When water damage occurs, everyone knows that water mitigation is crucial to prevent further damage from occurring. But there’s probably plenty you don’t know about water damage too. Here are some of the questions we get asked the most about water damage.
- What causes water damage?
There are numerous causes. But natural disasters, flash flooding, sewage leaks, pipe breaks, appliance malfunction, roof or foundation leaks, and poor drainage are the most common.
- What happens when my home gets damaged by water?
The first symptom of water damage that you’ll notice is probably sagging, disintegrating drywall. Paint will also start to bubble and peel off your walls. Additionally, either of these problems is probably a good indication that the insulation behind your wall is also wet.
If water is present for an extended period of time, the wood will begin to swell. Hardwood flooring may begin to buckle and warp. Over time the wood will begin to rot. The glue that was used to hold down the particle board in your kitchens and bathrooms will become less effective.
Wet carpeting will pull away from the backing, causing permanent damage. If the water makes its way to your electrical system, it will likely short out, which can cause damage to your electrical equipment, shock you or your family, or even cause a fire.
In addition, your home will become susceptible to mold and mildew growth.
- What should I do following a flood, water or sewage leak?
The first thing you should do is make sure that you and your family members are all in a safe and dry location. After you have left your home and are safe, contact professionals, like Entrusted, to begin the mitigation process to minimize the damage to your home.
- Is water damage dangerous?
As previously mentioned, when there is water in your home, a lot of things are going to start happening. Things are going to start to break down, fall, crumble and cause more damage. Water in your home also leads to mold growth, which can cause health problems. Water damage from sewage leaks will be contaminated with dangerous matter that you are not going to want to be around.
- Can I fix it myself?
If you experience only a small amount of water, you can easily mop it up yourself and let it dry. If you experience more extensive flooding and water, you are going to want to call in the professionals to help with the cleanup. Water mitigation is more than just getting everything dry, there’s often more happening beneath the surface that can’t just be wiped away with a towel. If you attempt to do the cleanup yourself, you could potentially be setting yourself up for more damage due to unseen water hidden in your walls, ceilings, and floors. Because of this, it is important to have trained professionals do the work for you.
Entrusted specializes in water damage and cleanup. If you experience unwanted water in your home, call the professionals at Entrusted.