Let’s be honest, water damage cleanup in Dallas is a major headache. Just one broken pipe or leak can cause a lot of damage and a lot of stress in a surprisingly short amount of time. Water damage isn’t something that you should put off repairing. Though it may be tempting to just “let it dry,” water damage often doesn’t just dry on its own.
Every moment that water sits on your property, more damage is occurring. You will likely need the help of a professional to dry the space and prevent further damage. Here’s what could happen to your home if you wait to address water damage.Be sure to check out https://247waterdamagerestorationdallas.com/ for even more detailed and knowledgeable information!
Structural Damage
One of the primary concerns with water damage is the effect on your home’s structural integrity and foundation. Depending on where the water is, you may notice cracks forming in your foundation, floor, or walls. Though it makes perfect sense that water can damage drywall, it may come as a surprise that water damage can crack materials like concrete.
This happens because water can seep into tiny holes or cracks, sit there, and erode the concrete, eventually causing large cracks and structural instability. In extreme cases, water damage can even cause a home to collapse. Standing water can cause these issues, but so can steady drips or leaks. Calling a professional for water damage cleanup as soon as possible can prevent or mitigate structural damage.
Dangerous Water
Have you ever been to a pond or other body of stagnant water and seen algae growing on the top? Something similar can happen if you have standing water in your home. There are three different “classes” of water: freshwater, greywater, and blackwater. The water that comes out of your tap and rainwater are both considered fresh water, since they haven’t come into contact with anything potentially harmful. Most water damage starts with freshwater.
Greywater is water that has come into contact with things like soap and body oil. The water that drains out of your shower or sink is considered greywater.
Blackwater is the most dangerous type. It contains harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and human waste. If a freshwater leak sits stagnant for more than 48 hours, it is then classified as blackwater because of the potential bacteria growth. Blackwater should not be touched or dealt with by anyone but a professional due to the serious health risks that come with it.
Mold Requires Water Damage Cleanup in Dallas Now!
You might be surprised how quickly mold can grow. In fact, it can start to grow as soon as 24 hours after initial water damage! It thrives in damp environments, so water-damaged areas are prime breeding grounds for several different kinds of mold.
Black mold is perhaps the most well-known type of mold. It’s infamous for causing breathing issues, allergies, skin problems such as rashes, and more. The tricky thing about mold growth is that you may not even realize you have it until it has grown enough to cause problems for you and your family. It’s a good idea to check for leaks once in a while.
Check under your sinks, near pipes (especially older pipes), and in cool, damp areas like the basement to make sure you don’t have a hidden leak causing water damage and subsequent mold growth. If you do find water damage and mold in your home, it’s important that you do not try to remove it yourself. Mold can be very dangerous and it’s a job best left to the professionals.
Damaged Belongings
Unfortunately, many instances of water damage result in damaged belongings. Some, like family heirlooms, documents, or printed photos, may be irreplaceable. The longer the water sits, the more damage is done and the less chance there is of being able to repair your belongings.
If the water is dried and the area is treated by a professional water damage cleanup company quickly enough, there’s a chance that you may be able to salvage some belongings and have them restored.
Unpleasant and Unsafe Living Conditions
Living with water damage in your home is neither fun nor safe. If water damage is left to sit and develop pathogens and mold, there will likely be an unpleasant smell to it. No one wants to live in a home that smells like mold or mildew. Of course, it’s also not safe to be living around mold due to the spores it releases into the air.
Additionally, living with water damage in your home can take a toll on your mental health and cause lots of stress. If you are constantly worried about the water in your home and the damage it might be doing, you may experience mental strain and fatigue.
How Quickly Should Water Damage Be Dealt With?
As soon as you notice water where it shouldn’t be, you’ll need to contact a professional water damage cleanup service. Let them know where the water is, how much of it there is, and what the source of the water damage is if you know. You’ll also need to contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. You’ll need to file a claim to cover the cost of the water damage, as about 1 in 50 homeowners have to do every year, according to Forbes.
These two things should be done as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage. Calling the insurance company as soon as you find the water damage can prevent some hassle as well. Be sure to take photos and videos of the damage itself, as well as any broken pipes or leaks.
Trust the Professionals for Water Damage Cleanup in Dallas
Water damage cleanup in Dallas is a stressful thing to deal with, and you deserve a water damage restoration company who makes the process easier on you, your home, and your family. As soon as you notice the damage, contact a professional and reputable company for help! An expert team will get your home dried out and get things back to normal as quickly and safely as feasible.
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