Water damage is the stuff of nightmares for most property owners. However, it is almost impossible to escape water damage, since we have no control over nature. The damage caused can cost thousands to restore, with every part of a flooded house, from its foundations to its furniture being affected. Let's take a look at the ways that water can damage a home.
By far the most common problem is mold growth, leading to the need for mold removal and mold remediation assistance. Mold is a kind of fungus that helps things decompose, but it can also cause tremendous destruction to properties. Just 24 to 48 hours after sustaining water damage, mold will start to grow. Mold can grow any surface and can be found anywhere, from under your floorboards to the inside of your kitchen cupboards. Mold will start to affect anything it comes into contact with, including the health of humans living in that property. Therefore, it is not a problem that can be left alone. Water damage can also lead to the very serious situation of black water contamination. Black water is water that comes from unsanitary places, such as sewage water. When black water contamination happens, which can be because of lake or river water, there is a real danger to public health. Remediation is possible but incredibly difficult, with most people having to replace all the structural parts of their home and all their furniture. After a black water contamination, both residents and cleaners have to get vaccinated against tetanus and other diseases. Basement water is a common source of black water. When a home sustains water damage, its gas an electricity lines will also often be affected. It is important that all appliances and other equipment are turned off and that all wires and pipes are checked. Water damaged properties have to be completely switched off for some time after sustaining the damage. Regrettably, it is common for even just a little bit of basement water to damage appliances, which will likely need to be replaced.
Finally, water damage can have negative effects on health. It is vital that a restoration expert be brought in straight away to minimize potential damage to health. When mold and other organisms start to grow, they affect breathing and can cause asthma attacks and make any allergies worse. This can be potentially fatal to the very young, the very old, and the otherwise ill or infirm. Indeed, even people in good health are at risk. Black water contamination, meanwhile, can lead to cholera, dysentery, and other serious and potentially lethal illnesses. Lastly, there is the emotional stress and pain associated with experiencing water damage, which is something that should always be considered. The human suffering of losing everything is huge.