Three Dangerous Water Damage Sources In August

As you enjoy the end of summer vacation and all the outdoor fun, your home is especially vulnerable this month to water damage. While leaky pipes, overflowing bathtubs, and natural disaster can occur at any time, here are three areas to keep your eye on in August.

Mother Nature

August in one of the rainiest months in the Atlanta and the Southeast. As strong winds flow over the heated Atlantic Ocean, our area is a prime area for later summer floods. And flood water is even more damaging that straight rainfall. Flood waters pick up debris including mud, dirt, chemicals and even sewage.

Many times interior water damage is not only caused by flood waters but also by water has blown by the wind that somehow enters a structure, commonly called “wind-driven rain.” Open windows, sliding patio doors, and leaky roofs allow water into your home and onto wood, fabric, and sheetrock.

Summer storms and floods require an immediate response. Mold and mildew can quickly take hold in our warm, humid climate. Contact Southeast Restoration or a professional approach to repairing your home from water damage.

Man Made

While the summers have variable rainfall, there is always one constant: heat. Another source for water damage in the summer is an air conditioner malfunction that leads to a leak in the house.

Nearly 90 percent of all central-air service calls are related to leaks. Although these leaks tend to be relatively small, if left unchecked they can cause a tremendous amount of damage, especially if the air handler is installed in the attic so that the leak comes through the ceiling.

Three main causes lead to system leaks:

• An overflow pan is a physical shield that catches any condensation from the A/C unit; cracked or damaged pans will leak.
• A clogged filter will cause ice to form on the unit’s evaporator coils, and when that ice melts, it drips water.
• A stopped-up condensate line is the most common cause of A/C leaks.  When the line is clogged with slimy bacteria or debris, water backs up and floods the overflow pan (then your home.)

Your HVAC company will repair the unit but you’ll need a remediation team to inspect for mold and restore any damage your home.

More Heat= More Work

Warmer temperatures stress more than just the a/c system. Your refrigerator is working overtime as well to combat the warmer ambient air. Stressed and malfunctioning appliances can leak or overflow.

Fridges and freezers might to damaged tubes, crimped hoses and ruined fasteners or worn door gaskets. Any leakage problem with these appliances must be addressed quickly before your ice cream melts and ruins the floor. If you see water on the floor today, assume that it has been leaking for a while. Have a thorough inspection from a mold specialist.

Southeast Restoration

Southeast Restoration Group (SRG) is a full-service licensed general contractor specializing in insurance repair. Southeast Restoration Group restores properties in the Georgia, Alabama, South Caro, ina and Tennessee. We provide emergency services, mitigation, structural repairs and construction services. For more information please contact the team at 770.479.7777, info@southeastrestoration.com or visit southeastrestoration.com for our complete service area.