First off all, let’s discuss some ways in which water damage can occur.

Plumbing systems and pipes in general are common reasons for water leaks. When drains become clogged or pipes burst, it can quickly lead to water damage in your business. Another possibility is that excess water can come from appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers. While this isn’t a problem for many businesses, ones in the restaurant industry are highly susceptible. Lastly, faulty or damaged roofing can be problematic. For example, if shingles deteriorate or are missing it can quickly bring water into your business. Many times this can happen in locations that receive substantial rainfall or snow.

Luckily, there are several precautions you can take to prevent water damage from happening in the first place.

You should start by examining the interior of your business and routinely check your water supply lines to all appliances. Make sure there are no leaks and be sure to check washing machine hoses for signs of bulging or cracks. It’s also smart to re-caulk sinks from time to time to prevent water from seeping through. If you are located in an area that’s prone to freezing temperatures on a consistent basis, you should insulate your water pipes to prevent them from freezing. Besides this, you should always clean and maintain all appliances and keep them in proper working order. Most of the time, this will be sufficient for preventing interior water leaks.

In terms of the exterior, there are several things you can do here.

One simple precaution involves periodically clearing your gutters of leaves and other debris. Otherwise, build ups can prevent your gutters from draining properly and hurt your foundation. It’s also smart to place an adequate amount of insulation in your attic. Doing this should increase the lifespan of your roofing materials and keep water from getting in. If you happen to have a leaky roof, you should get it fixed immediately by a professional. Otherwise, it can lead to more costly repairs.

While you can’t completely eliminate the chance water damage from occurring, you can do a great deal to prevent it. Routine inspection and maintenance both on the interior and exterior of your business can do a lot. By following these guidelines, you should significantly reduce the odds of experiencing water damage.

Leaky Roof

Leaky roofs are one of the main causes of water damage even though the cause is blatantly evident. At the slightest instance of water spots appearing on the ceiling, roof shingles should be inspected promptly. It is highly likely in the event of water spots that the roof needs to be repaired.

Vents

In some instances, water can enter the home through vents. It is wise to ensure that all vents have hoods placed over them in the event of heavy downpour. Exhaust vents, attic vents, clothes dryer vents and any other type of exhaust needs to be inspected promptly to avoid water from seeping into the home. Check these often as even the exhaust path can become blocked.

Flashing

Water can enter through windows, doors and other entryways. It’s important to inspect the flashing surrounding these areas or in areas that any two surfaces meet to ensure they are watertight. Rust and other damage can render flashing ineffective. Regularly checking flashing can prevent severe water damage.

Trees and Bushes

A less likely thought-of way to prevent water damage is to keep trees and bushes several feet from the exterior of the home. Although not a direct method of water damage, trees and bushes can affect the surface of the home’s walls by compromising its structure. This causes damage and provides water entry points. Another hazard are vines that can cause openings in the wall.

Drywall

Drywall, contrary to what the name implies, is extremely difficult to dry out. In the case of a flood, it is better to place drywall some distance from the floor and use molding along the portion of the wall that meets the flooring instead. Although this does not necessarily protect water from seeping in, it will greatly reduce the amount of potential water damage.

Other measures, such as allowing faucets to drip in climates that experience harsh winter to avoid frozen pipes and checking the water bill frequently to detect leaks are smart ways to avoid damage. Water damage prevention is key; however, if it cannot be avoided, other measures can greatly cut down on further water damage. For instance, turn off water valves if this is the root cause of flooding. Employing measures to safeguard the home will ensure its stability.

Yikes!

Have you or someone in your home been plagued with sneezing, watery eyes or even a sinus infection that will not subside – even though other common allergens such as pet hair or abnormal amounts of dust are not present? Do you often smell something musty – like moist wood or wet socks? These clues (among many others) may be a sign that you have mold inside your home. Look for these common signs in determining whether you may be dealing with a mold issue;

1.      Allergy Symptoms – When everything else has been ruled out as a cause

You or someone in your home may show signs of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or coughing. You have tried meticulously cleaning your home from top to bottom, washing and rewashing all fabrics, and maybe even built a small home for Fido in the backyard – and yet you or someone in your home are still experiencing these symptoms.  It may be time to get a professional inspection as you may have mold. Water damage (the number one cause of mold growth) in the home can occur without you even knowing – Especially if it is in a low traffic area of the home, or hidden behind a wall or carpet. Just because the mold is not visible, does not mean it is not there!

2.      Something Smells….. Moist?

Many people who have dealt with mold in their home report smelling something “musty” or “moist”. Some describe it as a cedar type smell, while others describe it as a moist fabric that has been sitting for a while (such as leaving laundry in the washing machine for a couple days). No matter what you relate the smell to; it could be a sign of possible mold. The spores that are released carry a strong aroma, literally getting up your nose. These spores are waste products given off by actively growing molds. Odors are a sign that mold is actively growing and so may indicate a level of mold contamination requiring remediation.

3.      Visible Mold Growth – May not be as obvious as it sounds

The most common visual signs of mold are characterized as black spots that look almost cottony or velvety. All though this is a correct interpretation of what mold looks like, there are a variety of shapes and forms that mold may take. Sometimes you might not realize there is mold in your house, especially if it is unusual looking mold. Some mold growth looks white and thread-like. Mold can be black, gray-brown, gray-green, yellow or white in color. Sometimes, it may only look like a stain or discoloration on furniture, walls or ceilings. Bottom Line – if you see something suspicious on the surface of any organic material – it is best to get it tested for mold. One small spot could translate into a huge infestation behind drywall for example, which would never have been found if a professional was not called in.

4.      Water leaks, Condensation, or Anything that Translates into Standing Water

If any organic material is saturated in water, and let sit for as little as 24 hours – mold growth is almost guaranteed. Mold spores are present everywhere – it is when moisture reaches an ideal level do these spores have adequate conditions to grow and multiply. If you had small water leak that was later discovered, a flood in the basement that was not thoroughly dried, or even see a lot of condensation in your home – you may have mold. The best way to determine the presence of mold is to call a professional remediation technician. They have the knowledge, experience, and tools to diagnose mold infestations.

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Purchase Homeowners Insurance

If a homeowner lives in an area that may flood, it’s important to have home insurance that covers floods. Many home insurance policies do not cover any type of water damage. However, the United States government offers specialized flood insurance that can be purchased separately from a private insurance policy.

Research Your Properties Flood Line

One of the best ways to determine if a home is at risk of flooding is through research. Properties that are located near a water source usually have a 100 year flood line. The 100 year flood line indicates the highest level that water has reached over the past 100 years. While it’s rare for a flood to exceed the 100 year flood line, it is possible under the right conditions. For example, the floods in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina exceeded the 100 year flood line for many places.

Store Valuables in High Areas

If a home is in an area that has a high risk of flooding, it’s a good idea to make sure that that all valuables are stored in higher areas of a home. While there’s usually advanced notice of a flood, it can be challenging to move lots of items when an individual is under high levels of stress.

Valuable items, old clothing and unused electronics should be stored in the attic permanently. This can help reduce the risk of property loss when a flood does come. In addition, it’s a good idea to make sure that a basement has a sump pump installed to help remove water after a flood.

Don’t Hesitate, Take Action

If a flood has been forecast, it’s important to start preparing immediately. All valuable items must be taken to an elevated area of a home. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchenware and more. The lower areas of a home should be completely bare. This will help ensure that valuable items aren’t damaged.

Stockpile Resources

It’s also a good idea to stock up on supplies before a flood. In many cases, local weather reports will allow an individual to have at least 24 hours notice. Items that should be bought include dessicants, dehumidifiers and electric pumps. It’s also a good idea to stock up on emergency supplies like flashlights, non-perishable food and potable water.

If a home must be evacuated during a flood, it’s essential to board up all windows and doors securely. In many cases, looters will try to enter homes and businesses during an evacuation.It’s important to look for ways to seal a home very securely.

While a flood can be a scary experience for many homeowners and their families, there are a number of steps one can take to minimize the damage and safety risks associated with flooding.

• Increasing Water Bill – Are the utility bills going up without increased usage? This may be an indication of a hidden leak. Call in a plumber and/or water damage technician. They have moisture reading equipment that can detect if and where there is a water leak.

• Increasing Condensation – Are you noticing increased condensation in the home without any apparent explanation?  Excessive condensation can cause damage to your walls, ceiling, floors and other materials in the home. Insulating pipes may stop or reduce condensation.

• Use your Nose – Do you notice a moist or musty odor in the home that was not present before? This may be an indication of a hidden water leak, and more importantly of mold growth. Water damage and mold growth go hand in hand – If you have had a leak that was not caught or properly dried out, there is a huge possibility for mold. Structural damage and health issues are major concerns home owners should be aware of when dealing with mold. If you find a slow leak that has caused structural mold damage, call in a mold remediation specialist. Washing affected drywall, wood framing and other organic materials with bleach will not remediate the mold – It is best to call in a professional.

• Peeling, Cracking, Swelling – Visual Signs of Water Damage – Have you noticed cracks or peeling of paint or wall paper? Maybe a water stain, characterized by a brownish color around the edges of the stain? Perhaps the baseboards or hardwood floor is swelling without any indication of standing water? These are all visual signs of water damage – the lesson here is obvious standing water does not have to be present in order for water damage to occur. Slow leaks in pipes are a common cause of water damage in the home. If you suspect your home may be affected, it is best to call in a WRT certified restoration specialist and/or plumber to diagnose the issue. Unattended water damage can cause major mold and structural issues – which will cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Insurance companies typically do not cover mold damage – as mold growth/formation is seen as negligence on the homeowner’s part. Catching the problem as early as possible will ensure a safe and healthy home and save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

• Listening for unusual sounds – You may notice a quiet dripping or unusual running water noise off in the distance – especially at night when the home is silent. This may be cause for concern especially if you have not noticed any visual water damage signs. Call in a water damage specialist and/or plumber to thoroughly check areas that may be inaccessible or hidden, such as behind drywall or in the attic. Professional Technicians have experience regarding common areas where water damage occurs and extensive knowledge of the plumbing system in your home. Technicians also carry moisture detecting equipment that can better diagnose where the water damage is originating from without being invasive.

Periodically check the following areas for signs of water damage;

• Kitchen – Underneath dishwasher, fridge, cabinets, underneath sink
• Bathroom – Around toilet, underneath sink, around bathtub/shower
• Basement – Seals around windows, around water heater, signs of foundation cracks
• Laundry Room – Around washing machine, hoses connected to washing machine
• Air Conditioning Units / Central Air Conditioning
• Attic – Check vents for proper air circulation (keeps humidity levels down in the home), Check for mold (sign of leaking roof), wet or rotting sheathing or rafters, or any signs of leaking around attic appliances

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Depending on the category and extent of water damage, applied structural drying is a cost efficient technique used to thoroughly dry out water damaged areas. For Category 3 water damage, applied structural drying will be used in combination with other techniques to ensure proper cleanup and disinfection.

Category 1: Sanitary water, typically from a clean source such as a supply line, appliance, or precipitation. When category 1 water leaves its source (i.e. Pipe leak, snow melting into home) it becomes contaminated and deteriorates to category 2 or 3 water. Standing category 1 water can also deteriorate to lower categories depending on how long it is left without being cleaned up properly, or if a large area is affected.

Category 2:  Water that has been contaminated with chemical, biological, or physical contaminants that are categorized as unsafe to consume or be in contact with. Category 2 water is commonly referred to as “grey water” and typically is an overflow water situation from toilets, appliances and other house hold type spillage. Seepage can be considered to be Category 2 or 3, depending on the source of the water.

Category 3:  Water that is saturated with contaminates and has a foul odor. Category 3 water, referred to as “black water” is dangerous to human and animal health. It may contain raw sewage, pathogens, bacteria, heavy metals, or other toxic substances. This type of water is dangerous to come in contact with and even to breathe in.

What is Applied Structural Drying?

Professional water damage technicians use this technique to thoroughly dry out a wet area. This specific type of drying provides the quickest results and the most thorough drying without being invasive or destructive to a homeowner’s property. Drying out affected materials quickly is imperative for mold prevention and preserving structural integrity. Although there are situations that do not allow for applied structural drying to be the sole approach for drying out a water affected area, we will explore the basics of this technique.

1. An inspection takes place to determine the method(s) of restoration for the particular circumstances
2. Extraction of standing water from affected areas of the property
3. Containment is built if needed
4. Drying fans are precisely and strategically placed around the affected room – This is to circulate air flow. According to Dalton’s evaporation law, water evaporation rates increase when volume and velocity of air increases over a wet surface.
5. Industrial Dehumidification equipment is installed relative with the placement of the drying fans. Appropriate placement of dehumidifiers is crucial – Improper placement such as in the direct path of airflow, changes the rate of which the machine intakes air which causes an increased rate of air flow over the dehumidifiers coils, and drastically reduces efficiency.
6. Dehumidifiers and drying fans are left on for an appropriate amount of time to efficiently pull moisture from affected areas. This drying is accomplished without the use of destructive techniques.

To Be Continued …….

Part 1 of our blog explained what applied structural drying is, and why is it used in water damage restoration. We will now explain the practical use of air fans and dehumidifiers, and why choosing a restoration company is beneficial to thorough drying and effective prevention of mold and structural damage in the home.

How do dehumidifiers work?

• Dehumidifiers contain fans that pull in surrounding air into the machine
• Once air is pulled into the machine, it passes over cooled coils. These coils are cooled by a fan compressor that compresses and expands a refrigerant gas.
• Warm air that loses heat will also lose its ability to retain moisture. Once air passes over these cooled coils, condensation is formed – This means that moisture has been effectively pulled from the airflow. The collected moisture then drips from the cooled coils into the reservoir of the dehumidifier.
• The air is then reheated and exhausted out the back of the machine, where it re-enters the room as dry air.

What are Air Fans used for?

• Air fans are placed strategically around the room to create consistent and even air flow
• Higher air velocity speeds up the drying process.
• Used in combination with a dehumidifier, air fans increase the volume of air intake of the dehumidifier which increases efficiency and cuts down on drying time.
• Air fans recirculate dry dehumidified air around the room

Why should you choose a Professional Restoration Company?

• Technicians are equipped with non-invasive moisture detecting instruments to effectively determine water damaged areas.
• Industrial grade equipment with greater capabilities.
• WRT certified technicians are knowledgeable and educated in drying techniques of various materials in the home.
• Antimicrobial agents and industrial disinfectants may be used depending on the situation. These products help properly disinfect / cease mold growth in an area.

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Prevent Seepage

The best time to prevent seepage is during the construction of a home or building. During construction, it’s important to make sure that water won’t pool on the exterior wall of a basement. The best way to do this is through the installation of drainage pipes. A series of drainage pipes should be placed directly against the exterior wall. These will help eliminate any water buildup before it becomes a problem.

Install Plastic Barriers

It’s also important to make sure that there is a plastic barrier installed outside a concrete wall. Many home and garden stores sell specialized plastic barriers that can help stop water from seeping through a porous concrete wall.

Apply a Layer of Sealant 

It’s also important to apply a layer of tar to the exterior of a concrete wall. Tar can help repel water and will make a porous concrete wall less likely to succumb to water seepage. However, it’s important to avoid putting any tar on the interior walls of a basement. If water becomes trapped in the concrete blocks of a basement, it can cause severe structural damage. If there is already water inside a wall, it’s usually best for that water to seep into the basement where it can be eliminated. However, it is important to incorporate different techniques that will prevent water from initially entering a wall.

Avoid Standing Water

If there is water seeping into a basement, it’s important to incorporate ways to minimize its negative impact. Severe basement flooding can be managed with a sump pump and a dehumidifier. This will help minimize the growth of mold, fungus and mildew. However, any standing water in a basement can increase the risk of structural damage. While it can be expensive, the best way to prevent water seepage is through the installation of a plastic barrier and a tarred surface on the exterior wall of a basement.

It’s essential to make sure that water isn’t building up on the exterior wall of a basement. If there is a large amount of water pressing against a basement wall, it’s possible for that wall to collapse inwards. This could potentially cause the collapse of an entire home. It’s essential to have drain pipes that can help prevent the buildup of water against the side of a wall.

Sewage backups are a serious matter that requires specific actions to ensure your home is safe for you and your family. Awareness to health hazards that sewage backups present is a helpful tool in implementing procedures in your home if you ever find yourself in a sewage backup situation.

What is Sewage?

Sewage is often referred to as raw sewage, sewage sludge or septic tank waste. It is predominately grey or black in color and contains pathogens, disease causing microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses. This accumulation of harmful elements in sewage water is caused by decaying solid waste, human excrement, debris, and other materials discarded through the sewage system. Excrement is the major source of harmful microorganisms such as Escherichia coliform (E.coli) coliform, fecal coliform, and Enterococcus.

Heath Hazards Associated with Sewage Exposure

Transmission of harmful microorganisms from sewage to the human body can happen from hand to mouth contact, skin contact (through cuts and other wounds) and inhalation. The longer you let a sewage backup sit in your home, the more likely health risks will occur. Some of the health risks include;

• Gastroentertitis - An inflammation of the stomach and intestine, characterized by some or all of the following; diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and fever.
• Hepatitis A & B– An inflammation of the liver, characterized by some or all of the following;  feeling tired, pain in your belly, nauseous off and on, jaundice (yellow skin), diarrhea, or not be hungry.
• Disease causing Bacteria – Specific types of bacteria found in sewage water can cause  E-coli, shigellosis, typhoid fever, salmonella, andcholera.
• Parasites - Cryptosporidium and giardia lamblia may cause diarrhea and stomach cramps, and even nausea or a slight fever.
• Weil’s disease – An acute feverish disease marked by gastroenteritis, mild jaundice, persistent and severe headache.

It is incredibly important to clean up a sewage backup as soon as possible to minimize subsequent health risks. Requiting a professional restoration company may be ideal – Professional WRT and AMRT technicians are educated on the effects of sewage contaminated water, and subsequent effects on materials affected by sewage. They are equipped with industrial grade disinfectants, pump systems, and most importantly knowledge in regards to preserving, protecting, and securing property from additional secondary damage.