It rains too much. A pipe bursts. There’s a leak in the roof. Owning a home always has risks, and water damage can have devastating effects on a house if not addressed promptly and properly. Here we’ve compiled some ways that water can damage your home, steps you can take if you discover water damage and what to expect from a water restoration team.
There are many ways that water can damage your home. Sometimes when you discover the damage, the source of the problem is more involved than you thought.
Here are some ways water damage can lead to house destruction…
Structural Damage: Water can weaken the structural integrity of a house by penetrating the walls, floors and foundation. This can lead to rotting, warping and cracking of the building materials, which can compromise the stability of the house.
Mold Growth: Moisture from water damage can create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Mold can spread quickly and cause health problems, as well as damage the structure of the house.
Electrical Damage: Water damage can also affect the electrical systems in a house. If water comes into contact with electrical wiring, it can create a fire hazard and damage appliances and other electrical devices.
Pest Infestation: Standing water can attract pests like mosquitoes, termites and rodents, which can further damage the house.
Decreased Property Value: If a house has a history of water damage, it can decrease the property value and make it harder to sell.
Moreover, water damage can have serious consequences on a house if not dealt with promptly and effectively. It’s important to address any water damage as soon as it’s detected to prevent further damage and potential destruction of the house.
Here are 8 steps to take after you find water damage in your home:
- Turn off the water source. If the water damage is due to a leak or burst pipe, turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent further damage.
- Assess the damage. Check the extent of the water damage, including the affected areas, the level of saturation and the potential damage to your belongings.
- Remove standing water. Use a wet vacuum, sump pump or towels to remove any standing water. If there is a large amount of water, consider hiring a professional water damage restoration company.
- Dry out the affected area. Use fans, dehumidifiers and open windows to dry out the affected areas as quickly as possible. This can help prevent mold growth.
- Remove damaged materials. Remove any damaged materials such as carpets, furniture and drywall. These items can harbor mold and bacteria and can be hazardous to your health.
- Clean and disinfect. Use a disinfectant to clean all affected surfaces and materials. This can help prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Check for mold growth. Keep an eye out for signs of mold growth, such as a musty odor or discoloration on walls or ceilings. If you detect mold, contact a professional mold remediation company.
- Contact your insurance company. Contact your insurance company to report the water damage and find out what your policy covers. They may also be able to provide recommendations for restoration companies.
The role of a water restoration company after water damage is to assess the extent of the damage and provide comprehensive restoration services. These companies specialize in the cleanup and restoration of properties that have suffered water damage from floods, leaks, burst pipes or other water-related disasters.
Here are some specific roles of a water restoration company:
- Emergency response: They provide a 24/7 emergency response to water damage incidents to minimize further damage to the property.
- Assessment: They assess the extent of the water damage and develop a restoration plan to restore the property to its pre-damage condition.
- Water extraction: They use specialized equipment to extract water from the property and dry out the affected areas.
- Mold remediation: They identify and remove any mold growth caused by water damage and take preventive measures to prevent future mold growth.
- Sanitization & deodorization: They use specialized equipment and chemicals to sanitize and deodorize the affected areas to prevent bacterial growth and eliminate any unpleasant odors.
- Restoration: They repair and restore any damaged areas, including walls, ceilings, floors and furniture.
- Documentation & communication: They provide detailed documentation of the restoration process and communicate with the homeowner and insurance company throughout the restoration process.
Overall, a water restoration company plays a critical role in restoring homes and properties after water damage, helping homeowners minimize the damage and get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible.
Summary:
In conclusion, water damage can have severe consequences if left unaddressed, and it is crucial to take swift action to mitigate the damage. A water restoration company plays a vital role in the restoration process, helping homeowners navigate the complicated and stressful process of restoring their homes to their pre-damage condition.
By utilizing their specialized equipment, expertise and experience, a water restoration company can help homeowners minimize damage, prevent mold growth and restore their property to its original state. If you experience water damage in your home, don’t hesitate to contact Arko Restoration to assess the damage and provide comprehensive restoration services. Call Arko Restoration at 763-434-2756 for more info.