Myths About Fredrick Water Damage Cleanup

Water damage restoration is a topic covered in a lot of articles on the internet. The problem is, not all information you find online is reliable or accurate. You are often caught off guard by water damage because it often happens when you least expect it. It's hard to know how to respond in a situation like that, especially with all the misinformation floating around. Here are a few water damage myths you should avoid if you want to prevent further damage.

Myth- Water Damage Cleanup Can Wait

In restoring water damage and preventing further damage, time is of utmost importance. A prolonged accumulation of water worsens the damage. The window for responding is very short, as it is less than 24 hours. Usually, mold starts growing within 24 hours of water damage, which is a whole new set of issues. After extended exposure to water, materials in your home become saturated, making it more difficult to salvage them. Responding immediately to water damage is the best way to minimize losses, mitigate damages, and prevent mold growth. 

Myth- The Musty Smell Will Disappear 

Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours after water damage, as described above. Mold is a type of fungus, so it gives off a very strong and musty odor. There will be a strong odor throughout the entire house, not just at the site of the damage. Time will not solve this problem. In order to completely prevent mold growth and spread, and the odor it leaves behind, water extraction, drying, dehumidification, sanitization, and other steps are necessary. The materials that have been saturated with water such as sofas, carpets, floors, and drywall in your home will retain their musty odor unless they are properly treated. After experiencing water damage, you can only ensure your home is properly restored and smells fresh by having a cleanup crew go through each of the steps to ensure there is no moisture left over. 

Myth- If You Can’t See the Water, It Must Not Be There.

One of the scariest things about water damage is that it is not always visible. A home can hide water behind walls, in carpets, under floors, in ceilings, and really anywhere. Porous materials will not only hide water but also absorb it. While it may appear to be dry, hidden moisture can still cause serious damage to your home. Water-soaked materials will warp, swell, bow, bend, and deteriorate over time. It doesn't mean that water and moisture aren't present just because you can't see them. In this case, it is very important not to let the water dry on its own because it will not end up drying, it will end up being absorbed instead.

Restoration1 of Fredrick's water damage restoration technicians are trained to locate hidden moisture, removed trapped water, and dry your home thoroughly with the best equipment. Give us a call today, if your home has been exposed to water damage or mold.