Floods, hurricanes, over flowing rivers --- these are just some of the natural disasters that may bring about water damage into our homes. These and some unavoidable circumstances in the domestic front such as leaking pipes, malfunctioning appliances, or broken roofs, make the house susceptible to water damage.
It may be easy for some to dismiss water disasters as simply petty inconveniences that bother our day to day living, but the reality is, water damage can do much harm not only to our property but also to our health. The proper steps to take in battling the health hazards caused by water damage are therefore a primary consideration as well, in the aftermath of a water disaster.
The presence of mold is the most evident health hazard that water damage leaves. It is also a very pressing concern as mold multiplies without difficulty, thriving most in a damp environment and attaches itself easily to common household materials such as wood, cement and vinyl tiles, carpets, or upholstery. Molds can pose a serious health hazard as a variety of allergenic substances and odorous chemicals may be produced from its mere existence. When multiplied and spread indoors, high levels of mold may result in different health problems ranging from the common allergic reactions including nasal congestion, eye irritation, shortness of breath, and wheezing, to the more severe effects such as asthma attacks, infections, and toxic reactions.
Infants and children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with respiratory diseases and allergies, are most vulnerable to the hazardous effects of mold.
Before one even tries to treat mold outbreak, it is vital to determine beforehand what has caused the presence of mold in the first place. It could be an unnoticed leak, a broken window frame, basement flooding, or water seeping through the walls. Whatever it is, have it fixed straight away to eliminate the source of mold once and for all. Next, take a closer look at the affected area to assess the extent of the damage. It is recommended that one hire a mold remediation company or serviceman to contain the mold. This would also depend on the size of the area affected by mold.
If you feel confident enough to battle this health hazard yourself, be sure to exercise safety precautions. Wearing protective clothing is a must. Protective eyewear and gloves, headgear, disposable full body clothing, boots, and a respirator with an N-95 filter, are the most basic defensive gear you can use.
Surfaces with mold can be sanitized using fungus-killing household cleaners or anti-microbial solutions. Mold must be dormant for it to be removed. Attempting to eliminate active mold will only result in stains that may be difficult to remove afterwards. Active mold looks fuzzy and has a stale odor, while dormant mold is dry and powdery. Aside from removing the actual mold substance, you also need to get rid of the mold odor, and this can be done easily enough with the use of baking powder or charcoal.
Battling the health hazards caused by water damage, in this case the existence of mold, can be a daunting yet not an impossible task. Given the right materials, attitude, and safety guidelines, molds can be eradicated and kept away for good.
To process your damage claim, your insurance agent will need to understand the extent of the water damage occasioned to the structure of your home and to your personal effects. The fastest and most accurate method to calculate water damage losses is to employ the services of a professional restoration constructor. The tips below can guide you through a preliminary calculation of damages:
Exterior Water Damage When you are sure the area is safe, tour the outside of your house and grounds to assess exterior damage. Make a mark on the walls to indicate water levels, and take photographs or make a video recording of all exterior damages.
* Roof: Take photographs or video recordings of the any parts of the roof that may have caved in, lost or broken shingles, chimney damage, surface stains, cracks, and ruined or warped gutters. Remember to write down pertinent comments.
* Outside walls and windows: Make a record of walls or parts of walls that have crumbled or fallen over, damaged windows and windowpanes, moisture or humidity on walls and traces of water entering the house through basement windows or window wells.
* Tour the grounds around your property and make a note (or visual record) of all flooded areas and water-damaged plants or shrubbery.
Interior Water Damage Enter the building cautiously. If the water damage included sewage backup, or if the house has been flooded for over 24 hours, put on protective clothing. Climb up to the attic to start documenting the damage. Make a note (and take pictures) of:
* Attic: Moisture, humidity and fissures on ceilings and walls, drenched insulation, damp or broken ducts and vents.
* Rooms: Moisture, humidity and fissures on ceilings, walls and floors, submerged electric wiring and phone jacks, damaged or deformed wooden structures, damaged windows and doors.
* Bathroom(s): Document cracks or breaks in bathtubs and sinks, stains on countertops, wobbly or leaky floor tiles (especially near toilet tanks).
* Basement: Examine duct work and document all stains and damages, make visual records of cracks and moisture caused by water damage in the foundation, walls and floors.
* If possible, use infrared thermotherapy to detect invisible internal leaks and water damage located behind walls, under flooring or above the ceiling.
Water Damage to Personal Effects and Belongings Make a detailed room-by-room list of all missing and damaged items. Try to provide your insurance agent with the receipts for those items as well. Make sure to take photographs of damaged items to reinforce your insurance claim. This might be a time to think about which items you will be able to save and which items you will need to replace.
* Put a sign on electrical appliances that you suspect have suffered water damage. Don't try to determine whether they are functioning.
* Make a list of wet carpet, rugs, curtains, upholstery etc.
* Document each piece of water-damaged furniture. Examine organic (wood, wicker and others) furniture for signs of mold growth. Accompany your lists with photographs or video recordings whenever possible.
* Make a list of water-damaged paper items (books, documents, artwork, photograph and others).
* Examine the inside of your cabinets and built-in closets or dressers; list if they are wet or moist.
* List all water-damaged digital media (CDs, PCs, DVDs etc)
When you have completed documenting the information about the extent of water damage occasioned to your home and personal effects, give one copy of the document to your insurance adjustor or agent and a second copy to the restoration professional, who will be restoring your home.
Both Jacklyn Hartfield & Evie Parrish are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jacklyn Hartfield has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Parenting and Home Management. Jacklyn Hartfield researches restoration items for homeowners for and. Jacklyn Hartfield's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Evie Parrish has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Oral Hygiene and Home. Evie Parrish discusses homeowner problems for and. Evie Parrish's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.