Water can be incredibly damaging to your home or property if left unchecked, causing a whole host of different issues from small stains to structural instability. As homeowners, it’s our job to keep an eye on the health of our property and make sure that it is in good health and being looked after. As part of this, understanding the risks that are involved when water gets into your home, and knowing when to call in the professionals like those at Protegrity Restoration to assist with the cleanup, is key to keeping you and your family safe.
To help you out, here are some of the most common types of water damage and how should you go about addressing them.
Wet Carpet and Fabric
Wet carpet can be one of the most annoying and uncomfortable issues you face when it comes to water damage. Not only does carpet and fabric feel horrible and squelchy underfoot, but it can take a long time to dry and if left unchecked, will0 potentially lead to other potential health risks like mould growth.
To deal with wet fabrics, the first step is always to ensure that you have fixed the source of the moisture. Whether it’s a leak or a burst pipe, fixing the source of the water is the most important aspect of allowing your carpet to dry once again. Afterwards, consider investing in a wet vacuum to remove as much water from the fabric as possible, then create airflow and allow the carpet to dry naturally. In extreme cases of flooding, you may also need to replace parts of your carpet which have been damaged, in which case you will have to pull up the fabric, assess the damage and see what your next step is.
Wet Walls and Plaster
Wet walls can be an indicator of various types of water damage. Damp issues like this can be caused by ingressing water from broken gutters, known as penetrating damp, or groundwater which has risen through the mortar in the walls, known as rising damp. Regardless of the exact cause, as with all water damage issues, the most important first step is to identify the way that water is getting to your walls and then fix it. This is the only way it will ever become dry again.
After this initial treatment, it is primarily just a waiting game until your walls dry naturally. This can be helped by adding ventilation systems or opening the windows to ensure consistent airflow. Some damp issues may require professional help and if left unchecked, can lead to mould growth and structural damage so don’t be afraid to ask a Water Damage Restoration Company for their expert opinion before taking the next steps.
Wet Wood and Timber
We all know that wood rots if it’s wet for too long and this applies in the home too. Wet timber no only leads to wet and dry rot, two fungi which feed off the wood to survive, but it can also result in woodworm infestations, too. Together, these issues are sure to destroy the structural integrity of the wood which, if the wood is used as a support beam, could compromise the stability of your home.
The key here is to again, fix the cause of the moisture, and then diagnose exactly what threats your wood is facing. Wet rot, dry rot and woodworm all require different treatments to be addressed, so if you aren’t sure about what you need to do, get an expert in as soon as you can just to be safe. Aside from this, with the cause of the ingressing water removed, you should be able to ventilate the room long enough for the wood to dry by itself.
These three types of water damage are the most common water-related issues your property will face and even once fixed, they can leave ugly marks and stains. In these situations, a little lick of paint should do the job, just make sure that you have truly fixed the problems before you opt for that approach.
Hopefully, this has helped. Again, if you’re ever unsure about next steps, be sure to ask for a professional opinion before moving forward. There are few things as valuable as your family home – it’s worth looking after it.
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