Water damage is the stuff of nightmares for most property owners. If snow melts quickly, rivers burst their banks, or there is significant rainfall, the chance of water damage occurring is significant. 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 examine some of the most common types of water damage.
The most common problem of water damage is mold growth, requiring mold remediation and mold removal services. Mold is very important in nature, helping in decomposition, but it is indiscriminate on what it decomposes, including various parts of homes. 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. Therefore, it is not a problem that can be left alone. Another potential effect of water damage, and a very dangerous one, is black water contamination. This happens when water from unsanitary sources, that may include animal and human waste, get into the property. When black water contamination happens, which can be because of lake or river water, there is a real danger to public health. While it is possible, with great difficulty, to recover from this type of contamination, it will often require full replacement of all structures and all furniture. After a black water contamination, both residents and cleaners have to get vaccinated against tetanus and other diseases. It is common for black water to be present in basement water. Water damage also affects gas and electricity lines. Anything that could cause an explosion or electrocution must be switched off and rewired. This means that most people in a water damaged property will not be able to make use of their utilities for some time. Sadly, damage to appliances is easily done, even with just a bit of basement water, and usually leads to them having to be replaced.
The final thing to consider is the effect of water damage on health. Indeed, this is why it is so important to immediately call in a restoration expert. Mold, for instance, can enter the airways leading to asthma attacks and more significant allergy problems. For children, the elderly, and people with a compromised immune system, this can be truly dangerous. 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. Finally, people affected by water damage may also suffer from emotional problems. It is common for people to literally lose everything, after all.