From natural disasters to fire control efforts and plumbing leaks, there are different scenarios that can lead to flooding in your Toronto home. Water damage in your home or commercial property can be a frightening experience. However, it comes with far-reaching consequences that most people don’t think about.
The short term effects of water damage are easy to spot. However, you should also be concerned about the long-term effects of severe flooding. Most of the time, the only way to neutralize the impending damage is to hire a water damage restoration company as soon as you can.
Most of the short term effects of water damage include the destruction of property, inhabitable conditions and more. In this blog, we will explore the more ignored effects of water damage. In a way, we will show you how water damage restoration services can be essential and timely.
The Effects of Water Damage You Should Know
The rationale behind the cost of water damage restoration services in Toronto is due to the long-term damage they save you from. Water damage comes with a lot of baggage that can even affect your health. Keep reading to learn more.
Damaged belongings
Destruction of property and household items is one of the more noticeable short-term effects of water damage. Even minor flooding in your Toronto home can damage expensive furniture and other belongings.
For the most part, if you have recently experienced water damage, the possibility that you will have to throw away some of your belongings is high. However, there’s a ray of light behind this cloud. With specialty drying services, it is possible that you can save some of your belongings.
During the water damage restoration process, water can be removed from furniture and other household or office fixtures. If dried properly, a good number of your belongings can be salvaged. Items of clothing, linens, carpets and rugs can be thoroughly washed and dried using special equipment.
Unsanitary conditions
This is one of the long-term effects of water damage. In fact, it is recommended that you do not enter a flooded building without cleaning it properly. This is because running water carries with it a lot of microbes and infections that can affect your health.
The stakes become doubly higher if you are dealing with water damage due to plumbing. In situations like this, you may have to call for expert sewage clean-up services. A professional water damage restoration team has access to the right equipment to remove all forms of waste and microbes in your home.
If left untreated, the now “moist” conditions of your house/office may be home to a colony of microbes. However, with proper disinfection and cleaning, you can avoid this long-term effect of water damage.
Electrical damage
When water and electricity mix, electricity often comes off worse. In terms of electricity and gadgets, the short-term effects of water damage have to deal with your household appliances. However, there’s more.
Water has an uncanny ability to get into the tightest spaces and crevices in your home. Over time, hidden outlets, wiring and more become susceptible to more damage. As such, it may be very dangerous for you to handle the clean-up yourself.
On the other hand, a timely, professional flood restoration team can handle the damage effectively. Using advanced drying equipment, they will be able to make sure that every outlet, electrical cord and device in your home is totally dry. These teams often have electricians that can make necessary repairs.
Unpleasant smells
One of the long term effects of water damage that most people forget is the unpleasant smell. Extensive water damage comes with a musty odour that is hard to remove. Most people often try to use air fresheners or candles to get rid of the odour.
However, these are only stop-gaps that will work for a little while. In short, the mustiness always wins. Except you cover the cost of comprehensive water damage restoration services, you may never be able to completely remove this unpleasant odour.
Mould growth
One of the long term effects of water damage that can affect your health is mould damage. Mostly, mould thrives in humid environments. The worst part is that you may not see the growth of mould in your home right away. There are horror stories of people living with extensive mould damage years after a flooding situation
Mould thrives in cracks and crevices that you won’t easily see. Additionally, it can grow behind walls and flooring. If you have asthma and other related respiratory issues, this is something you have to avoid. With the services of mould remediation company near you, you can get rid of mould growth completely.
Structural damage
Water can compromise the structural integrity of even the strongest blocks. This is perhaps the most devastating of the long term effects of water damage. Flooring and wall damage are easy to spot. However, if you don’t handle water damage effectively, you may be leaving your home or offices open to extensive structural damage.
If water gets into your walls and flooring, over time, these structures are slowly going to start rotting. In worse case scenarios, it can lead to the collapse of sections of a building. This is why proper cleanup following extensive water damage is highly recommended.
Professional water damage restoration experts will be able to spot sections that have been compromised. Specialty drying and repairs can be carried out where necessary. Doing this immediately after water damage occurs can help you save money on the cost of future repairs.
How to Limit the Impact of Water Damage
The only way to reduce the severity of both long term and short term water damage is to start the restoration process as soon as possible. If you are dealing with plumbing damage, start by turning off the water main. Other crucial steps include:
- Water extraction
- Disposal
- Drying
- Disinfection
- Deodorisation
- Repairs and reconstruction
From the above, it is easy to see that carrying out water damage restoration by yourself can be a big ask. For the most part, you won’t have access to the tools needed to remove water effectively.
Action Restoration is a repeatable provider of water damage restoration services in Toronto. With our speedy same-day services, we can help you prevent the effects of water damage. Let’s help you save money on costly repairs. Call +16478348346 today!