What You Need to Know When Dealing with Water Damage

No one likes to think about it. Everyone believes it could never happen to them. However, you don’t have to live in a flood zone to experience flooding or water damage. As a matter of fact, one of the leading causes of water damage is in everyone’s home. Your water heater leaking, breaking, or bursting can cause severe water damage in your home. Additionally, low-quality pipe work and bad plumbing can lead to extensive water damage that you don’t even know about until it’s too late.

If you’re experiencing water damage to your home in Woodstock, and you aren’t sure how to handle it, it’s time to get informed on your options.

1. What’s Happening?

First of all, water damage doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve had a flood. You could be dealing with a slow leak that is causing water damage and mold in Woodstock. That’s right, mold. While many types of mold and mildew are virtually harmless (they can affect your allergies and respiratory system), black mold can lead to serious health issues, and it spreads very quickly. Look for signs of black mold in the areas affected by water damage. If you don’t see black mold immediately, you should continue to monitor the affected areas, even after you’ve cleaned everything.  

2. What You Should Do

If your water damage isn’t very severe, and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of mold, you can always take on the task of cleaning it up on your own. If black mold does occur, however, it’s essential to remove the area that is affected because of its ability to spread so fast. That means you’ll have to take out sections of your walls, floors, and cabinetry. This can be incredibly painstaking, and it’s often recommended to seek a professional in order to ensure that all of the mold is removed (remember, it spreads quickly). While you might try to take on the task of restoration yourself, it’s always a good idea to get an estimate from a professional. Not only will they know exactly where to look (places you might not have even thought about), you will be able to ask them questions to get more educated on the topic.

If you are experiencing water damage and mold in Woodstock, you should call a professional for a consultation and/or estimate. Talk to your insurance company to make sure you are covered.