Water damage is the stuff of nightmares for most property owners. Unfortunately, water damage is quite common, as it can be caused by many natural events. The damage caused can cost thousands to restore, with every part of a flooded house, from its foundations to its furniture being affected. So, what type of water damage can you expect to see?
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. Mold is very important in nature, helping in decomposition, but it is indiscriminate on what it decomposes, including various parts of homes. Just 24 to 48 hours after sustaining water damage, mold will start to grow. It can develop anywhere, from your children's toys to your bathroom tiles. Mold literally eats away at the structure of your home and can also cause health problems for the residents of the home. Hence, it must be addressed immediately. Another very dangerous problem that can emerge is black water contamination. Black water is water that comes from unsanitary places, such as sewage water. When black water contamination happens, which can be because of lake or river water, there is a real danger to public health. The only way to recover from black water contamination, if possible at all, is to replace practially all the structural elements and all the contents of the home. 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. The next issue has to do with damaged gas and electric lines and appliances. It is important that all appliances and other equipment are turned off and that all wires and pipes are checked. After water damage, most people won't be able to have power to their property for some time. Regrettably, it is common for even just a little bit of basement water to damage appliances, which will likely need to be replaced.
Finally, water damage can have negative effects on health. In fact, it is the health problem that make it so necessary to phone a restoration expert as soon as possible. When mold and other organisms start to grow, they affect breathing and can cause asthma attacks and make any allergies worse. If some of the home residents are very young, very old, or ill, this could potentially cost them their life. Mold massively increases the chance of people developing a respiratory illness. As stated, black water contamination is a very real danger. Finally, people affected by water damage may also suffer from emotional problems. It is common for people to literally lose everything, after all.