No property owner wants to face a water damage problem. However, it is almost impossible to escape water damage, since we have no control over nature. The damage that water can do may be observed in every part of the home, from the carpets to the appliances, and may costs thousands to fix. But what are the effects of water damage on a property?
By far the most common problem is mold growth, leading to the need for mold removal and mold remediation assistance. Mold is very important in nature, helping in decomposition, but it is indiscriminate on what it decomposes, including various parts of homes. Mold grows very quickly, appearing within one to two days after exposure to water. It can develop anywhere, from your children's toys to your bathroom tiles. Mold literally eats away at the structure of your home and can also cause health problems for the residents of the home. Therefore, it is not a problem that can be left alone. Another potential effect of water damage, and a very dangerous one, is black water contamination. Black water is highly contaminated water, often containing human and animal waste. When black water contamination happens, which can be because of lake or river water, there is a real danger to public health. While it is possible, with great difficulty, to recover from this type of contamination, it will often require full replacement of all structures and all furniture. After a black water contamination, both residents and cleaners have to get vaccinated against tetanus and other diseases. When basement water floods a property, it often contains black water. When a home sustains water damage, its gas an electricity lines will also often be affected. Anything that could cause an explosion or electrocution must be switched off and rewired. This means that most people in a water damaged property will not be able to make use of their utilities for some time. Sadly, damage to appliances is easily done, even with just a bit of basement water, and usually leads to them having to be replaced.
Finally, water damage can have negative effects on health. Indeed, this is why it is so important to immediately call in a restoration expert. When mold and other organisms start to grow, they affect breathing and can cause asthma attacks and make any allergies worse. This is particularly dangerous for those with a poor immune system, the elderly, and children. Indeed, even people in good health are at risk. Black water contamination is, as stated, the most significant danger to health and should be avoided at all times. Lastly, there is the emotional stress and pain associated with experiencing water damage, which is something that should always be considered. When homeowners lose those things that they love, the psychological impact is tremendous.