The long-term consequences of flood damage to your home and property may cause you financial stress and inconvenience. Water extraction, flood clean up and Water Extractionservices will help eliminate the damage done by the flood waters, but there are other things that need to be considered as well after a flood.
One of the most common questions we can be asked about Flood Damage Restoration Sydney is what are the long-term consequences of water damage. Water damage has a number of significant implications for your home and its occupants, and it’s important to know what you’re facing before deciding where to go from here.
One of the biggest problems with flooding is that it encourages mould growth. This can create serious health risks, particularly if you have asthmatic family members living in the house – respiratory problems will only worsen due to high levels of humidity and air-borne spores which will become extremely abundant in a poorly ventilated environment. Water and humidity encourage black and green mould, as well as fungal bacteria such as those responsible for ‘toxic shock syndrome’.
In extreme cases, residents can experience long-term health problems as a result of exposure to black mould, such as chronic sinus and respiratory infections, neurological problems, skin irritation, and even cancer. If you’re dealing with water damage and mould growth, it’s important to seek professional help quickly to minimise the long-term health risks to your family.
Another serious consequence of flooding is structural damage. Water can weaken the foundation of your home over time, which in turn can lead to costly repairs down the track. It’s important to have a professional assess the extent of the damage as soon as possible so that you can begin making repairs before the problem worsens. Water can also seep into walls and ceilings, causing rot and leading to even more expensive repair bills.
In worst case scenarios, major structural damage caused by flooding can even create a safety risk for occupants of the property. Water-logged buildings are more vulnerable to collapse, and it’s possible for large sections of your home to fall in if they have been seriously weakened by water exposure. If you suspect that your property might be at risk, don’t delay – call a professional Flood Damage Restoration Sydney service straight away so they can assess the structure before any serious problems arise. Water damage also causes physical discomfort to people in the house when humidity begins to rise after a flood. Water can encourage mold growth, which leads to increased air pollution levels and an unpleasant atmosphere indoors. In addition, excess moisture in the air will increase condensation on windows and walls, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens. People with asthma or allergies will be particularly affected by these conditions, so it’s important to take steps to reduce humidity and air pollution as much as possible after a flood.
In short, water damage can have a range of serious long-term consequences for your home and its occupants. If you’re dealing with water damage, it’s important to seek professional help quickly to minimise the risks posed to your health and safety. Water extraction, mould removal, and structural assessment are just some of the services that our team at Flood Restoration Sydney can provide – contact us today for more information.
1) Water Damage: Structural Damage and Insurance Coverage
The costs of repairing or rebuilding homes damaged by floods can be staggering. Water damage from flooding gets worse over time as floodwaters sit in different areas of the home. This is because mould thrives on moisture and debris like dirt and mud which characterize floodwater deposits on walls, bookshelves, carpeting, furniture, closets – all manner of buildings materials. The cost to remove water alone could be $10,000 and up.
If your home is damaged by a flood, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Many homeowners’ policies do not cover damage caused by floods, but you may be covered if you have added flood insurance to your policy.
2) Mold: A Silent and Deadly Killer
Mold spores flourish in the moist environment that is often created when water seeps into walls and ceilings after a flood. If these molds are not cleaned up and removed, they can cause long-term health problems for those living in the home, including asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems. Molds can also cause structural damage to homes over time.
3) Electrical Damage
Water can also damage electrical systems, posing an electrocution hazard to those who enter the home. Water pumps needed to remove floodwater may also create dangerous electrical sparks. Water can damage electrical wiring, appliances and electronics in homes, costing thousands of dollars to repair or replace.
4) Contents
Once your home is flooded (even if it is only partially submerged), you need to protect its contents by having professional cleaners extract any wet items that can be salvaged. Water can ruin furniture, clothing and books – all of which must be dried within 24 to 48 hours of exposure for mold not to set in. Water-damaged photos should be air-dried immediately before being placed into a freezer compartment for several days or weeks until they are completely dry; otherwise, the wet chemical emulsion will dissolve, ruining them permanently. Water can also ruin computer equipment if it is not dried out immediately.
5) Loss of all Possessions
If your home is submerged in floodwater for several days, you may lose everything inside your house, including appliances or other essential household items. Floods are among the most common natural disasters today. They cause staggering property damage and require intense clean up efforts to restore water-damaged homes and belongings to pre-flood condition. Water extraction and Water Extractionservices play a major role in Flood Restoration Sydneyefforts after floods strike, but there are also long-term consequences that must be considered when assessing the costs associated with restoring a home after a flood hits.