4 Risks Associated With Flood Damage
Floods can range in intensity from small nuisances
to major catastrophes. Depending on the cause of the flood, water
damage is often costly to repair and can incur countless amounts of
property damage.
When home- or business owners attempt to fix
problems alone, the damage often becomes worse. Flooding may be the
result of leaks in a building, plumbing failures or tremendous
storms. Repairs usually don’t end once the water itself has been
dealt with; the cause must be addressed, as well.
It’s important to understand the consequences of
poor preparation and why professional flood-cleanup services are
essential in recovering. This post will introduce four risks often
associated with flood damage.
If your home or place of business has fallen
victim to a flood, contact Allied
Restoration Company today. Providing services
in cities all over Washington, our response team employs leading
technology and years of experience to offer one of the quickest and
most effective flood-drying teams in the Pacific Northwest. Call us
at 425-458-5756.
1. Plumbing Damage
As common causes of floods at home and at work,
plumbing failures account for more than 30 percent of flood-insurance
claims, according to the United
Services Automobile Association. These
accidents are sometimes unexpected and invisible until a flood
happens. Busted pipes, broken water heaters and faulty washing
machines often go unnoticed until problems arise.
2. Roofing Damage
Roof leaks are also common causes of flooding.
Damage to shingles can occur from regular weathering, as well as
inclement weather.
Small leaks can worsen over time, leading to more
serious issues and costly repairs. Some homeowners mistakenly neglect
minor leaks, seeing them as nothing more than inconveniences during a
rainstorm. Mistakes like this often lead to major water damage
throughout the rest of the roof and any property housed underneath.
It’s important to schedule a roof inspection following every major
season shift—especially after the winter—to assess the condition
of shingles and other materials.
3. Property Damage
One of the most common questions about
flood-drying services is, “How effective are these services against
damage to furniture, photographs, books and other documents?” The
answer is simple: The faster flood-cleanup services can address the
situation, the more property might be salvaged.
Unfortunately, it’s very easy to underestimate
just how much damage only a few inches of water can do. Businesses
might even be at a greater risk since retail stock might be destroyed
in a flood. Some home- and business owners neglect damage from minor
floods by simply mopping up any standing water without regard to
surfaces with which the water may have come into contact.
4. Hazardous Conditions and Risks to Health
Floods often bring with them a number of other
problems. As the CDC
reports, mold, bacteria and even dangerous chemicals are present in
floodwater. Without proper cleanup procedures, these risks can spread
throughout the home or place of business, where they can easily
become a threat to anyone who enters—even after the water is gone.
The longer property remains exposed to floodwater,
the harder it becomes to reverse the damage. Be sure to respond to
floods and similar accidents with responsibility and haste; for
Medina flood-drying
services, all Allied Restoration Company today at 425-458-5756.