Three Must-Knows of Water Damage

You’re a thoughtful person who likes to learn, and you’re always on the lookout for ways to save money and make life even better for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we’re happy you’re about to invest a few minutes to learn more about water damage. Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or a business leader who is responsible for a commercial property, it’s essential for you to know why a working knowledge of water damage is so important not only for your budget, but also for the long-term good of your property and even for your health. So here are three must-knows of water damage that will help you identify and avoid issues.

1. Even a small leak can cause a huge water damage problem.
Unfortunately, all that mold needs to develop is the right temperature and moisture level plus a source of food. Mold spores come in many thousands of types and they’re incredibly resilient little organisms that love to feed on anything they can get their nasty little selves on. Over time, an unseen drip can rot wood and other surfaces and even if mold doesn’t develop, you’re going to be dealing with a degraded structure and a reduced property value — not to mention the bill you’re going to be paying to get it fixed. So the first must-know of water damage is that you have to keep your eyes peeled (and even your nose sniffing) for evidence of problems. If you find a damp, discolored spot or even catch a whiff of a musty odor that doesn’t go back to your laundry basket, then it’s time to conduct a full-scale investigation to see if you’ve got water damage.

2. You have to be on the lookout from the attic to the basement.
We’re all so busy that it’s easy to bypass the unseen nooks and crannies of your home or office. Water damage can come in many forms, from a pinhole-sized leak in your roof to a little crack in the foundation of your basement where water starts to seep in and cause issues. Under your cabinets, a small leak from your pipes or garbage disposal could be slowly developing into something far more serious in the surfaces and floors below it. So your second must-know for water damage is that you have to remain on the lookout for signs of moisture everywhere from your ceilings to your walls, from your showers and toilets, from your crawl space to the rest of your basement, or anywhere that water could be seeping or creeping in. Another thing you can’t forget to do is checking outside for evidence of water damage. Water is all around us, even in the air we breathe — and while it’s essential to life, it can also cause huge problems.

3. Moisture control means even damp air can become an issue.
Speaking of the air we breathe, humidity levels can create indoor environments where toxic spores like mold can develop over time. If you’re not making sure that moist air is being dealt with, you’re setting the ideal conditions for water damage. It’s essential to make sure that basic fixtures like your shower fan are maintained properly to avoid overly damp areas inside your home. Making a small investment in a dehumidifier for your living and storage spaces will help your current health and can also save you a lot of money in the long term by avoiding costly repairs from mold and other problems that can so easily develop in your attic, crawl space and basement. Poor indoor air quality can also cause lasting health effects for you and your loved ones. It’s just not worth breathing overly moist and potentially mold-contaminated air. So your third must-know of water damage is that it’s best to not take any chances. Reach out for help!

What if you discover water damage? The first thing to do in water damage response is very simple, but not always easy: don’t panic. Just because you’ve discovered a leak of some sort doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to have a huge bill to get it properly fixed. However, you shouldn’t put “fix water damage” at the bottom of your to-do list. Prompt and effective response to flooding damage, whether it’s a small flood cleanup or a huge sewer cleanup situation, is going to be key to making sure that you don’t have additional bills for problems like mold remediation later. When you’re looking for a water removal and water damage restoration company, make sure their flooding response crews are certified by the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). You’ll also want to make sure they’ve been in the water damage business for a long time and that they have a great reputation for timely, affordable and proven service. Since you’re already here, why not look into your locally-owned AdvantaClean franchise? Our certified crews are standing by now to serve you and the people you love with the finest moisture control services anywhere today. We’re proud to show our customers every day why it’s not clean until it’s AdvantaClean!

More info? Want more tips on detecting water damage in your home, read: WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR KITCHEN