Since water damage is one of the most common causes of damage in homes across the country, it is sadly more a matter of when, not if. Water damage cannot be completely avoidable, but water damages can be cleaned up if you know how to respond correctly. While water damage is unavoidable, these three common mistakes made by many homeowners following water damage are 100% avoidable.
A quick response to any water damage emergency is critical to reduce the amount of damage to your home. Prolonged water exposure can lead to a number of serious structural problems, including deteriorating drywall and insulation, rot, and mold growth. The source of the water needs to be addressed and stopped as quickly as possible so that extraction and drying can then begin. Getting the water completely dried as quickly as possible will ensure the least amount of damage and also get your life and home back to normal.
Many homeowners will try to clean up the water damage on their own. Consequently, that usually means that the equipment used is not professional grade so results will not be up to par. Without the use of proper water extraction equipment, commercial grade air movers and fans, and dehumidifiers, water will not be thoroughly dried. Porous materials, like wood, drywall, upholstery, and insulation, absorb and hold onto water and moisture. Since this moisture is not always seen, many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that all the water has been dried when in reality it hasn’t. The real risk here, along with long-standing structural weakening and damage, is mold growth. Mold can grow in as little as 48 hours following exposure to water, and the longer that water and moisture is present, the more rapidly mold will grow and spread. Mold growth in homes can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat, headaches, and increased allergy sensitivities. Without the proper experience and equipment, inadequate water extraction, drying, and dehumidification will lead to unnecessary extra damage.
All of these avoidable mistakes can be taken care of in just one simple step – calling the pros. Water damage cleanup is an extensive project that requires the proper training, experience, and equipment to thoroughly, safely, and adequately remediate. The best decision a homeowner can make following water damage is to call a certified professional restoration company. Find a company that is available 24/7 with emergency response services so that they can start the cleanup process as soon as possible. Professional companies will not only be able to respond immediately, but they will have all the equipment necessary to ensure that the damage is cleaned up the right way.
When your home in Columbus suffers from water damage, Southeast Restoration is available 24/7 with emergency services to answer your call. We know that water damage to your home requires prompt action, and our fact response time can drastically reduce both the damage to your property and the cost of restoration. When you call Southeast Restoration, you will benefit from our extensive experience in extraction and drying, no matter the size, source, or scope of the water damage. Do not fall victim to the above mistakes, and let the professionals handle your water damage cleanup from start to finish.
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