The dangers of prolonged water damage
Water Damage can be very destructive, and the longer that it goes untreated, the bigger the damages it can cause.
And while some property owners would try to do the clean-up by themselves, what they do not know is that it is very possible that moisture is retained in the walls, and other fixtures at home and cause a bigger damage.
So what are the dangers of prolonged water damage?
1) Safety Issues. If standing water is left in a basement or any other part of the home, electrocution can occur at any given time especially if the indoor flooding has reached electrical sockets. The standing water can also cause accidents like slips.
2) Health Risks. There are numerous health risks that can be associated with untreated and prolonged water damage. Foremost is skin diseases. Wading in flood waters can irritate the skin, and even cause skin diseases since flood waters, even if it is from indoor flooding harbors germs and bacteria. Vector-borne diseases or those transmitted by mosquitoes are also prevalent in areas where there is untreated water damage. The diseases transmitted by these mosquitoes include malaria, zika, dengue, chingkunggunya, and even Japanese Encephalitis which are all very dangerous to the health especially for children.
3) Molds. Molds grow in damp and moist areas within 48 hours, which is why it is very important to treat water damage as soon as it is safe to do so. The problem with self-treating water damage is that homeowners do not have the industrial equipment to completely remove moisture from the walls, flooring and other fixtures which ultimately lead to mold and fungal growth.
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns that molds is linked to health problems even in otherwise healthy people. “In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.”
4) Structural problems. Another problem with untreated water damage is the destruction it can cause to the whole home structure. For instance walls and floorings may warp, steel and other metal components may rust and corrode, and seepage in concrete can also take place.
5) Damage in fixtures. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC features stand to get damaged in the event that water damage is untreated. Moreover electronics and appliances are most likely to get wholly destroyed and unsalvageable.
Water damage should indeed be professionally treated and restored at once. Not doing so will result to more destruction both physically and financially.
San Diego Water Damage Restoration
If you recently experienced flood damage or water damage, the team at Mighty Dry is here to help. Contact us today to get started restoring your home or business.
