Water Damage Inspection Tips

2/19/2016 (Permalink)

Millions of properties in the world suffer from water damage every year. This could be a result of broken water pipes, environmental flooding and torrential rains. Water damage has a host of negative effects in the home. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge addresses water damage on a daily basis and understands how the effects can be devastating. 
Effects of Water Damage in a Home 
Dampness, caused by water damage, supports growth of mold and mildew. These pose severe health risks for both human beings and animals. When inhaled, mold spores often cause respiratory problems such as allergies and lung bleeding due to their chemical toxins. Mold also eats up and destroys organic substances such as wool, cotton and even food.

Water destroys wooden surfaces and makes them rot after a certain period of exposure. It also weakens concrete and may cause walls to collapse when they remain damp. 

Negative effects of water damage can be avoided by regular inspection of your home.

Areas to Inspect in a Home
There are several key places to inspect. These are:

Home Exterior
Your roof, usually the first to be affected by rain, needs to be checked for signs of collapsing and leakage. Replace missing tiles and shingles pulled out by strong winds. Also, inspect the outer walls for cracks which let in water. 

Home Interior
You need to inspect your ceiling to see if it is wet, and the floor for cracks made by water. Also, check for entry of water through the foundation. In the rooms, check for bent ductwork and warped or stained wood.

Your bathroom and kitchen need inspection to see if ceramic materials such as sinks, bathtubs and toilets are leaking.

Inspect the basement for pooling water, cracked floors and walls. You also need to check your personal belongings such as furniture, electronics and garments.

Appliances
Inspection of your washing machine supply lines should be regular. When you are going away from home for extended periods, turn off its water supply.

The ice maker supply line behind your refrigerator needs inspection. If it is brittle or leaking, replacement should be prompt.

It is a good idea to inspect your water heater for corrosion and leakage. Also, check if the overflow hose is well connected because regular inspection has its benefits.

Benefits of Regular Water Damage Inspection
Water damage inspection is important because:

• Damage inspectors have many years of training and experience to handle all manners of water damage cases. They use specialized tools that are effective to diagnose water damage and examine places you cannot access or see.

• It helps to calculate the extent of damage you have suffered so that your insurance adjuster can give settlement according to the homeowner’s insurance policy.

• Discovering water leaks from broken pipes will save you money on water bills and time on repairs.

• Mold and mildew that cause health risks can be prevented and eradicated when detected.

• It will eradicate musty odor caused by dampness in your home.

• It will prevent or ease destruction of property such as walls, furniture, electronics and carpets.

In conclusion, water damage occurs in many places and can cost you much. Fast response is imperative to reduce the effects of water damage in your home. We are well-trained to handle water damage with structural drying, contents handling and document drying in an efficient way.

If your home or business experiences water damage, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge at (570) 235-1646 for 24/7 assistance.