Dangers Of Attempting Water Damage Cleanup On Your Own

When it comes to water damage, many people think they can handle cleanup on their own. The truth is that the only way to guarantee adequate results for your Burlington home following water damage is to call in the professionals. Water damage compounds over time, and if not thoroughly cleaned and dried, will only lead to more problems. Still not convinced you need help? Here are just a few of the potential hazards and dangers that you expose yourself to when you attempt water damage cleanup on your own.

Water Damage Cleanup In Burlington

• Mold Growth: 

Any time water damage has occurred, you have to assume that mold damage will also be an issue. Mold can begin to grow within 24 hours of exposure to water. Indoor mold poses a serious threat to the health of everyone in the home. Some common symptoms of mold exposure are coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, and other respiratory problems. The biggest problem with mold is it often goes unnoticed to the untrained eye until it has become a widespread and serious problem. The good news is the water damage cleanup experts at GW Savage know how to treat for remediate, and prevent mold growth and spread. So keep in mind that without the proper training or personal protective gear, you could expose yourself to mold when cleaning up water damage on your own.

• Electrical Hazards: 

Water and electricity do not mix. If wiring has been exposed to water, it can increase the possibility of electrical shock. Any time water damage has occurred, all power to the affected area should be shut off. Without the proper training, you could expose yourself to electrical dangers that could prove to be fatal. It is not worth the risk when dealing with electricity and water, so it is best practiced to leave it to the professionals.

• Structural Weakness: 

Even after all the visible water has been removed and dried, there could still be moisture trapped in the structural elements of your home. Materials like wood, drywall, carpet, and floor boards will begin to absorb moisture on contact with water, and that can cause swelling, warping, buckling, and deterioration. Structural damage can lead to even more risks of damage which means even more repairs and, consequently, even more money to restore your home. With professional water damage cleanup, you can avoid any potential structural weakness and damage going unnoticed. 

The most important part of water damage cleanup is water extraction and drying. Extraction of the water is the first step, and if not done correctly will lead to many, if not all, of the above listed problems. Without the use of professional grade extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers, you risk leaving water and moisture trapped inside your home – risking mold growth and structural damage. This is why we are equipped with industry standard equipment, and ready to take your call 24/7 so we can respond as quickly as possible to your water damage emergency. We want to mitigate as much damage as possible, and our team is ready to do just that. Don’t try to tackle water damage cleanup on your own; instead let GW Savage take care of it all.