It is not uncommon to see various properties such as buildings getting destroyed by water. At times it occurs slowly over the years while other times it happens abruptly, like in the case of a hurricane.
If the issue is not addressed it can cause irreversible damages. Thus it is important to take the necessary precautions to try and avoid it before it happens.
In the event that it has already occurred, still there are measures that can be taken to resolve it before it gets out of hand. Here are some important information to help you prepare well. See this link LightningWaterDamage.com to find out more.
What is it?
It refers to property destruction caused by water. As such, it encompasses a wide range of damages including rot, mold, flooding and other things.
These can be caused by stagnant water, leaks, and natural phenomena like torrential rains or even high humidity. They not only destroy the property but they also pose a great risk to one’s health.
Mold, for instance, is a toxic substance that should be handled by professionals who have the right training and equipment. Stagnant water is a good breeding ground for mosquitoes and other harmful insects.
Therefore, it is important that you take the necessary measures to prevent or correct the damage before it becomes extreme.
What can you do to prevent it?
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Use good quality timber
The wooden materials used for buildings are the most susceptible when it comes to rotting. There are different types of wood, some being tougher than others.
When erecting a structure make sure that the timber used is tough and can withstand wet conditions for a long period without falling apart. Some trees are also resistant to micro-organisms that cause decay hence make good timber for construction.
Another method that is usually used is to treat the timber with chemicals that enhances its properties and also help keep away the micro-organisms.
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Apply coatings
The main purpose of coating items is usually to protect them from degradation caused by various elements.
The exposed surfaces of buildings should be coated using paint to make them less susceptible to degradation. Make sure that the paint used is of good quality. Cheap paints are likely to peel off and so they won’t serve their purpose.
The task should also be done properly by experts to ensure that it is appealing and able to protect the walls. Painted wooden surfaces tend to last longer than their counterparts.
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Conduct regular maintenance
There is no one certain way of completely preventing water damage. The precautions taken only serve to reduce the chances of it happening or to slow it down.
Thus it is necessary to carry out maintenance services regularly to help identify and address issues promptly. If, for example, you notice a leaking pipe then you should fix it with urgency instead of procrastinating.
If you notice a stagnant pool of water have it cleaned up and the place kept dry to prevent mold and algae. If the paint is starting to come off the wall have it repainted.
How do you repair the already damaged parts?
To prevent the damage from spreading further you ought to do some repairs. Depending on the nature and extent of the harm done, you can either do it yourself or hire a qualified professional. Here is what you should do.
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Inspect the damage
Taking for instance, the extreme case of a flooding aftermath, your first step should be to inspect so that you can get to know the extent of the damage done and salvage any items that are remaining.
Be careful when doing so to avoid getting hurt by the debris. In such an event, it is best to call the professionals because there is a lot of work to be done and it should be done quickly to prevent mold from starting to grow.
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Stay away from the risky materials
Mold is not the only toxic substance found in such cases. Broken materials with exposed asbestos are even more hazardous.
Asbestos is known to cause respiratory diseases. Removal and disposal requires a trained team of individuals with the right gear.
Thus if you notice any dangerous material you should keep away from the place and call the contractors.
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Only remove the water if it’s safe
Here water can be classified into 3 classes, namely; clean, gray, and black. The first one as implied by the name is clean hence harmless.
Tap and rain are some of the sources in this category. The second class refers to one that has been used for some activities such as washing, thus it is gray in color.
This is also safe and you can remove it by yourself. The third category includes contaminated ones like sewage. Avoid handling this on your own.
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Throw out damaged items
Those objects that are already destroyed and can’t be repaired should be thrown out. All the remaining things should be properly dried and disinfected.
If the floor or ceiling has suffered irreparable damages then it should be replaced. When dealing with parts such as the ceiling you should have it thoroughly inspected since mold can grow in the hidden parts that can be hard to notice.
After all the water has been dried out and the repairs done you should consider getting a de-humidifier to reduce humidity in the air. Otherwise, the condition might still be favorable for bacterial growth. Click here to read more.
Conclusion
Water damage is a common problem in buildings. It can happen due to ignorance and neglect or as a result of unavoidable natural phenomena. Either way, it is an issue that should be quickly and properly resolved to avoid more destruction. Take the relevant preventive measures such as using quality materials, coating them with paint, and conducting regular checkups.
If the damage is already done try to repair or replace the parts as need be. Be careful while doing so to avoid being exposed to toxic substances like mold and asbestos. Where necessary, hire competent contractors to do the job.
