoration Experts
When dealing with water damage in homes, quick action is a must. The restoration process has to begin at once, and for this, you have to get the services of experts. Below are some of the things that restoration professionals can do for you:
1. Efficient Cleanup
With water damage restoration professionals on the job, you can expect to get the best results. They don’t just have the equipment to complete the cleanups on time, they also have the needed skills and experience to finish the job without much complication.
2. Complete Restoration
To restore a damaged property to its original state, experts use such equipment as dehumidifiers, air filters, extraction vacuums, and high-grade pumps. They can remove unwanted water with the help of these tools and ensure that no trace of mold, bacteria, and contaminants are found once the restoration work is completed.
3. Ensure Your Safety
The restoration process is filled with risks. There are many hidden dangers in the water, and you can’t really say what you could get exposed to. For this reason, part of the responsibilities of restoration people is to keep you and your family safe while doing their work. Thus, they will check for signs of gas leaks, remove all viruses found hiding in your home furnishings, and work on stabilizing your home.
4. Save Your Possessions
While the priority of any restoration project is focused on the damaged structure, experts will also attempt to look after prized possessions such as family heirlooms, and those that have sentimental value to the owner. They understand the special emotions attached to these items and will try to salvage them for your sake.
5. Insurance Claim Assistance
The process of claiming insurance for a water damaged home can be challenging. Many restoration specialists, however, are known for extending assistance when it comes to insurance claims. They can document your losses and help you complete the process so you and your insurer can agree to a fair settlement.
Key Takeaway
A water disaster can be a devastating experience. It can destroy an entire house and may even result in death in some severe cases. For those who survived the ordeal, the challenge is to rise from the fall and attempt to restore what has been lost.
The good news is that there are many restoration companies fully dedicated to helping you overcome the disaster and even share with you practical water damage prevention tips. Given their expertise and commitment to their chosen field, you can expect to bounce back sooner than you can expect.
Trust Deep Water Emergency Services and Restoration to be with you throughout the restoration process.
If you have little idea how to handle the challenge of water damage, worry not because Deep Water Emergency Services and Restoration will not leave you hanging.
We have faced this disaster in all its varying forms. We also understand your fears and apprehensions. Rest assured that our water damage restoration Colorado Springs team will be on hand to help you rebuild your home and renew your life. We guarantee full restoration at an affordable price. Call us now.
