Think You Don't Need Water Damage Restoration? Think Again.

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Paint over it? It may look better, but if the underlying source isn't fixed, this water damage may cause bigger problems in the future.

When you find water stains on your walls or ceiling, you might not think you need water damage restoration service. You might just paint over them. That dripping pipe under your sink? Stick a bucket under there. Out of sight, out of mind. Right?

Many homeowners don't think they need professional water restoration for a minor amount of damage. Maybe you think it's expensive or disruptive. Or maybe it's something you'll get around to. But minor problems can become major headaches if left unaddressed!

Here are three reasons to call SERVPRO of North Hollywood for water damage restoration if you discover water damage to your property.

Water Damage Causes Mold

Mold requires four things to grow. The first is oxygen, which is in ample supply. Second, mold needs warmth. Living in Los Angeles, warmth isn't a problem, especially during the summer.

Third, mold needs an organic surface, something that is biodegradable because it was alive. Guess what? Most of the materials in your home qualify. Wood flooring, ceiling tiles, drywall, doors, window frames... all are capable hosts for mold spores.

Last but not least, mold needs moisture. It doesn't rain much in Los Angeles, but mold doesn't need much. Just a high level of relative humidity, which is highest in Los Angeles during these summer months, is enough.

Of course, rain isn't the only source of dampness. A leaky pipe, condensation from an air conditioner or an overzealous sprinkler can provide an ample supply of moisture for mold to thrive.

Mold growth can begin within 24-48 hours. And if your home has central air, mold can also quickly spread. Mold exposure may cause health effects, so the sooner a water restoration and mold remediation tech fixes the problem, the better!

Increased Risk for Fire Damage

H2O and electricity shouldn't mix. If you find water damage to your walls, near an outlet or electrical appliances, finding, and stopping, the source of dampness is vital.

If moisture does come in contact with wiring or other electrical components, it can cause corrosion. Over time, the damage stops the outlet or appliance from working, necessitating a visit from an electrician.

Plus, water conducts electricity, which means if a human or animal comes in contact with it, they may get an electrical shock. While a shock may not be lethal, it is painful! If you or anyone in your family suffers an electrical burn, seek medical help right away.

Lastly, damp wires can cause a short circuit. While modern homes and appliances have circuit breakers or fuses to mitigate shorts, they are still a serious fire risk. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical fires caused 6.3% of all residential fires between 2014 and 2016.

It Gets Worse With Time

Covering up water damage doesn't fix it. If the problem's source isn't addressed, it will get worse over time. In fact, less than 24 hours is all it takes for water to cause significant damage to your property.

Besides being an eyesore, water damage could cause structural weaknesses. In other words, that little bit of discoloration may lead to a hole in your ceiling, floor or wall. Or worse, if moisture seeps into a crawl space or basement, it can erode support beams and cause cracks in the foundation.

The average cost to repair your home's foundation is over $4,000 according to HomeAdvisor. As Benjamin Franklin once advised, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Call SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration

Don't take the chance that a minor expense or inconvenience becomes a major problem. SERVPRO of North Hollywood is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond fast to any size water damage disaster.

Our water damage restoration techs are IICRC certified with advanced technology for moisture detection, extraction and drying. Call us to clean up and restore your property from water damage “Like it never even happened.”