Three Water Damage Restoration Mistakes To Avoid
Whether it's weather-related flooding or a broken pipe, water damage can have major consequences. Not only do you have to worry about the direct damage caused by the water, but you also need to be concerned about ongoing damage like mold. Avoiding the following mistakes goes a long way to ensuring that you can fix the damage.
#1: Removing only the surface water
It should go without saying that you should soak up any visible water promptly, especially if a restoration specialist cannot get to your home right away. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that is the only water you need to worry about. Most leaks, whether from plumbing or weather, get into walls or beneath the floorboards. Soaking up just the visible water leaves a whole lot of damp behind in slow-to-dry, enclosed areas. Even if you don't see any more moisture, you should still bring in a crew to make sure the moisture is extracted thoroughly from inside the walls or flooring. Otherwise, you risk mold or damage to the actual structure of your home.
#2: Not using the right equipment
A few rags and a mop won't be enough to clean up extensive water damage. These only clean up water on the surface. A wet-dry vacuum is a little bit better, but it still isn't sufficient for major water damage. Professionals bring in powerful water extractors and industrial fans. The extractors are able to suck the majority of water out of floors and carpets, while the fans speed up the drying. This is key, since the longer it takes for the water to dry, the more likely it is that mold will begin to grow. Drying out the damage quickly helps speed up the entire restoration process.
#3: Ignoring hidden mold
Mold is the main problem with water damage. Often, it may seem like the wall or floor is dry, then a few months later you begin to notice dark stains and the tell-tale musty odor of mold spores. This is because mold is growing in hidden areas, such as beneath the flooring or inside the walls. Fortunately, you can sometimes avoid this problem with proper restoration. One method is to drill small holes in a wall and spray in a mold treatment. This is best done right after the damage cleanup, before mold has a chance to take over.
The above mistakes are key reasons why you may want to hire a professional company like East Coast Environmental Restoration to handle your water damage restoration. They can help ensure that everything is done properly, which can save you money on further repairs later.
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