Unfortunately, water damage is unavoidable for many homeowners. In fact, 1 in 50 homeowners will suffer water damage every year. With such a common disaster, it is important to know what not to do so if you do happen to suffer from water damage you can come out of it with the best results possible.
Here are three common mistakes made by many homeowners following water damage that can increase the amount of damage your home sustains, and that are 100% avoidable:
A quick response to any water damage emergency is critical to reduce the amount of damage to your home. Prolonged water exposure can lead to a number of serious structural problems, including deteriorating drywall and insulation, rot, and mold growth. The source of the water needs to be addressed and stopped as quickly as possible so that extraction and drying can then begin. Getting the water completely dried as quickly as possible will ensure the least amount of damage and also get your life and home back to normal.
Many homeowners will try to clean up the water damage on their own. Consequently, that usually means that the equipment used is not professional grade so results will not be up to par. Without the use of proper water extraction equipment, commercial grade air movers and fans, and dehumidifiers, water will not be thoroughly dried. Porous materials, like wood, drywall, upholstery, and insulation, absorb and hold onto water and moisture. Since this moisture is not always seen, many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that all the water has been dried when in reality it hasn’t. The real risk here, along with long-standing structural weakening and damage, is mold growth. Mold can grow in as little as 48 hours following exposure to water, and the longer that water and moisture is present, the more rapidly mold will grow and spread. Mold growth in homes can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat, headaches, and increased allergy sensitivities. Without the proper experience and equipment, inadequate water extraction, drying, and dehumidification will lead to unnecessary extra damage.
All of these avoidable mistakes can be taken care of in just one simple step – calling the pros. Water damage cleanup is an extensive project that requires the proper training, experience, and equipment to thoroughly, safely, and adequately remediate. The best decision a homeowner can make following water damage is to call a certified professional restoration company. Find a company that is available 24/7 with emergency response services so that they can start the water damage restoration process as soon as possible. Professional water damage restoration companies will not only be able to respond immediately, but they will have all the equipment necessary to ensure that the damage is cleaned up the right way.
If you have suffered water damage in Naperville, GCPro is here for you. We strive to make the entire water damage restoration process as simple, efficient, and effective as possible. We work with you and your insurance to restore your home and get your life back to normal. Don’t fall victim to any of these common mistakes, and call GCPro right away for all your water damage restoration needs.