Water damage is the stuff of nightmares for most property owners. Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which cannot be stopped. The damage that water can do may be observed in every part of the home, from the carpets to the appliances, and may costs thousands to fix. Let's take a look at the ways that water can damage a home.
One of the key effects of water damage is the presence of mold, which is why most restoration companies focus strongly on mold removal and mold remediation. 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 can grow any surface and can be found anywhere, from under your floorboards to the inside of your kitchen cupboards. It will eat away at your property's structure and can also cause health problems. Hence, if there is mold, it has to be taken care of straight away. Another potential effect of water damage, and a very dangerous one, is black water contamination. Black water is highly contaminated water, often containing human and animal waste. This water, which includes river and lake water, can cause significant illness. 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. Basement water is a common source of black water. Water damage also affects gas and electricity lines. Indeed, anything that could explode or runs on electricity must be turned off and have its wiring checked. Indeed, once a property is water damaged, it will not have electricity or gas 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. In fact, it is the health problem that make it so necessary to phone a restoration expert as soon as possible. Mold, for instance, can enter the airways leading to asthma attacks and more significant allergy problems. This is particularly dangerous for those with a poor immune system, the elderly, and children. Furthermore, even healthy people are at greater risk of developing a respiratory illness. As stated, black water contamination is a very real danger. Lastly, the emotional problems caused by the stress of experiencing water damage must also be taken into account. Often, homes end up condemned, meaning people will literally lose the things that they have loved.