Water damage is a frequent thing and majority of people here in Butte MT have experienced it once in their life time. Water can attack and destroy a material or system through the rotting of wood, rusting of steel or metal, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, as well as the destruction of heating and electrical systems. It can also provide the necessary platform for mold growth. Water damage may occur quickly as the result of a flash flood or melting snow in the spring time here in Butte MT, or slowly over time as the result of a leaky pipe or broken window seal. Either one can cause significant damage if not treated promptly.
Types of Water Damage It can be clean, dirty, or anywhere in between. Knowing what kind of water problem you have will go a long way towards telling you how to fix it. Water Damage Sources Water damage can occur in any number of ways. Heavy or torrential rains can place undue stress on roofs, causing leaking or in some cases even collapse. The same rains, if heavy enough over a given area during a given time, may result in flooding of the surrounding landscape. Floods may be small enough to affect only one home, or large enough to engulf entire regions. Flash floods are more dangerous, forming in a matter of minutes and sweeping across the countryside, with little or no warning to those in its path. Flash floods are the #1 weather related killer in the United States, with over 200 deaths each year. Levees and dams may also break and send water cascading into local communities, causing tremendous damage. This sort of disaster was graphically seen firsthand with Hurricane Katrina and the broken levees in New Orleans in 2005. Construction and new development can drastically alter the landscape, resulting in insufficient drainage and runoff. In addition, more houses, parking lots, and roads mean less land to absorb excess water. On a more local level, water damage may occur in your home as the result of leaky or burst pipes, overflowing sinks or bathtubs, as well as even less desirable situation such as sewage backflow or stopped up toilets. Water is unique in its ability to cause damage both initially and over time. Unlike fire, which confines its damage to one area and can be fairly easily contained, water has the uncanny ability to get into places you might not think to look, and it continues to cause problems and generally wreak havoc for as long as it is allowed to stand. There are numerous sources for water to leak from in your home, most of which can be prevented by regular inspection and maintenance. Even the smallest leaks can end up costing you hundreds of dollars per year in additional costs. The most common causes are the faucets in your kitchen and bathroom sinks, which are used frequently and may develop leaks simply due to “mileage” and a gradual loosening of surrounding joints. The hose on your washing machine may be another culprit. While generally long lasting, hoses older than five years should be checked regularly. The same rules apply to hoses on the back of your water heater. Even if the leak itself is not major, even small leaks can provide an avenue for the growth of mold. Of all the rooms in your home, the bathroom is probably the most likely source for a water leak. The room is humid and moist most of the time and broken or cracked grout can lead to mold forming behind tiles, where it may remain hidden for a long time. The spores it produces, however, may contribute to the erosion of air quality in your home. Of course toilets are a common problem when it comes to leaks in the home. They constantly have water sitting in them and the plumbing they are attached to is used on a regular basis. Inspect the plumbing running to and from your toilet on a regular basis. If you discover any signs of leakage, have it repaired as soon as possible. It is important to begin water damage restoration procedures as soon as possible following any sort of floods or water damage event. Water damages Water may ruin carpets, which add beauty and class to a home here in Butte Montana. Water damaged carpets can bring frustration and irritation. It should be taken care immediately aftermath of water or flood damage. This involves drying, cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and then cleaning again. Water damage sheetrock and drywall is usually manifested by swelling or staining of the affected area. If the drywall has been painted, the staining may not be readily apparent; Painting over water damage will not solve the problem. It may take some time, but the damage will show through again. Drywall and sheetrock can usually be cut in a horizontal fashion, somewhere above the level of the damage, and removed. You can then replace it with an undamaged piece, prepare it, and paint it. If you are less of a handy man and aren’t sure you can successfully hide the seam, then replace the whole piece. Either way, the end result will look far more attractive than simply trying to cover it up. Be sure that the wall cavity is dry. Leaving water unattended in any area like this can make it a prime candidate for mold. Any water damaged insulation should be removed and replaced. Always avoid touching any moldy drywall. If you notice a mold growth, have a professional remove it for you. You should also wear a face mask when working around drywall products to prevent inhalation of dust chemicals, or other potentially harmful agents. Water damage is a situation you do not want to cut corners on or wait around and let sit. It is important to address these homeowner problems by calling a damage restoration company immediately to confirm that neither the structure of your home or the health of your family is compromised. With the help of a qualified technician, you will be able to move towards restoring your home back to its original condition Conclusion. Water can cause great deal of damage here in Butte MT. Therefore, every possible effort should be put in place to prevent it. |
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