Water damage can happen suddenly, resulting from things like floods and burst pipes. However, it can also be caused by a variety of issues like clogged toilets, appliance leaks and poorly maintained buildings. If not addressed quickly, water damage can lead to mold growth and rotting of wood materials. It can also ruin carpets, furniture and personal belongings.
Preventing Floods
Floods are a devastating natural disaster that can cause extensive damage to buildings and surrounding areas. They occur when rainfall exceeds the ground’s ability to absorb moisture, or when dams, levees, retention ponds and other structures fail. They can also be caused by riverine floods or by coastal flooding.
Water intrusion into buildings can result in a variety of issues that require professional water damage restoration. When not properly extracted, decontaminated and dried, excess water can lead to long-term structural damage as well as a host of health hazards.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to prevent floods and other water damage events. These include monitoring rainfall and tide patterns in your local area, understanding past flood occurrences and using flood protection techniques based on typical water levels. You can also take precautions such as checking your home insurance to see whether or not your property is covered by flood insurance. You should also check your community’s environmental justice status, as some communities are disproportionately affected by flooding and other weather-related disasters.
Preventing Pipe Bursts
As arctic weather sweeps across much of the country, frozen pipes are at risk for bursting, causing water damage and expensive repairs. As a precaution, it’s important to know how to recognize these problems and the steps you can take to prevent them.
Water expands when it turns to ice, so if a pipe is not properly insulated it may freeze and burst. This can lead to a massive amount of water being expelled in a short period, damaging possessions, flooding floors and carpeting and possibly bringing down ceilings.
To avoid this problem, make sure all employees know where the main water shut off valve is and how to turn it off. In addition, keeping cabinet doors open in areas where pipes are located can allow warmer air to circulate and keep them from freezing. Also, insulating all exposed pipes is recommended. If you have pipes in vulnerable areas such as the attic, basement or garage, consider rerouting them to more central locations in your home or business.
Preventing Mold Growth
Despite what you might have heard, mold doesn’t grow after water damage unless it has access to moisture. Keeping a dry home is one of the best things you can do to prevent mold from growing. Mop up any spills or accidents promptly, and don’t leave wet items like clothing or umbrellas bundled up on the floor.
Insulation and ventilation also help prevent mold growth. Insulation regulates temperature and reduces condensation, while vents can draw warm air in and express cooler, drier air out. You can also add vapor barriers to surfaces that tend to absorb moisture, such as walls and floors.
Taking immediate action after a flood, drying and cleaning thoroughly, repairing damaged materials, implementing long-term mold prevention strategies and conducting regular inspections and maintenance can protect your home and ensure a healthy living environment for you and your family. If you think you have a mold problem, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Preventing Water Damage
Often times, home owners are unaware of potential water damage. A minor leak, for example from a washing machine hose, can cause significant problems if left unchecked. Water can lead to mildew, rot and other costly issues, many of which are not covered by homeowners’ insurance.
Leak detection sensors can be an inexpensive and effective way to keep on top of possible water damage to your home. These devices are placed in areas where leaking water may occur and can alert you via a smartphone app to any issues.
After a water intrusion occurs, it is important to follow up immediately with monitoring strategies and preventive measures. The longer standing water remains, the more contaminated it becomes. During the restoration process, it is also essential to document the extent of the damage and its impact on your belongings for home insurance claims. This will expedite the process and ensure a smooth resolution.