Welcome back to our blog about the common causes of water damage in homes. We hope that with this series you will not only become more aware of those things that cause water damage, but will know what the next steps are to avoid them.
In Part 1: Pipes, Accidents, and Backed Up Sewers, Oh My!
In part 1, we talked about how burst pipes can cause a great amount of damage. Though you can not avoid every incident, there are ways to avoid dealing with the consequences of old broken pipes. One way is to contact a plumber for a professional assessment of your pipes. You can also invest in new and reinforced hoses for your ice maker and washer.
In part 1, we also talked about how children can sometimes cause a water damage accident by leaving the water running in a tub or a garden hose on near your basement. Lastly, we discussed that a backed up sewer can also cause extreme and gross water damage that can be avoided by replacing old sewer lines, dissolving tree roots that can potentially clog the lines, as well as being aware of those things that we flush down the toilet and kitchen sink that could cause major problems. Read part 1 here!
Basement Humidity
Humidity is another common cause of water damage in homes and can be the ultimate enemy when combating water damage, for the reason that it’s easy to miss. It isn’t like witnessing water pooling on your floor, the destruction that humidity causes will be slow, but very real. Humidity in your basement will cause not only damage because of the moisture, but also by mold. Mold thrives in dark ,moist environments, making your humid basement the perfect home for mold to flourish. Mold will not only compromise the structural integrity of your home, but it will also cause discomfort, if not major health issues for your family. Mold that is allowed to grow can cause allergies, eye irritation, respiratory discomfort and more—especially affecting those with asthma. In extreme cases, mold can cause memory loss, unusual fatigue, and be the catalyst for pneumonia and other sometimes deadly infections. The best way to combat mold is to get a dehumidifier that will keep extra moisture out of the air. Also, if you are concerned about mold, conduct your own mold test or better yet, contact a mold testing professional who can not only help you know for sure if you have mold, but give you a solution that will protect you, your home, and family.
Flooding
Depending on where you live, you may have to deal with flooding during the next major rainstorm. In some cases, flooding can not be helped other than by being aware and doing what you can to avoid major damage. However, making sure that your gutters are clear of debris and fully functional can help, as well as checking the drainage system of your home. To see how your home will do in the case of a flooding disaster, meet with a disaster specialist. They will be able to direct you as to precautions to take to keep your home safe. Also, if your home is susceptible to flood damage, look into flood insurance.
Disaster Response is Here for You!
Are you looking for someone to assess your home in West Michigan before disaster hits? Has disaster already hit and you need to clean up the damage and pick up the pieces? Contact Disaster Response! We offer a variety of services including water damage restoration, mold testing, and mold removal. When you hire us for water damage restoration, you will be working with specialists who truly care about their clients and will always give you an estimate that is backed by integrity. If you have any questions or needs, visit our website and contact us to for a free assessment.
