The adverse effects of water damage to your home in the event of a flood or other type of disaster can be devastating, especially if the damage is left untreated for any length of time. Regardless of the original cause of the water damage, mould, fungus, and serious structural problems due to rotting are all common after effects that will need taken care of immediately.
The Different Types of Water That Cause Damage
The type of restoration services needed will depend on which type of water did the damage, either clean, black, or gray. Although clean water, which would include instances of a pipe bursting in the home or a tub overflowing, isn t as dangerous as flood water, often called black water, potential problems may still occur.
Mould growth or structural damage to the property, depending on how much water was involved and how soon it was removed, are just a couple of the most common difficulties that homeowners face. The presence of mould could cause serious health risks including a host of respiratory ailments like asthma or allergic reactions to the mould spores, which can grow just about everywhere. And, depending on the area s humidity levels, mould can appear in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
Black water is extremely unsanitary and poses a high risk for a variety of health problems resulting from coming in contact with bacterium or fungi present in the dirty water. Sources of black water would include raw sewage, water from flooded streams and rivers and ground, surface, or standing water.
Yet another type of water with the potential to cause serious damage to your home is known as grey water, which could contain a number of different types of contaminants that cause illness with exposure. Sources of gray water include the overflow from toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers.
All porous materials and objects are subject to damage from exposure to water including carpeting, the padding beneath, hardwood flooring, the actual wood floors of the home and its structure, drywall and the insulation behind the walls.
Besides plumbing problems, accidental leaks and malfunctioning refrigeration, or heating and air conditioning systems, environmental causes like sudden storms and flash flooding can also, of course, cause serious water damage to your property.
Dealing with the Effects of Water Damage
Extensive property loss and the need for many expensive repairs, unless the damage is irreversible, will result from water damage that is not treated promptly and thoroughly. Taking a proactive approach to protect your property from the ravages of water damage is highly advisable. Performing some routine maintenance on your home and checking regularly for potential problems could help to save a considerable amount of money and heartache, later on in the unfortunate event of a disaster.
Acting as quickly as possible is your best chance of safeguarding your home and its contents from the ill effects of water damage. The use of dehumidifiers and fans placed in strategic locations along with removing anything that s wet and opening all doors and windows will help to speed up the drying process. Also, speaking with your insurance company or claims adjustor right away to determine what is covered, whilst also getting them as involved as possible in the claims process, will also maximise the potential for being amply compensated.
Author Resource:
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For Flood Insurance Claims he recommends Morgan Clark: http://www.morganclark.co.uk/index.htm
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