Water damage is something property owners worry about. 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. 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 a kind of fungus that helps things decompose, but it can also cause tremendous destruction to properties. It also grows very quickly and can appear within just 24 to 48 hours after water has entered the property. Mold can affect everything from your drywall to your curtains. It will eat away at your property's structure and can also cause health problems. It is not possible, therefore, to just allow mold to be there for long. Another potential effect of water damage, and a very dangerous one, is black water contamination. Black water is water that comes from unsanitary places, such as sewage water. When black water contamination happens, which can be because of lake or river water, there is a real danger to public health. 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. The next issue has to do with damaged gas and electric lines and appliances. It is important that all appliances and other equipment are turned off and that all wires and pipes are checked. 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.
Last but not least, water damage affects health. Indeed, this is why it is so important to immediately call in a restoration expert. Mold is common in water damaged properties and affects the airways, causing people to suffer from asthma and allergy attacks. This is particularly dangerous for those with a poor immune system, the elderly, and children. Furthermore, even healthy people are at greater risk of developing a respiratory illness. Black water contamination is, as stated, the most significant danger to health and should be avoided at all times. Last but not least, it is important not to forget about the emotional effect of being affected by water damage. It is common for people to literally lose everything, after all.