Water damage is very stressful and is a dangerous event that happens at least once in everyone’s life. Because of this, there are key things that everyone should know about before it occurs. This is particularly important when trying to minimize the amount of damage present in the home.
Here are a few key points that you should keep in mind to better assist you in any future event of flooding or water damage that happens within the home walls.
Though there are numerous reasons for water damage to occur in your home, there are some common causes to keep in mind for preventative measures. Those who have never owned a home before are often unaware of common causes and some are not as obvious as others.
The more you know, the more prepared you will be if water damage does happen.
Water damage is something that cannot be put off for a later date and must be addressed immediately. The problem can get so much worse quickly the longer that it stays present in the home. For one, mold is a huge problem that can begin to grow within the first 24 hours of a flood. It can grow everywhere, hidden in places that you may not be able to find without professional help. Additionally, it causes health problems such as allergic reactions, asthma attacks, eye and/or skin irritation, irritated throats and noses, and lung problems. Repeated mold exposure can increase one’s sensitivity causing more future severe allergic reactions. Exposure to certain molds that produce toxins called mycotoxins can cause serious illnesses as well. Remember, the water damage that stays in those hidden places, like drywall and framing, can cause structural damage to the home that worsens over time.
The water that floods bring in can impact your health quickly, just like mold can. This is why it is so important not to wade through bodies of water that could be present in your home during a flood without knowing the proper measures you should take. There are three types of water: clean water, gray water, and black water. Clean water is water that is safe for you to be around and comes from wells, purified water, and city water. Gray and black water are where the danger begins. Gray water is untreated and comes from used sink water, washing machines, and showers. Lastly, black water is wastewater from toilets or contains harsh chemicals as well as sewage. Both types of water can cause serious illnesses and harm so it is imperative to be aware of the pollution level from the source of the flood. No matter the case, both types require safety equipment and proper knowledge to be dealt with appropriately.
Though there are some jobs that you may be able to do on your own, most are best left to professionals who can get the job done correctly and safely. As stated previously, floods can cause serious harm to your health if you attempt water damage restoration on your own. If you are unsure of the level of pollution of water present in your home, how badly the water damage is, or just need help with water damage restoration, give us a call. Our professionals at Proven Professional Construction Service have the knowledge and experience to get the job done efficiently and are available 24/7 for those emergency situations as well.
