3 Common Myths About Water Damage
When it comes to water damage, there are things you should be aware of as a home or business owner. Many things that you hear about water damage can be false information. So to take the best care of your property, make sure you are equipped with the info you need so that you take the right steps if you experience a flood or any other type of water damage. Here are a few common myths about water damage that you should pay attention to.
- Water damage cleanup does not need to begin right away.
Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage and mitigation of further damage. Fast action when attempting a successful water damage cleanup is crucial in taking care of your property. There is a very short window between water damage and mold growth (less than 48 hours), and the longer materials and belongings are exposed to water, the less the odds are of them being salvaged. To minimize losses and the risk for mold, you need an immediate response to water damage. Water damage restoration cannot wait – it needs to begin as soon as possible to ensure adequate and successful cleanup.
- Water will dry on its own.
If your home sustains water damage, the most important thing to guarantee proper restoration is to get it removed and dried. Water in your home will not dry completely on its own. Water hides in walls, in carpet, and even under floorboards. As porous materials are soaked with water, they being to absorb it. Wood, drywall, insulation, carpet fibers, and carpet padding, will hold onto water even when it appears that it has all been dried. Hidden moisture that has not been completely dried causes more damage. Just because you cannot see it, it does not mean that water is not there. Water will not dry itself, and needs the proper drying and detection equipment to ensure no hidden moisture is left behind.
- The smell will eventually go away.
When water is not dried quickly and completely, mold will begin to grow. Since mold is a type of fungus, it gives off a very strong odor wherever it grows. The musky and earthy smell that lingers around following water damage is not something that will just resolve itself. Dehumidification is required, along with complete drying, followed with antimicrobial treatment to stop mold from growing following water damage. If mold has already begun to grow (you will be able to tell by the smell), then mold remediation is required in order to safely remove the mold. Not only is the smell bad, but mold also causes a lot of negative health effects. Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, itchy and water eyes, runny nose, sore throat, irritation to skin, and shortness of breath are all common symptoms of mold exposure. Do not wait around for the smell to just fade away, because it will not happen.
On-Site Specialty Cleaning & Restoration has a proven process in place to extract, mitigate, and dry your home following water damage in Macomb County. Our process will ensure the prevention of further damage, such as mold, structural damage, or other bio-hazardous conditions. With the proper tools and equipment, the team at On-Site can identify damage that you cannot see. Do not fall victim to any of the myths about water damage. Call us as soon as water damage is found so that you can rest assured your home is restored to its pre-loss condition.