Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Whether it comes from devastating storms or a quietly leaking pipe, the damage can be phenomenal. Your belongings can be destroyed, the structure of your home can be compromised, and the health of your family can even be affected.

Within a few minutes of the water entering your home, your paper goods and electronics are likely ruined. Absorbent materials such as cardboard and fabrics swell and lose their shape. Inks and dyes from furnishings and decor can run into the carpet, leaving permanent discoloration.

Within a few hours, drywall is soft and begins to warp. Wooden furniture and building materials swell and warp also. Carpet and other materials can delaminate, splitting into layers that can’t be repaired.

If untreated, mold and fungus begins to grow in just days. In addition to destroying building materials and personal property, mold and fungi can cause serious health problems to family members and pets.

If your home is affected by water damage, you need to call in the experts. Without the right knowledge and equipment, you can be left with hidden mold and weakened supports, causing bigger problems down the road.

If you’ve never experienced the water damage restoration process before, it can be overwhelming. The first thing that you need to do is make sure everyone is safe. Water and electricity don’t mix, so if there is standing water or electrical damage as well then you need to stay clear. Unclean water can also be a hazard, so keep your pets and children away.

Your second step should be to call in the professionals. The first stage of water damage restoration is drying everything out. That isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Different materials such as carpets, drywall, wood, and insulation need to be handled carefully. If any moisture is trapped inside, you might find yourself living with mold or fungi down the road.

Once the drying process is underway, what happens next can vary. If the water damage comes from a storm or a leaking kitchen pipe, then the process might be fairly straightforward. However, when sewage is involved it can be more complex. Many hazardous substances can’t be cleaned up with normal household cleaners.

As a homeowner, it is often tempting to try and do the work yourself to save money. That can be a great idea in many cases, but not when it comes to water damage restoration. Even a general contractor might miss subtle signs that an expert knows signal big trouble down the road. In some cases, mold can be seen within 48 hours. Without the right equipment, it can be hard to dry things out fast enough.

Water damage restoration isn’t something any homeowner wants to face, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you have a problem, call in our experts to help. We can walk you through the process to make sure that both your home and your family come out in tip top shape.