Your home can sustain water damage from multiple sources, from a major storm that floods the entire first floor to a slow leak behind a wall that doesn’t reveal itself for months. Regardless of the cause, water damage needs prompt attention from a water damage restoration service in Long Island, NY. Otherwise, you’re putting your home and health at risk.
This post discusses some of the most common types of hidden flood damage, from mold and bacteria to rotting wood.
Mold: The Top Priority
Whether it’s a minor leak or a flooded home, the most likely hidden problem will be rampant mold growth. In some cases, mold spores appear within 24 hours and quickly spread well beyond the affected area.
What’s more, mold spores can become airborne, which affects indoor air quality. If they enter these living and working spaces, mold spores will contribute to a wide range of health issues, such as:
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory issues
- Neurological symptoms
Although mold doesn’t cause structural issues directly, it can speed up the deterioration that weakens your building’s walls, floors, and ceilings. The mold eats organic matter, like wood and paper, so it just keeps spreading to new food sources. Without proper cleanup, you’ll soon have wood decay and a weakened structural integrity that puts your building at risk for further damage.
Water damage restoration services use powerful water extracting and drying equipment to remove the moisture on which mold depends. The cleanup process also removes water-damaged materials and disposes of them, with mold-inhibiting cleaning products to further stop growth.
The Other Effects of Water Damage
A professional water damage restoration process will worry about mold first but will also focus on the potential structural effects of a water-related disaster. While you can clearly see the impact of standing water on furniture, carpets, and additional belongings that happen to be in its path, you can’t always see how the water and moisture affect building materials and less obvious areas.
Electrical Problems
Water and electricity don’t mix well. If any moisture infiltrates electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, it could short circuit, cause electrocution, or start a fire. A water damage restoration service and a licensed electrician must inspect the electrical system to ensure it’s safe before you use it again.
Foundation Damage
What happens if water seeps into a concrete foundation? The resulting cracks weaken the overall structure and allow moisture inside. It worsens the damage and invites hidden mold growth.
Roof Damage
When water damage happens due to a roof leak, the result can devastate your home’s structural stability. Without prompt cleanup services and repairs, the excess moisture can rot the roof deck, beams, and joists, putting the entire building at risk for collapse. Water damage from a faulty roof can also damage ceilings, with effects ranging from ugly stains to a total collapse.
Drywall Damage
Drywall is highly susceptible to water damage. If you’ve experienced a flood, your building could see the walls warp, crack, bulge, or even crumble if the material remains saturated for an extended period.
Flooring Damage
Water is the enemy of most flooring types. In particular, water damage can cause wood floors to warp, buckle, and rot and make wet carpets a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Underneath the floors, unaddressed water damage can rot the subflooring and structural supports. In any case, it’s a dangerous (and expensive) situation that needs close monitoring.
Window and Door Damage
Excess moisture can damage door and window frames, causing warping that makes them difficult to open and close. Extensive damage also reduces home security by making locks less effective and unauthorized entry a breeze.
Additional Health Hazards
If the potential for mold proliferation and widespread damage doesn’t convince you to hasten the water damage restoration process, the health hazards might. Flood waters from stormwater and plumbing failures contain significant levels of bacteria, chemicals, sewage, and viruses that cause severe illness. You shouldn’t wait to call a professional service to remove this polluted water and sanitize things—it could keep you and your family out of the hospital.
Disaster Recovery 24/7 Specialists Is Here For You
Water damage can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to start. Disaster Recovery 24/7 can help with professional water damage restoration services and more in Long Island, NY. We’ll clean up the mess and help you keep your family safe.
When the worst happens, get help right away—call (516) 717-8859 so that Disaster Recovery 24/7 Specialists can help you get back on your feet.
