Key Takeaways:
- Water damage refers to the physical destruction done by water. At the same time, mitigation is any step to prevent or lessen future harm.
- If you wish to reduce the amount of damage caused by water, you must take quick action! This type of damage can be brought on by things such as busted pipes, floods, and leaky faucets.
- Be triply sure to keep an eye out for more apparent signs like discoloration and peeling paint!
- Water mitigation involves quickly getting rid of the water present & making sure everything is dried out properly, followed by cleaning and disinfecting all impacted areas.
Water damage is one of the most destructive problems to a home. Severe weather and faulty plumbing are only some of the things that can cause it. You have to deal with the mess and cleanup, and you also have to worry about potential long-term damage. That’s why cleanup and mitigation are so important to understand.
Mitigation strategies prevent or limit additional damage. These include removing soaked materials and using cleaners/sealants designed for this purpose.
The Critical Distinctions Between Damage Cleanup & Mitigation
Water damage describes the physical harm done to a property because of water exposure. In contrast, water mitigation prevents or reduces the damage that occurs.
Suppose water needs to be dried properly and efficiently. In that case, it can cause damage to drywall or wood, such as swelling, warping, and discoloration. In severe cases, the material may break down entirely, leading to mold growth that poses serious health risks.
Further, water mitigation is about taking preventive measures to prevent this type of damage. Waterproofing materials and products that resist water absorption are two ways to do this. In other instances, mitigating water damage may include rerouting water away from delicate areas through proper drainage systems.
It’s always better to prevent damage before it happens rather than deal with the consequences later. This will save you time, money, and a lot of grief in the long run.
Causes of the Deterioration Caused by Water
While there could be many reasons, some of the most typical causes are:
- Storms
- Overflowing sinks or toilets
- Leaking roofs
- Flooding from severe weather
- Burst pipes
While you may be drawn to fixing the water damage on your own, it’s always best to rely on a professional. Sometimes the full extent of the damage is not immediately clear, and if left unchecked, it can cause mold growth or compromise the structure of your home.
Pinpointing the Damage with the Signs
To maintain your home in top condition—or to increase its value before selling—it’s crucial to recognize early signs of damage. These are the five most common:
1. Water Stains on The Walls or Roof
If there are any stains on walls or ceilings, it’s crucial to have a professional inspection to figure out the source.
2. Peeling Color or Wallpaper
Paint or wallpaper that is peeling or bubbling is another frequent sign. It can be blamed on high humidity levels, which then often cause mold growth. If this is something you see, time is of the essence to have someone inspect and repair the area.
3. Musty Smells
If you notice a musty smell, it’s crucial to have the area checked out by a professional. Mold & mildew can grow quickly since they thrive in damp conditions.
Related: A Homebuyer’s Definitive Guide To Dealing With Asbestos
4. Warping Or Cupping Floors
If you don’t repair water damage to your floors immediately, they can warp or cup, which can be dangerous.
5. Sloping Or Sagging Awnings
If your ceiling is sagging or has water leaks, it must be fixed immediately, as this could mean a collapse.
You must take action immediately if you’ve seen any of these signs. The more time damage is left unrepaired, the higher the chance for further destruction and mold growth.
Understanding the Hazards Posed by Various Types of Water
Three main categories of water cause damage to your property: clean water, gray water, and black water.
- The most dangerous type of water is black water, which may contain sewage or other deadly toxins. If you believe you are in contact with black water, leave the area at once and call for help from a professional.
- Gray water is unsafe and may contain pollutants or other contaminants. If ingested, it can cause illness. This water comes from sources like an overflowing washing machine or toilet.
- Although clean water is generally safe for humans, it can still pose a threat if it’s not maintained properly. This could be from a broken pipe or faucet. Luckily, it’s easier to fix than other types of environmental hazards!
Steps Taken to Control the Damage
Step 1: Initial Assessment
The first thing you all must do is take a step back and figure out how bad the damage is.
Step 2: Water Removal
Afterward, you will have to start removing the water. You can use either a wet/dry vacuum or a submersible pump for this task. If the weather is good outside, opening the windows might help too.
Step 3: Drying
After you’ve removed as much water as possible, it’s time to start drying out the area. Circulate air using fans, dehumidifiers, or opening windows (if the weather allows).
Step 4: Mold Mitigation
Checking in on the drying process and ensuring mold doesn’t start to grow is important.
Step 5: Cleaning the Area
You can start cleaning and disinfecting all affected areas when everything is completely dry.
Step 6: Restoration
Last but not least, you’ll need to take care of any residual damage. This might include installing new drywall, painting over old wallpaper, or repairing the carpeting.
For more tips, you can consult this guide to ensure the job is done right. These steps to restore your home after water damage will help get it back in shape and prevent further issues. With a bit of patience & effort, you’ll be able to return to your home safely.
Last Thoughts
Water-related damage can popularly result from flooding but has many other potential causes. Understandably, dealing with the mess and repair costs is overwhelming. However, knowing about water damage and mitigation will help ease the process.
If your home in Atlanta is taking on water, please reach out to us 24/7 at Leak Pros of Georgia. We will work quickly to get your home back in order with as little disruption as possible. Our personalized water damage cleanup and mitigation services are designed to be quick and efficient. We will work with you to ensure that there are no unnecessary expenses incurred throughout the process.
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