Do you experience water damage that makes you frustrated? Here is what you need to know about cleaning up water damage in Tucson.
Water may be essential for nearly every human function, but a little bit of water in the wrong place can be disastrous.
Sinks, toilets, flood water, and sewage backups can cause a lot of headaches.
Whether you already have a damaged home or are planning to be prepared for an unexpected problem, these tips will help ensure safety as you navigate the issue of water damage in Tucson.
Let’s learn more about cleaning up water damage in Tucson.
Understanding Water Damage
Water damage is classified into three types based on cleanliness and requirement scale.
1. White Water Damage
This type of damage has the slightest contamination. The clarity of the water can be seen; it is easier to clean and poses little to no health risks. While cleaning white water, the risk of mold generation is also at its lowest.
2. Grey Water Damage
This kind of water may appear straightforward, yet it may be contaminated in a dangerous way. It is frequently caused by plumbing errors or pipe backups. It must be cleansed entirely to eliminate any possibility of hazardous compounds forming.
3. Black Water Damage
This is the most severe type of damage brought on by a sewage backup or flood.
The Effects Of Water Damage
The impact on people’s health
One of the most devastating effects that water damage can have is its impact on people’s health. Buildings and materials can be repaired and replaced; however, people cannot.
That’s not to say that if you have a leaking pipe, then you and the people around you will suddenly become very ill.
It does mean, however, that if water damage is not dealt with immediately and effectively, it can quickly provide ideal conditions for the growth of mould, bacteria, and parasites, which can all have a detrimental effect on your health.
How quickly does mould grow?
Mould can grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours; the rate at which it grows is dependent on the surrounding environment.
In warm conditions with little ventilation, mould can grow very quickly and increase at a rapid rate.
If you discover mould, removing it is not as simple as giving it a quick clean with a household cleaner, as there is so much that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Whilst none of these are necessarily life-threatening, for the very young, elderly, or those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems, it can have a much more severe impact on their health.
There is a greater risk if the water that has caused the damage is already contaminated, from a sewage backup up for example.
Structural damage to buildings
One case of water damage can be drastically different from another. They can vary from the mild damage caused by a small leak to the substantial level of damage that can be caused by a large amount of water into a property, such as a burst water tank.
Water, if it is left for long enough, can soak into virtually any material, including all types of flooring, skirting boards, stud walls, and beams. It will cause the materials to swell and warp, or rot. Some of the damage can happen very quickly.
If materials that form the structure of your property become damaged, it can impact the structural integrity of the building and be very dangerous.
These methods allow them to dry out wall cavities and under floors, limiting the amount of strip work required.
Why Water-Damage Documentation Is Important
Here are four reasons why detailed documentation matters:
To the extent that water damage in a home is covered by an insurance policy, the insurance company will want to receive some evidence showing the damage to the home.
Documentation is necessary to determine a cost estimate for any mitigation or restoration work that needs to be done.
Thorough documentation will help guide mitigation and restoration services, so contractors can know precisely where problem areas are located and what types of work need to be completed.
Potential home buyers want to be made aware of any problems, including signs and dangers of water damage, before making an offer on a home.
Dealing with Water Damage Cleanup
Turn off the Electricity and Remove Valuables
Water and electricity don’t exactly make the best combination, and tragedies have occurred because of inexperience with water damage cleanup. If you have any doubts, be sure to call a water damage cleanup professional, because if there is only one concern, it is your safety.
Exercise Caution
Make sure the area has no immediate threats. When homes are damaged by contaminated water, they become hosts for disease. Another concern is the stability of the structure.
Alert your Family
Although this seems like an obvious reaction to any water damage, many parents overlook discussing minor water damage incidents with their children. This oversight can lead to injury and illness. Consult with your loved ones and notify them of the “off-limits” areas in your home until professionals can extract, dry, and dehumidify your home.
Getting Rid of the Water
As with any case of water damage, there is almost a guarantee of water behind the scenes. Many homeowners struggle with mold growth after the incident due to unseen water hidden behind walls, under floors, and in ducts.
Notifying a Professional
Anyone who has gone through the horrific situation of water damage would know it is not a matter to joke with, so the first thing to do is contact a professional who is qualified in the field to help you inspect and provide possible solutions to solve your problems.
Conclusion
Handling problems on your own can create a host of new issues. Floods and sewage backups contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and even brief contact can make a person ill.
At water damage restoration services in Tucson, Arizona, their technicians are experienced in removing harmful contaminants to ensure the health of your family after a water damage loss.
