Flash floods, overflowing septic tanks, and leaking pipes all cause various degrees of water damage. It is easy to see ruined furniture, but the damage to areas not visible to the naked eye is more important. Mold and structural damage should be bigger concerns to homeowners.
Damp carpet padding and wet baseboards lend themselves to mold growth. It can affect the flooring under carpets as well as drywall and even the studs behind it. If moisture in these areas is not treated very quickly, it can cause huge problems.
It is not only a problem for the house but for the people who live inside it. Mold that gets circulated throughout a home's ventilation system can cause serious respiratory illnesses. Home improvement stores carry do-it-yourself test kits so that people can determine the spore count in their air or walls.
Aside from mold, there are other forms of structural damage that water can cause. In extreme cases, excessive dampness can cause floor joists and wall studs to rot and weaken. A more common problem is soaked, sagging drywall or damaged ceilings. Wet sheet-rock needs to be replaced, as do wet ceiling tiles or plaster ceilings.
The type of water that comes into a home can make a difference. Dirty water from sewers or septic tanks contain bacteria that start breeding mildew and mold much sooner than clean water would. It is much more likely that items soaked by sewage will have to be replaced.
Preventing water damage is as important as recovering from it. Fix the cause first, then clean up. Increase ventilation in the area by opening doors and windows. Turn on fans and run dehumidifiers. Use a wet-vac to extract moisture from carpets and fabrics. Mold can be prevented by using a bleach solution on wood and hard surfaces. Mildew killing paints are available too. Extensive damage will require a professional cleaning service, and a contractor should be consulted regarding structural issues.
Damp carpet padding and wet baseboards lend themselves to mold growth. It can affect the flooring under carpets as well as drywall and even the studs behind it. If moisture in these areas is not treated very quickly, it can cause huge problems.
It is not only a problem for the house but for the people who live inside it. Mold that gets circulated throughout a home's ventilation system can cause serious respiratory illnesses. Home improvement stores carry do-it-yourself test kits so that people can determine the spore count in their air or walls.
Aside from mold, there are other forms of structural damage that water can cause. In extreme cases, excessive dampness can cause floor joists and wall studs to rot and weaken. A more common problem is soaked, sagging drywall or damaged ceilings. Wet sheet-rock needs to be replaced, as do wet ceiling tiles or plaster ceilings.
The type of water that comes into a home can make a difference. Dirty water from sewers or septic tanks contain bacteria that start breeding mildew and mold much sooner than clean water would. It is much more likely that items soaked by sewage will have to be replaced.
Preventing water damage is as important as recovering from it. Fix the cause first, then clean up. Increase ventilation in the area by opening doors and windows. Turn on fans and run dehumidifiers. Use a wet-vac to extract moisture from carpets and fabrics. Mold can be prevented by using a bleach solution on wood and hard surfaces. Mildew killing paints are available too. Extensive damage will require a professional cleaning service, and a contractor should be consulted regarding structural issues.
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