It’s a fact: at some point in your life, you’re going to face water problems. Whether they’re due to weather-related flooding or faulty plumbing, all water-related problems require rapid response and mitigation. To understand the value of water damage restoration in Olathe, it’s important to understand what water damage mitigation is and what kinds of damage it prevents.
What is water damage mitigation?
Water damage mitigation includes assessing and containing the problem and then taking steps to prevent further damage. Mitigation efforts must take place before any restoration work can begin. Effective mitigation includes the following:
- Stopping the flow of water into the space
- Extracting as much water as possible
- Drying out everything in the area
- Disinfecting surfaces to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria
Once the mitigation process is complete, it’s possible to make repairs and restore the area.
Why is water damage mitigation necessary?
Water damage mitigation is necessary to prevent further damage to the structure and to prevent possible health consequences.
Structural Damage:
Water damage is cumulative; the longer water remains in a space, the more damage it will do. Removing the water is the only way to prevent further damage. If water damage is caught early, it’s often possible that thorough removal and drying will be all that’s needed to restore hard and soft surfaces. However, if allowed to sit and saturate, water can do the following:
- Ruin MDF trim on baseboards and doorframes. MDF soaks up water like a sponge; its many layers will expand with prolonged exposure to water and will not shrink back when dry.
- Saturate drywall. Drywall also soaks up water and will swell, causing walls and ceilings to warp and paint to blister and crack. If water sits for more than two hours, the chances are good that your walls are experiencing damage you can’t immediately see.
- Weaken wood. Wooden foundation boards allowed to sit in water for prolonged periods of time will weaken and warp, undermining the very foundation of your home.
Health Consequences:
Flooded areas can pose significant health problems. The specific types of problems depend on the type of water involved.
Clear water:
Clear water flooding involves clean water from your pipes. While the water itself is clean, if left to sit or allowed to remain for more than a day or two without drying, clean water creates damp conditions where bugs thrive and toxic mold and mildew can grow. Mold is contagious and spreads quickly from surface to surface.
Gray water:
Gray water refers to contaminated water from sewage pipes of natural bodies of water. In addition to posing the same types of health threats as clear water, gray water also contains bacteria and microorganisms that can remain even after the water is removed. Areas contaminated by gray water must be carefully disinfected.
Where Do You Turn for Help?
If your home or office has experienced water damage, call Emergency Mitigation Services right away for water damage cleanup in Olathe. Our skilled teams are available around the clock to help with any water problem. You don’t have a moment to lose; call EMS now.