Maintaining your home in top good condition is the primary responsibility you have as the owner. In the course of your time within your home, there will be many issues. There will be repair work on your appliances, and pay to complete a renovation project or safeguard your home from natural hazards.
Water damage is among the most difficult problems you will ever have to deal with as a homeowner. If water damage goes untreated and uncontrolled it could pose a variety of health hazards for your family members of yours and also compromise the structural integrity of your home.
The causes of water damage
Have noticed a puddle of water that has accumulated inside your cooking area? Do your walls and ceilings covered in water? It isn’t easy to pinpoint the source of water damage because it could be a result of a number of areas. But one thing is certain: one or several structures in your house have been damaged.
The water damage could be caused by the exterior or from the inside. Damage from the outside can be due to flood water getting into your home due to damaged homes that don’t function effectively any longer. Some examples include:
- Clogged downspout and gutter
- Unsealed siding
- Roofs and chimneys damaged
- Windows and doors that leak
In the meantime, water damage to your interior is usually caused by cracks and leaks in your fixtures, appliances, and other systems, for example:
- Plumbing problems that aren’t working properly
- Appliances that leak, such as washers and water heaters and dishwashers
- Broken, warped or broken tile flooring
Leaking bathroom and kitchen fixtures such as the sink, shower, bathtub and tub. As you use a lot of these rooms in your home, it ought to be much easier to spot these issues. If you spot the tiniest evidence of water damage to your home, don’t be afraid to contact the water damage expert near you.
Categories of Water Damage
What can you do to begin the restoration process without knowing any relevant information about the damage caused by water? To evaluate the extent of water damage it is recommended that experts from the Institute at International Cleaning and Restoration Certification (ICCRC) created three types that deal with water damage:
Damage to Water: The water comes from potable, sanitary sources suitable for human use and consumption. This could include damaged sprinkler systems or supply lines that are damaged as well as meltwater and rain.
Water Damage: The second classification is for sources that are prone to significant contamination by chemicals and biological substances which could lead to discomfort and illness.
Water Damage: The final category of water damage is distinguished by grossly unacceptably contaminated, insufferable water that contains pathogenic and toxic agents.
In essence, these categories define how polluted the water that is that caused the damage is. The division of them into categories allows the process easier for flooding cleanup, sewage repair or water damage mitigation.
The severity of water damage can be elevated to an entirely different category if it’s not addressed promptly, which can increase the risk of suffering. Watch this video to learn how experts handle water damage issues without being too harsh to the house.
The Dangers of Water Damage
Below are some negative effects of water damage on your property and life:
- Slippery floors can lead to accidents, such as slips and falls that can result in injuries
- Refluxes in the skin and respiratory tract caused by the growth of mould
- Infestations of pests feed off damaged structures and mould
- Repairs and replacements can be costly.
- Trauma to the mental and emotional body particularly for children and older family members
- Structural instability of homes is weakened
Resolving Water Damage
Read this guide on how to restore water damage at home. This guide applies to all situations of water damage including natural disasters, to defective appliances.
Stage 1: Ensure the safety of everyone And Prevention of Further Damage
First, be aware that you’re in a damp environment, which poses a serious danger to your electrical system. When entering the moist zone or touching any wet structures be sure to check for electrical harm. Better still, shut off all gas and electric systems. Be aware of structural damage too.
Also, make sure that you keep other household items secure with these suggestions:
If the water damage is due to the water supply lines, verify with the provider of your water that your water supply is potable, safe and free of contamination.
Take away all bedding, carpeting and furniture that need to be dried, cleaned or removed.
Walls that are not sealed are damaged by water, which prevents the growth of mould as well as structural degeneration. Dry any other material including panelling, baseboards, and so on.
Stage 2: Repairing Drying Issues and Wet Structures
If you’ve experienced prolonged water damage, for instance, prolonged flooding, or have recently discovered a leak in your sink, it’s likely that the fixtures and structures may be covered in water. There are some that could be salvageable but now is the ideal moment to let go of damaged structures that are completely destroyed.
Find these helpful tips for every structure and material:
Subflooring: Submerged Oriented Strand board (OSB) and plywood will likely expand and break. The damaged components are best replaced.
Wood Flooring: Take off each board with care in order to avoid buckles. The flooring must be dried and cleaned prior to repairs or replacements.
Sheet and Tile Flooring: Sheet Flooring is constructed of concrete, it’d be more beneficial to dry it just as it is. If water has penetrated the flooring, take them off the sheets and then dry them.
Flooring, walls and Woodwork: Mold is a common problem on humid, wet surfaces, which is why you’ll need to prioritize drying and cleaning these surfaces as quickly as you can. It is possible to use dehumidifiers or heaters, as well as fans and desiccants, to speed up the process of drying.
Furniture: Remove your furniture and clean them of dirt and mud before you do so. Furniture with drawers or containers needs to be taken out and cleaned in a separate manner. Use commercially-grade cleaning products to wash your furniture.
Appliances and Equipment: Spend extra care in making sure that your appliances and equipment are clean and that no components are damaged. If you’re uncertain then it’s better to seek help from a professional. After your structures have fully dried, it’s time to plan your fixes and replacements for any damaged or damaged parts. If you believe that something needs to be removed due to severe damage from water it is probably best to.
