How Bad is Water Damage to a House?
The unthinkable has happened. A leak has formed in the space between the attic and the ceiling of your bedroom. You awake with a start to the drip, drip of water coming through the ceiling. You never noticed that stain before, probably because it has been gradually making its way to your ceiling’s surface. It is water damage.
In a panic, you run to the garage to retrieve the mop bucket to save the carpet. But now what?
The key here is to act quickly; time is of the essence when first discovering water damage. Likely the leak has been there a while before you see evidence, and the damage has already begun. The longer it sits in disrepair, the worse the damage will be.
So, what might be causing the water damage to your home?
Common Water Damage Causes.
Have you ever noticed a baseboard turning a yellowish-brown color, or a water spot forming on the wall or the ceiling? Any water spot or water damage is an immediate cause for concern. That is why companies are specializing in water damage dry out and restoration.
Here are some of the most common causes of water damage.
- An appliance leaks.
- A bathroom floods.
- A leaky roof lets water in from the rain or snow.
- Rainwater enters the home through cracks in the foundation.
- A broken pipe in the wall.
- Condensation from the air conditioning unit or the AC lines.
- Too much humidity in the overall home.
What Does Water Damage Do?
Water damage can wreak havoc on your home if it goes untreated for long. It can ruin carpet, wood flooring, the ceiling, drywall, furniture, and cabinets in a matter of minutes.
If the cause is a flood of some sort, you will instantly see it and call for help. However, slow leaks can really damage the home. When a slow leak accumulates water, it can ruin even the insulation in the attic.
Time allows for harmful bacteria and mold to grow where the water has been sitting. This type of mold can lead to respiratory issues if not dealt with correctly.
Too much humidity in the home leads to wet walls and ceilings, which encourages additional mold growth if left untreated.
What is the Water Damage Restoration Process?
The first thing to do is call an expert immediately to remove the water. The water damage restoration process is treated as an emergency by the technicians handling your case. They understand the need for quick removal and water damage clean up.
Here is what you can expect for the water damage clean up and restoration process.
- A qualified technician will inspect the damage and let you know the process and approximate need for remediation.
- While the technician writes up the orders, other techs will begin the drying process by bringing in the blower and dehumidification units.
- Then they will start to remove the carpets, flooring, and baseboards.
- If the leak is in the ceiling, they will cut away the drywall to reveal the leaking pipe and assess the need for repair to the pipes.
- Now they can begin to measure the moisture in the surrounding drywall with a moisture meter device and determine if a replacement is necessary or dry out.
- Once everything is dehydrated, the entire area will be sprayed with disinfectant to kill any bacteria and mold that may have begun to grow.
- They can then start to repair the walls and lay carpet or flooring and new baseboards.
When all is complete, the technicians will put everything back in order and clean up the area.
How Will the Restoration Alter my Daily Routine?
There are a couple of things to consider when determining how much your daily life will alter temporarily. You may want to stay in a hotel for a couple of days while the blowers are in place. They are very loud, and the rooms can get slightly warm. If you are gone most of the day, you may not mind the hum at night. It’s up to you.
Also, remember the water may need to be shut off for a time to repair the leak. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may have no running water for the day. In that case, leaving for a lovely stay at a comfy hotel may be your best bet.
All Dried Up…
No matter the extent of the water damage, the remediation process can be time-consuming and frustrating. That is why we suggest you call a dry out specialist and repair service.
For water damage repair, you can trust the experts at Georgia Home Remodeling to finish the job in a timely and professional manner.
Contact Georgia Home Remodeling for your no-obligation quote TODAY!