Information You Should Know About Water Damage
Problems related to water intrusion: Water indoors is an abnormal condition and can cause or contribute to a number of problems. The damage and negative health implications increase the longer the materials remain wet. The four progressive stages of indoor water damage are as follows:
1. Water migrates into areas not originally affected. Water spreads laterally into adjoining rooms, penetrates materials below, and wicks up into porous materials above. It is necessary to evaluate all affected areas, not just areas with visible saturation.
2. Saturated materials begin swelling as they absorb moisture. In many situations proper drying and/or the use of antimicrobials will restore them, in some the damage may be permanent. Rapid drying will help reduce the chance of permanent damage.
3. As water evaporates it causes an abnormal humidity condition. High humidity can damage some porous materials if allowed to continue. Humidity damage is most common when the indoor humidity exceeds 60% over a period of time. It is best to reduce the indoor humidity quickly to help prevent humidity damage.
4. After water intrusion, mold and bacterial spores germinate and multiply. Given Acceptable growth conditions, one organism can multiply to more than one billion organisms in less than 24 hours. Microorganisms cause mold and degrade indoor air quality. Some microorganisms produce antigens and allergens, which cause allergies, while others cause infectious disease.
Several things can be done to reduce mold growth and damage to affected materials. (1) Water can be removed as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. (2) Antimicrobial agents may be applied to inhibit the growth of mold and other bio-contaminants. (3) Rapid air movers can be introduced into areas and cavities to increase the rate of evaporation. (4) The relative humidity indoors should be reduced and then maintained between 25% and 45% Rh if possible.
Request An Estimate
We are proud to be certified and affiliated with numerous educational and professional organizations that are commonly and widely accepted in the restoration industry:
|
|