Paint Peel on Water Damage Wall in a residential property west palm beach

The 3 Categories of Water Damage and Considerations

Posted by Kiran on

Flooding in your property can cause serious damage. Irrespective of how well you are prepared, flooding or water damage can produce unforeseen scenarios and threats.

Minor property water damage incidents can be restored via the DIY checklist. However, sever water damage cleanup or restoration requires professional supervision and industrial grade tools & machinery.

Identifying the water damage category is the first step to water damage restoration. Water damage restoration professionals customize their restoration process based on this information for an effective and timely recovery.

This post features the three categories of water damage and the respective considerations.

Clean water or Category 1

Category 1 water damage is water damage from broken pipes, overflowing sink, or rainwater. Health risks associated with category 1 water damage is low, provided, you respond to the situation in less than 48 hours.

On most occasions, overlooking the fact that water damage can cause major headaches if left unattended escalates the situation.

Category 1 water damage if left untreated for more than 48 hours gets exposed to different contaminants which can turn it into category 2 water damage.

Greywater or Category 2

Some common sources of greywater are equipment discharges, chemical wastes like detergent, laundry, and soap. Category 2 water damage can pose mild to severe contamination risks. Greywater can promote microbial growth and the severity of the condition usually escalates with time. Both direct and indirect exposure to greywater damage can affect your personal health and property.

Blackwater or Category 3

Waters from sewers or water containing grease, oil, urine, etc are ideal examples of black water. Presumably, this water type hoards bacteria, viruses, and other toxic allergens, which makes it contagious.

The vulnerability of getting an infection or illness post direct or indirect exposure to black water is more than 90%. It is mandatory to exercise special caution when dealing with black water.

Paint Peel on Water Damage Wall in a residential property west palm beach
Considerations

Health and safety of occupants: When facing water damage, the priority is to consider the health and safety of the occupants.

Irrespective of the type of water damage you are dealing with, if the situation seems going out of control, moving your family away from the site should be your first step.

Contain the damage: If it is possible, try to locate the source of the water damage and contain it. For instance, if the culprit is a broken pipe or a leak in the ceiling, you could use waterproof tape to contain the damage temporarily and prevent further damage.

If the situation seems serious, it is ideal to contact a water damage restoration professional to how severe the damage is, especially if the area in question is near drywalls and crawlspaces.

Move your belongings: relocating your belongings like the furniture, bed, and clothing to a dry place is another important aspect to consider. Most of these belongings when wet or when subjected to high moisture content can become a haven for mold growth.

Dealing with water damage can be a tricky task. The key is to take action within the first 48 hours and to keep the microbial growth under constant check. This is where water restoration specialists can play a crucial role.

Wet-Carpet-and-Dry-wall-House-in-Jupiter-Florida

Do you know why drying carpets is not always a safe idea?

Posted by Kiran on

Commercial or residential water damage can be a big headache. Even after the mess is cleanup, the property as such and even the environment takes it time to recover.

One of the major or common concerns during a residential or commercial water breakout is wet carpets. We recommend throwing away the carpets that are beyond repair or have been waterlogged for more than 48 hours.

Drying and reusing the carpets that survived water damage can sound an easy and effective strategy. You need to consider several factors prior to making a call on this. This post features some pointers on why drying carpets to reuse might not always be a safe or smart idea.

Blackwater contamination

While you can get away with drying carpets on some of the occasions, most people overlook the possibility of water damage type.

Water contaminated with fecal matter or water from the sewer can make the carpets beyond repair. Even a dried carpet which suffered black water contamination looks good, chances are its housing different bacteria types. This is where you need an expert opinion regarding whether its worth to reuse to carpet or to buy a new one.

Mold growth

Mold growth and wet carpets go hand in hand. Wet carpets seconds effective and rapid mold growth. The possibility of mold growth is at its peak when a carpet remains waterlogged for more than 24 hours.

On most occasions, mold growth at its initial stages is hard to detect. It might spread to different areas unnoticed, for instance, the wooden floor beneath the carpet. People who dry their carpets and reinstate on the floor misses these mold spread which can start deteriorating the air quality and property structure.

Even when people consider the possibilities of mold growth and take action against it, with limited experience, they are always vulnerable to make some mistakes. The consequences of not adhering to IICRC’s standards on mold removal can be severe.

wet carpet and drywall in house

Health concerns

A carpet that is not properly dried or housing a highly destructive mold type like Chaetomium can induce several health concerns. The air quality deterioration from wet carpets usually goes unnoticed and continue to affect your health slowly and consistently. Your family members, especially toddlers can keep falling sick for no apparent reasons.

wet carpet and furniture in house florida

Dangerous chemicals

We have been noticing increased cases of people drying the carpets on their own and resorting to chemical cleaning to address all the related health concerns or risks.

Even when carpet cleaning companies use “mild” cleaning chemicals, you need to understand that mild doesn’t always mean good. Chemicals like perchloroethylene, Naphthalene and Butyloxy Ethanol are potentially dangerous and can trigger several health concerns.

Carpets can be a critical component of a healthy home. There are several reasons why you need to hire a water removal specialist when it comes to addressing a wet carpet or other related concerns. When engaging with a carpet cleaning company, ensure that they are using industry level equipment to dry your carpets.

Water Damaged Ceiling in Office Jupiter

6 Major causes of water damage in commercial property

Posted by Kiran on

Water damage in the workplace can be a nuisance. You can easily come across some minor water leakage issues like leaky faucet or damage sprinkler systems within your workplace compound. This can be in the garage or at the fire escape. It is important to understand that even the minute concerns like these has the potential to bring the business to a standstill over time.

It is certain that unaddressed water damage issues at the workplace can add up to some hefty bills over time. As a property manager, it is your responsibility to understand and maintain the common sources of water damage in commercial properties.

Faulty appliances

Keep an eye out for a faulty dishwasher or a refrigerator with an automatic ice maker. These appliances are bound to break down at some point or the other in response to daily usage. Keeping these appliances in your routine service inspection checklist is a smart move.

Plumbing mishaps

Leaking pipes and plumbing mishaps at workplaces are almost inevitable. In addition to high water bills, these leaks even have the potential to cause some structural damage if it remains unattended for long.
For instance, water damages or leaks in garages often go unnoticed. Over time, these can develop into concrete spalling or concrete cancer.

Concrete cancer is a serious concern characterized by the rusting of steel reinforcing within the concrete. The concrete initially cracks which is called spalling and then the steel rods start to rust.

Concrete cancer once formed is really hard and expensive to alleviate. It spreads slowly but consistently making the structure weak with time.

Deteriorating foundation

Irregular maintenance of gutters can result in clogging and the water to channel through from the roof to the foundation. Consistent water leaks like this can cause the foundation to deteriorate over time. A good sign of a weak foundation is the formation of puddles and wet framings.

HVAC problems

HVAC systems responsible for heating and cooling regulations in the workplace can wear out over time and get damaged.

The HVAC condensate water which is a byproduct of the temperature regulation process gets collected in the collection pan. Since the HVAC systems are usually associated with several ducts throughout the structure, it can lead to corrosion and damage.

Sprinkler system leaks

Keep an eye out for wet drywall and carpets even if it cannot be directly related to a sprinkler on the roof, it might be from a duct leading to it. The moisture and dryness in the ceiling or drywall can create the perfect condition for mold growth, which can add to the headache.

Natural disasters

The unexpected and unwanted nuisance like flooding or a thunderstorm can never be off the charts. This is something that you can hardly prevent but can prepare for. Hiring a professional water damage restoration service is critical to ensure that your business is back on track in no time and doesn’t lose too many dollars.

Conducting regular checkup that relates to all these systems are the prime means of ensuring that you are one step ahead when it comes to dealing with water damages. Foresee these concerns and act accordingly to save both time and money.

Water soaked wooden floor in house florida

Water damage? 7 questions to ask yourself

Posted by Kiran on

Have you identified the source?

If the water damage seems out of control you need a water removal specialist to bring the situation under control. However, it is smart if you can identify the source of the water leak and try to address it.

Such an act will help you to save money, time and priceless possession within your residential or commercial property. Some common causes of water damage within the both residential and commercial property are:

• Leaky/broken faucet
• Leaky refrigerator
• Flooded toilet

Look into these aspects and ensure that you move the belongings under concern to safe areas within your property.

Is the situation an emergency?

A concern like a leaky faucet in the kitchen might not be an emergency when comparing it with a situation like an overflowing bathtub which was left unattended for a night or a day. A situation like forgetting to attend to an active running bathtub overnight is definitely an emergency. This can happen to both you and your neighbor.

Under such circumstances, make it a point to contact the water restoration specialist as soon as possible.

What are the immediate steps to consider?

There are some quick steps to consider to prevent or contain further adverse effects from water damage.

• Disconnect all the electrical appliances and power supplies
• Turn of the main water supply to the property
• Document the initial scenario: take pictures and videos of the damage
• Move all the movable items to safe areas
• Expel the excess water using pumps or other household cleaning items

Try to contain the leak source: a hand towel or a water leak sealing agent in a hardware store can turn out to be a godsend.

Is this covered under my insurance?

Most of the basic homeowner’s policies cover only sudden or accidental water damage situations. Burst pipes or faulty appliance leaks are covered under such policies. Usually, these policies do not cover flood damage.

If you reside in an area vulnerable to floods, you need to do in-depth research on flood insurance policies.

Is the water damage company certified?

When contacting a water restoration company, ensure that you are dealing with certified technicians. Look for certifications like IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).

Is there any stagnant water?

Always be on the lookout for stagnant or standing water after water damage. Stagnant water is undisturbed water which can stay unnoticed. A puddle of water in the lawn or crawlspaces within your house or commercial property can turn out to be a big headache.

Stagnant water can cause serious health concerns like dengue fever and malaria.

Is there a possibility of mold growth?

Water damage usually creates ideal situations for mold growth. Look for signs of mold growth, communicate this with your water removal specialist and ensure that all the possibilities are covered and addressed.

Addressing water damage to your property might sound an easy task, however, there are several sub-tasks and things to consider when it comes to pulling this task off effectively. Make use of the above-listed checklist to ensure that you handle the situation in the most effective manner.

Water-damage-in-apartment-wall

Apartment water damage: Things to consider

Posted by Kiran on

Water damage can have a drastic and lasting impact on apartments. If the water damage is severe, it can even affect your neighbors. As a tenant, it is your duty to inform your landlord immediately and you should be aware of some rights when dealing with the water damage.

As a tenant or owner of the apartment, there are several factors to consider when there is a water damage situation in your apartment.

Prompt action

If you are the tenant, you need to contact your landlord or the maintenance team immediately. Delay in reporting the damage increases the likelihood of property damage and even eviction.

If you are the property owner, it is important to contact a water restoration specialist as soon as possible. It is ideal to consider a water restoration specialist that provides assistance with insurance documentation.

Identify the source

Even though the likelihood of you needing a water removal specialist to efficiently resolve the situation is more, it would be ideal to try and identify the source of water damage.

There are several possible sources of water damage within apartments, which are listed below:

• Leaky/broken faucet
• Leaky refrigerator
• Flooded toilet

Faulty appliances, broken faucets are the major causes of water damage in apartments. Overlooking the possibility of an overflowing bathtub or forgetting it completely can easily lead to a water damage situation. Bear in mind that this can happen to your neighbor as well.

Document the damage

Ensure that you take videos and photos of water damage as early as possible. This will come in handy when documenting files for renter’s insurance or even communicating with a water restoration specialist. It is ideal to keep these files for at least a year.

You can even consider documenting the procedures carried out by the restoration specialists. Keep notes of the process and other aspects like the call logs and what was initially agreed upon.

Contacting a water restoration company

If you are just the tenant of the apartment and would like some immediate response in cases where the landlord is taking his time, you can consider contacting the water damage specialists directly.

On most of such occasions, the company will refuse to carry out the restoration process unless they get approval from the landlord. Under such circumstances, be prepared to require the company to contact the landlord directly.

Who pays for the water damage?

As just a tenant, your landlord is responsible for water damage repair costs to the apartment. However, bear in mind that any damage to your personal belongings is your own responsibility. Foresee this and make sure that you prioritize the task of moving your belongings to a safe area during water damage or instances like flooding.
However, if the damage to your possessions seems to be due to the negligence of the landlord and if you can prove it, you can get some compensation.

It is critical to act quickly and smart in case of water damage irrespective of whether it’s contacting a restoration company, informing your landlord or moving your belongings to a safe area. Foresee these caveats to ensure that you make the right decisions without any delay.

Brown and Beige Wooden Barn Surrounded With Brown Grasses Under Thunderclouds

5 reasons why you should hire a water removal specialist to handle flood damage

Posted by Kiran on

Water damage can be mild or disastrous. As a property owner, it is your duty to foresee different aspects within your house and the environment which can lead to water damage or flooding.

Being a common cause for property damage, water damage is something that most property owners lament on.
You can easily find several DIY tips to alleviate the concern of flood or water damage within your household or commercial property. However, there are several factors that seconds hiring a water removal specialist for handling flood damage.

Leak source and hidden water damage

On occasions finding the source of water damage can be tricky. People overlook the possibility of multiple water leak sources and end up fixing the most evident source. Hidden mild leak sources can turn out to be disastrous with time. Mild water leaks sweeping through walls, ceilings or even a crack in the foundation can endanger the structure of the property.

Professional water removal specialist have industry-grade tools to detect water damages that can go undetected until its too late. Their experience can play a crucial role in identifying water leak sources quickly.

Water extraction

With respect to the severity of water damage or the amount of water involved, you might need water extraction or pumping. This is where water removal specialists with professional water extraction tools can be handy.

These tools can perform the much-needed work of pumping out large quantities of water in a short period. This can be crucial when it comes to saving time, money and other priceless possessions.

Mold

Once your house or commercial property is affected by water damage, it is vulnerable to mold growth. Mold makes life within the affected property a nightmare. Mold can start thriving in 48 to 72 hours post-water damage. This is why a quick response water specialist can turn out to be crucial when it comes to addressing any additional threats.

Water removal specialists can use advanced drying techniques and dehumidifiers to maintain air quality to hinder any possibilities of mold growth.

Insurance assistance

Professional water Restoration Company can provide assistance with insurance claims. These people are mostly experienced in handling the respective documentation and have come across multiple cases with different scenarios.

This contributes to successful documentation and application with a high percentage possibility of success rate.

Additional care

Water damage specialists can always look for additional risks and vulnerabilities based on the water damage type. For instance, flood water can be grossly unsanitary and requires special/professional cleanup with additional chemical or cleanup procedures.

A professional water damage restoration company can assess the situation at all stages and act accordingly for the much-needed results.

When the water damage at your property seems to be the next level, it is recommended to contact a water damage specialist. Never overlook the possibility of mold growth and act quickly to get the concern under control.

Garbage on still water body

Health risks associated with stagnant water

Posted by Kiran on

Stagnant water is standing water that is trapped or sits undisturbed for hours/days. Standing or stagnant water is usually a result of flood and water leaks. Basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms are common areas where you can find standing water.

Plumbing leaks within the house or rainwater leaking through roof or windows can also be some of the main cause of stagnant water. While these can be clean sources of standing water, sources like flooding and sewage backups can be the contaminated source of standing water.

As a property owner, it is your duty to check for standing water within your property or compound, especially after events like floods or storms. There are several health risks associated with standing water, the dangers of which can grow worse over time.

Mold

Standing water saturates the floors and walls, this, in turn, can create support mold growth. Involvement of sewage or other contaminants in stagnant water catalyzes the possibility of mold growth. For instance, under favorable conditions and with clean water, mold requires a maximum of 72 hours to thrive. However, if contaminants are involved, it can thrive in 24 hours.

Structural damage

A crack in the foundation can turn out to be deadly with a condition like standing water. Water can easily sweep in and the damage can go unnoticed until its too late. This is something that can seriously affect the structure of your property.

Stagnant water can slowly but definitely dissolve and deteriorate drywall, flooring, carpeting and cabinets.

Insects and rodents

Standing water can be a good breeding source for insects like mosquitoes. This gives way to problems like malaria and dengue. Zika virus and West Nile Virus can be bigger or serious concerns that can even lead to fatality.

Similarly, mice, rats and possums can always be on the lookout for watering holes. They can spread diseases and consider your house as the perfect place to thrive.

Some of the health risks associated with standing water are:

• Malaria
• Rotavirus
• Fungus
• Dengue Fever
• Entamoeba
• Zika fever

Stagnant water is often hard to detect and goes unnoticed especially in areas like crawlspaces and lawns. Preventing standing water is the key to alleviating related health hazards. Once you find stagnant water within your property, it is ideal to get it inspected by professional water removal specialists, especially if the source seems old and involves sewage.

One way of telling whether the standing water is old is by the smell of it. Standing water involving sewage can start smelling with time and look for the smell of rotten egg. Ensure that your lawn has proper drainage and get your water and plumbing systems in your house checked at least once a year.

water damaged floor in a house in delray beach

3 Things You Need to Know About Water Damage

Posted by Kiran on

Homeowners, especially living in the coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes know the havoc water damage can inflict. It is needless to say that it is easier to prevent water damage than performing a water damage cleanup.

Unlike fire damage, water damage can be difficult to diagnose and they can continue sweeping through the walls, basements causing slow but potential damage. This makes identifying and attending to water damage at the earliest critical. The point also stresses on the importance of maintaining your house and performing a periodic inspection to figure out any pertinent abnormalities.

Containing water damage to the core can be a challenging task and resorting to a water damage specialist can be an ideal solution. This post features some important things that you should know as a homeowner regarding water damage.

Understand the water type

It is always ideal to know what you are dealing with. Your house can be invaded by these water types:

• Rainwater
• Freshwater and
• Sewage water

What most homeowners do not know is the fact that the water damage cleanup process should be tailored based on the water type in question. Among these water types, the rainwater can be the easiest one to handle. However, fresh and sewage water can pose several health risks as they are bound to be contaminated.

When dealing with contaminated water, it is imperative to have the necessary tools and skills to alleviate any associated concerns. This is where professional assistance can make a world of difference.

The unseen risks

DIY water damage cleanup might look effective from the outset. However, most homeowners are unaware of the danger that can be lurking in the shadows, i.e. moisture.

Abnormal moisture levels can be a major headache as it can trigger both health concerns and property damage. The mold and mildew can start forming in crawlspaces, attics or beside floorboards. This might take some time and effort to identify. This is why it is recommended to always keep an eye out for the signs of mold growth, especially after a water damage cleanup.

Cleaning up mold also requires professional supervision as the process varies with the type of mold you are dealing with. A professional can perform an inspection to ensure that no dangerous mold type of pertinent substance is invading your house.

Basement

Basement or attics are some of the most vulnerable places for water damage. As these are the rarely visited areas within your house, any minor water leaks can go unnoticed. Additionally, any roof leaks or malfunctioning gutters can eventually channel water through to the basement.

If not inspected regularly in case of water leaks, the condition can even affect the foundation of your house apart from giving way to mold growth.

Water damage restoration might sound like an easy task, however, the closer you get the deeper the whole process and scope becomes. Foresee these factors to ensure that you have taken all the necessary measures to prevent or contain water damage to your house. Be extra vigilant if you live in areas vulnerable to hurricane or flood.

Water damaged wall in a house florida

How to Tell Water Damage is Old?

Posted by Kiran on

Water damage is a nightmare for any property owner. Property related water damage concerns should be addressed at the earliest.

 

A water damage spot can be caused by prolonged condensation or leaks. You often see water spots on the ceiling, if the scenario is left unchecked, it can easily deteriorate the ceiling, which can lead to sags and collapses. This makes it important to foresee and take precautionary steps to repair water damage early.

 

The ability to tell the age of water damage can play a crucial role on many occasions, especially when you are planning to purchase a house. This blog features some tips and tricks that will help you to identify the age of water damage.

 

Touch and tell

You can usually touch and tell the age of the water spot. If the spot seems to be wet, you can assume that the water damage or leak is fairly new or at least a week old.

 

On the flip side, if spot feels mushy to touch, it indicates that the spot or the leak has been around for months. This usually happens when the ceiling or the drywall encounter a leak and is saturated with water over time.

 

Color

Color can be another major giveaway of the age of water damage. If the water damage spot is characterized by a single dark spot with a colorless perimeter, you can presume that the area has been going through a cycle of leaks and dryness.

 

The number of rings on this occasion can be a good indicator of the age, more the number of rings, more would be age.

 

Spot size

Look for the size of the spot while taking into consideration the affected material in question. While considering the material in question, you cannot assume that larger size or more the number of rings, the older will be the damage. This is because the how each material displays water damage signs vary with respect to the density or other physical aspects o the material. 

 

For instance, a material like a tile does not let water pass through easily, therefore even a small spot on the tile might indicate a longstanding buildup of water.

 

Signs of mold

Mold can be the next best indicator for calculating the age of water damage. Look for signs of mold growth. Moisture creates a favorable atmosphere for mold growth. Materials like drywall and carpeting are vulnerable to mold growth.

 

If you observe mold growth, you can assume that the water spot is at least two to three days old. Also, consider the climatic condition while using this sign to calculate the age of water damage. For instance, mold growth can be slow in cold and freezing conditions as opposed to hot and humid areas.

 

Decay

Any decay to the structure is another indicator of repeated water damage or exposure to flooding. Here as well, you need to consider the temperature and humidity of the location while calculating the age of the water damage.

 

Perform an inspection while keeping these factors in mind to identify the age of water damage in your house or property under consideration.

water flowing from pipe to sink

Tips to Recover from a Pipe Burst

Posted by Kiran on

Burst pipes are one of the worst nightmares of a homeowner. A burst pipe might not flood or damage a whole area within your household. However, if left unsupervised, it can cause lead to structural issues in addition to health concerns for the residents.

On the flip side, a serious pipe burst can spill gallons of water to flood your house endangering your valuable belongings or properties. We always recommend homeowners to think ahead when it comes to residential water system maintenance or checkups.

Unlike a mold growth scenario, the pipe burst can turn out to be an emergency situation in no time. Recovery from a pipe burst depends on how smart and efficiently you plan the whole process.

Safety first

The chaos of a pipe burst can compel you to take immediate actions to save your valuable possessions within your house. Restrain yourself from caving into all these impulse thoughts and think safety first.

A water leak near an electrical appliance or an outlet can second electrical conduction. Even the floor mat and walls can turn out to be an electrical conductor.

Ensure that you turn off the main water supply first and then the electricity to your house prior to rushing in to inspect or rescue.

Move your furniture

Bulky or upholstered furniture, especially couches can absorb water and remain waterlogged for longer durations. While carpets can be easily dried out, this furniture can continue causing issues.

Move all your upholstered furniture out prior to drying your carpets or flooring. If the weather is favorable, you can leave them outdoors to air dry.

Standing water check

Pipe burst often leads to standing water puddles. Attend to the situation quickly and get rid of water collected using a bucket and dry towel.

If the puddle forms over carpet insulated flooring, it is ideal not to try and lift the carpet as it can cause permanent damage.

Dehumidify

The next step is to dehumidify and ventilate the indoor area. If the weather permits, open windows and doors to let in the fresh air.

Using a dehumidifier is always recommended over using a household heater and a heater or dryer as a combination of moisture and warm conditions can trigger mold growth.

Seek professional help

On some occasions, you might not be able to contain a pipe burst completely. This is where you have to resort to the idea of calling a plumber.

Once the leak has been contained, you might need to seek the help of a certified water damage restoration service. This step is highly recommended if the whole situation leaves you with soggy carpets, drywall, and insulation.

When seeking professional assistance, it is ideal to choose a company that offers the following additional services:

• Drying, dehumidification & water extraction
• Mold remediation
• Carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning

Recovering from a pipe burst can be slow and painful. We recommend you to consider these tips to act smart and quick. Invest some time and effort to residential water damage prevention tips to reduce the risk of encountering pipe burst related emergency situations.