Flooding is a common problem in many parts of the US. Floods can happen when rivers or lakes overflow, but they can also result from rising groundwater, poor drainage, or burst pipes. Regardless of the cause, water damage can lead to many issues. If you would like to know more, check out how water damages three different types of materials.
1. Carpet Flooring
Carpets and the underlying mat are like giant sponges that absorb any floodwater fast. This poses two main risks. First, a lot of floodwaters are contaminated with sewage, automobile oil, agricultural waste, and much more. All this gets absorbed by the carpet and mat as well. The contaminants alone can cause illness or irritation to the skin and eyes, but the wet carpet also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and disease.
Second, wet carpet is at high risk of developing mold. Mold likes to grow on the underside of the carpet and on the mat after exposure to water, and mold sets in fast. Therefore, it's important to dry your carpet immediately. You may need special fans, and you should replace the carpet mat. After the carpet is dry, don't forget to steam clean it to kill any germs and remove contaminates.
2. Drywall
Drywall is also prone to mold if it gets wet. Depending on the situation, the mold may grow inside the walls. If it grows on the outside of walls, you may see dirty-looking spots. Mold can come in many colors, including yellow, green, brown, and white. It may appear powdery or slimy.
The water itself can also deteriorate the drywall material. This doesn't affect the structural integrity of the home, but it can make the house look poorly maintained and give pests easy access. If the drywall is damaged or has been exposed to water for a long time, it may be best to replace the affected drywall. If the water was only in contact with the wall for a short time, you should consider using a mold-killing cleaner to prevent mold growth.
3. Hardwood
If the hardwood was only exposed to water for a short time, it's usually okay. You can clean and disinfect the object or flooring. However, if the wood was exposed for a long time, or the wood was not protected with stain/paint, it could have absorbed water.
When wood absorbs water, it swells, which can damage items made from wood. Similarly, when the wood dries, it may dry out too much, causing it to become a little brittle and increasing the risk of damage again. Wood can also discolor, buckle, and cup when exposed to water. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the hardwood.
Water damage is common, but you don't have to live with it. Restoration companies can destroy mold and prevent future problems. If you would like to know more, contact a water damage restoration provider in your area today.
Are you looking at something that is damaged or worn? Chances are, that item could be made to look new again. It would just take the proper expertise, the right tools, and some patience. You might not have the expertise, tools, or patience yourself, but you can bet that a repair and restoration contractor does. These contractors can fix all sorts of things, from chairs to old toys. Some specialize, and others offer a great variety of services. Read a few articles of this blog to further widen your understanding of the repair and restoration industry and what it has to offer.