If you are currently experiencing water damage, you might not know where to begin or what to even ask. You’re not alone! Every homeowner experiences water damage once in their life, and the only way to learn to approach it is through real-life advice from those who have experienced it. It may seem intimidating, and costly, but before you worry too much, listen and read as much information about water damage before taking your first step. If you are dealing with water damage, you probably have a lot of questions, which has fortunately enough been asked many times before. Below you will find the most commonly asked questions when dealing with water damage:
What Causes Water Damage?
Water damage most commonly occurs because of natural disasters such as storms, pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, poor drainage, foundation leaks, an overflowing septic tank, and many other unexpected causes. However, the most common and most dangerous are pipe bursts, sewage backups, and flash flooding because they usually create a few inches of water almost immediately. Unfortunately, you can never plan or avoid water damage!
What are effects and damages from water flooding my home or business?
When water contacts the wall it can sag or disintegrate the fixture. When this happens, you will start to notice the paint bubble and peel as the water sits on the drywall. If the water damage is more severe, it can completely saturate the insulation that is behind the drywall. Next, if the water damage has been dwelling for a certain length of time, the wood structure will begin to swell.
Unfortunately, any glue that is holding together the floor boards and cabinets will dissolve, causing them to break and crumble. The bad news is, the longer you let the water dwell, the more likely it is that the floors will warp. Especially if you have wood, it will buckle and rot away. If you have carpet, it will delaminate, which means the carpet will pull away from the backing, completely ruining it. In addition, water damage will also short out your electrical systems, which can result in a fire, shock hazards, or damage to appliances and equipment.
Can I Clean Up and Dry Out The Damage Myself?
No one said you can’t. However, it is not the most efficient choice. Bundling up towels and quickly wiping up a small flood may work, but when it comes to those larger floods it will only cause more damage in the long run if you don’t seek professional help. For larger water damaged areas, you can’t see the crevices and dark cavities that water slowly seeps inside. The longer that water is left unfound, the more damage your home or commercial building suffers from unwanted damage, mildew growth, and mold. No matter how large you may think the water damage is, to prevent future structural damage and health problems, seek
What Should I Do After A Flood or Leak?
First, you need to contact your local water damage restoration company immediately after the discovery no matter how small or large you might think it is. Water restoration professionals such as Restoration Logistics will know exactly the cause and the cure for your home. Secondly, don’t wait! The longer you wait, the more damage you are causing to your home or commercial building. Next, contact your insurance company immediately after you contact professional help to start your claim. Hold on, you’re not done yet! Make sure you shut off all your utilities and plumbing while you wait for help. And for your safety, avoid walking through floodwater to avoid contaminants, and especially if your electricity hasn’t been shut off.
