If you live in a place vulnerable to floods, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place. Preparing for a flood is best done by determining exactly where and how much water will enter your property. Basement flooding is a common occurrence.
Identifying the water source in your house can aid you in choosing whether or not you should leave. If you’re planning to evacuate, make sure you have all of your important documents, medications, and other things ready to go.
Risks of Untreated Water Damage
Untreated water damage poses many health risks. These include bacteria, viruses, molds, fungus, chemicals, and gases. Inhalation of these compounds can cause breathing issues, skin and eye irritation, headaches, as well as nausea. Water damage creates an instant danger to your property, possessions, and family.
It’s heartbreaking to see these items destroyed by a flood or other calamity that leaves them soaked from everything. Without treatment, water damage could weaken your home’s foundation. The sooner you begin water damage restoration, the better it is for your health and safety.
Mold and Fungi Infestation
Mold growth in your house after a flood is nearly unavoidable. This can grow from one to five days following direct exposure. Mold spores might contaminate almost any surface. The sooner these newly formed microorganisms settle into your environment, the more harm they do.
Some molds contain neurotoxins associated with severe respiratory issues. Mold growth near the damage site should be dealt with instantly, and clean up any debris, including air exchange vents that might bring potential airborne risks. Mold remediation is the most effective way to handle this issue following water damage.
Structural Damage
When mold gets exposed to water, bacteria can grow inside of it. These bacteria will quickly react as the mold grows because their food source has been disturbed. There may also be external elements that can trigger damage to the house’s foundation, such as water penetration depth and time spent inside the property, leading to further structural damage outside the walls.
Storms or hurricanes could flood a home’s walls, floors, and belongings. According to research, most flood victims suffer considerable interior and external damages. Water with hazardous components like sand may tear through most materials within a house, endangering its structural integrity. If you’re searching for a PuroClean company that does structural damage repair, you can consult with a specialist and learn how they manage the aftermath of water damage.
Pests
A residential property with water damage can attract pests like cockroaches and carpenter ants. Rodents could also invade your house in search of water. After a flood, earwigs and moths can be found inside. Drain flies also prefer damp areas, causing wet problems anywhere. Damp insulation or carpeting is one of the indicators of pest infestation.
You could hear scratching inside one of the wall surfaces. Insects may get in through cracks and gaps in windows destroyed by floods, even if they are not noticeable. If this occurs, repairs must be conducted immediately to avoid additional damage.
Conclusion
Flood damage can lead to a wide range of health problems, including the formation of molds, fungus, and germs. Addressing water damage as quickly is vital since the effects can be catastrophic. Cleaning up a water disaster is typically best done by specialists who can safely and thoroughly remove contaminants from the damaged area.
Self-cleaning is unsafe because you risk contamination and can’t be sure you’ve gotten rid of all harmful or damaged materials. Immediate action is the best method to reduce property damage and protect your family from health risks caused by untreated water damage.