How much could there be to know about damage contractors and their work? Well, allow us to give you a hint: a lot more than you probably realize. We can describe what these contractors do in about one sentence. They repair items and home materials that have been damaged, often by things like fires and floods. This sentence tells you a lot, but it does not tell you everything. That's why we really recommend reading this blog. There's so much more to know about damage contractors, and the articles here will open up your world in that regard. Learn about their work, their challenges, and the way the industry works, in general.
Home flooding can range from relatively (or seemingly) minor to incredibly severe. However, any water damage can create serious long-term consequences for your home. Standing water can seep into hidden locations, resulting in persistent moisture problems behind walls or floors. In a worst-case scenario, water can rot or damage your home's structural framework.
Of course, professional water damage restoration isn't cheap, so homeowners often try to clean up these problems on their own. While fixing extremely minor flood damage might be a do-it-yourself job, knowing when the problem is more severe can be challenging. If you need to decide what to do after a flood, these three warning signs may indicate that you should call for professional help.
1. Inaccessible Utilities
Restoration companies consider floodwaters to fall into Category 3 water damage. In other words, floodwaters present the same biological hazards as sewage, and so need to be treated with extreme caution and only entered when wearing appropriate protective gear. However, these pathogens aren't the only risks from flood damage.
Heavy flooding can create electrical shock hazards or even affect natural gas lines. You should never enter a flood-damaged home without first shutting off these utilities. If you can't access your main breaker box or can't shut off the electricity or gas to your home, you should stay out and call a professional for assistance.
2. Visible Structural Damage
A single gallon weighs about eight pounds, and a cubic foot of water will contain more than 7 gallons. In other words, floodwaters can be tremendously heavy. Several inches of water in your home may put enormous pressure on the structure. Saturated flooring and structural members will also rot and weaken quickly, making them less likely to withstand this weight.
If you see visible evidence of structural damage, do not attempt to enter your home or perform any cleanup. Note that these signs can be subtle. You might see slightly bowed floors, doors that won't open or close properly, or new cracks appearing in walls or ceilings. Any of these issues are a warning sign that you need an expert to evaluate your may be unsafe and requires professional evaluation.
3. Mold Growth or Musty Smells
Mold spores are everywhere, meaning mold can grow quickly once given the right conditions. If you're away from your home for several days during a flood, you may return to find the walls and ceilings are already home to large mold colonies. Even if you can't see the mold, you might notice the telltale musty smell produced by mold spores.
Dealing with a small mold infestation can be challenging for a do-it-yourselfer; dealing with mold throughout a home is nearly impossible. If you have any reason to suspect mold in your home following a flood, you'll need experts to help you evaluate the problem and determine the best and safest remediation method.
For more info, contact local water disaster restoration specialists.
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