Water damage is the stuff of nightmares for most property owners. Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which cannot be stopped. When there is water damage, this affects everything, from the basement to the attic, and restoration costs frequently run into the thousands. Let's examine some of the most common types of water damage.
One of the key effects of water damage is the presence of mold, which is why most restoration companies focus strongly on mold removal and mold remediation. While mold is necessary in nature to decompose certain things, it also destroys man-made things. 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. It will eat away at your property's structure and can also cause health problems. Hence, it must be addressed immediately. 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. This water, which includes river and lake water, can cause significant illness. It is possible for a property to recover from this, but this is very difficult and all furniture and structural elements of the home will often need to be replaced. Of utmost importance is that the residents of the property and the cleaning crew receive a tetanus shot and other vaccinations. Basement water is a common source of black water. Water damage also affects gas and electricity lines. Anything that could cause an explosion or electrocution must be switched off and rewired. Indeed, once a property is water damaged, it will not have electricity or gas for some time. Even the smallest bit of basement water can cause this problem and it usually means having to replace electrical and gas appliances, costing thousands of dollars.
Finally, water damage can have negative effects on health. Indeed, as soon as water damage is present, a restoration expert must be called in to prevent negative repercussions on health. Mold, for instance, can enter the airways leading to asthma attacks and more significant allergy problems. This can be potentially fatal to the very young, the very old, and the otherwise ill or infirm. Indeed, even people in good health are at risk. Black water contamination, meanwhile, can lead to cholera, dysentery, and other serious and potentially lethal illnesses. Lastly, the emotional problems caused by the stress of experiencing water damage must also be taken into account. It is common for people to literally lose everything, after all.