A Race Against Time: How Fast House Water Damage Escalates
Your home is more than just the most expensive thing you’ll probably buy in your entire life. It’s a place where you’re supposed to be able to raise a family or just host parties for your friends. It’s where the people in your life connect and can be sheltered from the elements.
That’s why house water damage can be so devastating. A little water pool can mold or erode the wood used to build your home. It can even jeopardize your foundation’s stability, all in a matter of days.
The only way to protect your home is to be aware of where water damage may be. Then, you need to fix the problem as quickly as possible before it creates more problems. If you don’t do that, you risk ruining your home within days.
Keep reading below to learn how quickly water can ruin your home and what you should do to stop it!
House Water Damage Can’t Always Be Seen
Spilling a gallon of water probably won’t damage your home or have any significant consequences—as long as it’s cleaned up. Cleaning up spilled water is easy, but not all kinds of water can be seen. Sometimes, water may leak into your roof or seep under your floorboards.
When that happens, you can only see the water after the damage has been done. Once you see a watermark on a roof or feel something wet while walking around, you can expect much work to repair it.
Yet, no matter the cost, it’s always worth repairing. Otherwise, more problems will develop.
Noticeable Damage Happens In Just Hours
After a leak springs in your roof or your washing machine breaks down, it only takes a few hours to notice something wrong. Due to the humidity associated with water damage, your home’s natural smells will intensify. If the source of the water damage is near your furniture, you may notice colors start to fade.
Your furniture and any fabric will start to absorb noticeable amounts of water. They will swell and balloon a bit, which will help you find the source of the leak if it’s nearby. This stage always lays the foundation for future problems.
Damage Only Gets Worse As Time Goes On
After a few days, your home will take a harder hit from water damage. If you don’t smell it first, you may start seeing mold develop. Any hardwood you may have will begin to warp, and the paint will peel.
Yet, after a few weeks of water damage, you may not even be able to enter your home. Mold can spread to its fundamental structures and threaten the house’s integrity. It may be noxious to breathe in it, and it can pose a significant health hazard.
Fix House Water Damage As Soon As You See It
The only way to avoid problems like mold, which can ruin your home, is to fix house water damage as soon as you see it. You wouldn’t leave a glass of spilled water in a puddle – why would you do that with other kinds of water? It doesn’t need to be fixed because it’s behind a wall or under some furniture.
Yet, you can’t just grab a roll of paper towels and dab up carpet water damage. It would be best to have professionals with the equipment to deal with it; we’re here. Contact us, and we’ll fix any water damage in your house so it can start being home again.
Water Damage? Your Local Water Damage Restoration Contractor
Master Certified and built from concept to performance. iDry Columbus – Water Damage Cleanup is available 24 hours a day in response to any emergency water damage situation you find your home or business in.
Avoiding preferred relationships with insurance carriers and preceding discounted rates and agreements in exchange for property damage claims allows us to serve only our clients. Every service we can provide is proudly backed and guaranteed for as long as you own your home or business.
Continually raising the bar in property damage restoration. Providing service for everything from water damage cleanup, flooded basement, water extraction, sewage cleanup, and mold removal.
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Sick Building Syndrome and Mold
The rise in indoor environmental health issues emerged due to new building codes in the 1970s that called for reduced energy and more excellent insulating factors when building homes and businesses. As the structures became more airtight, it became increasingly difficult for indoor air to exchange with outdoor air, increasing the amount of overall indoor contaminants.
Suddenly, “Sick Building Syndrome” became a thing, and those with mold allergies suffered reactions every time they entered.
How do you feel at home? Do you feel good? Can you breathe freely? No headaches?
Headache? Itchy eyes? Running Nose? No, it’s not likely to be a case of the Monday morning blues. These are among the many symptoms that signal Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, contaminated HVAC supply lines, hidden leaks, untreated water damage, moldy ceiling panels, and mold behind wallpaper are all common causes.
Sick Building Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose sometimes. You may need to call a qualified mold removal company such as ours. We have years of experience in remediation projects in hospitals, retirement facilities, and residential properties. We’ll provide the tools and implement the practices for a successful remediation. You can be sure of that.
Minor Mold Problems and Mold Removal
Most homes and businesses in Columbus and the broader state of Ohio will eventually have a mold problem. Fortunately, if tackled soon enough, mold is usually harmless.
Here’s some good news: With some education and precaution, you can solve minor mold problems and avoid calling a mold removal company.
Depending on the materials affected and the size of the area, you can find many publications that will guide you through a successful cleaning process. Like anything you read on the internet, research it again.
You can visit the EPA or check out the New York City Guidelines in mold remediation. Of course, we’re also happy to help and arrange a no-obligation onsite inspection.
Stay Safe and Hire a Certified Mold Removal Company
For peace of mind, you should hire a certified mold removal and remediation company, such as ourselves.
The media’s sensationalization of black mold has triggered an entire industry in mold removal. Unfortunately, the ethics of this new industry are also questionable. The mantra is “Mold is Gold,” which has led to some rather unscrupulous practices.
Today, anyone who owns a shop vac and household chlorine bleach is advertising themselves as a qualified mold removal company. This practice leaves desperate property owners with homes and businesses in worse condition than before.
Some owners have abandoned their property after an unsuccessful mold removal job. Even worse, they must disclose the attempted mold removal. They often have major trouble finding a buyer for the property unless they offer significant discounts.
Pro tip: If you suspect a mold problem in your home or business, contact an experienced mold removal company in the region (water damage restoration companies, such as ourselves, often provide this service). Insist on seeing certifications, past projects, and positive online reviews from successful remediation projects.
Water damage and mold problems go hand in hand. If you don’t address moisture-related issues, they’ll lead to the discovery of microbial growth later. You can be sure of that.
Additional Resources for Further Information
We’ve compiled a list of valuable external resources to help you further understand and manage water damage risks. These websites provide comprehensive information on homeowners insurance and water damage prevention, ensuring you’re well-prepared to protect your property.
Recommended Resource Links:
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): https://www.floodsmart.gov/ Learn about the importance of flood insurance, its coverage, and how to protect your home from flood damage.
Insurance Information Institute (III) – Water Damage and Insurance: https://www.iii.org/article/water-damage-insurance Explore the various aspects of water damage insurance, including coverage limitations, claim procedures, and preventive measures.
EPA’s Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-moisture-your-home Understand the dangers of mold and moisture in your home and how to prevent them, keeping your living space safe and healthy.
American Red Cross – Flood Safety: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html Get valuable tips and resources on preparing for floods and safeguarding your home and family from potential water damage.
By exploring these resources, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to effectively minimize water damage risks and navigate the complexities of homeowners insurance.
