Water can be an incredibly damaging force for Bay Area homeowners, especially in a city prone to frequent rain and humidity. Homeowners need to be aware of the potential water damage that may occur in their homes and the best ways to prevent it.
Bay Area water damage restoration can be a daunting task. You will find it hard to know who to turn to for help when your home is in disarray. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available, and one of the most reputable restoration providers is Restoration Bay, which has a proven track record of mitigating these types of issues with zero tolerance.
Here are four essential facts for Bay Area homeowners to know about water damage:
Sewage Damage
The first thing Bay Area homeowners should know about water damage is what type of water is causing the damage. Sewage damage from overflowing sewers is the most common type of water damage in the Bay Area. Sewage damage can occur due to blocked pipes, leaking pipes, or other plumbing failures.
It can also be caused by a severe storm or by groundwater rising unexpectedly. Water damage can often be accompanied by strong odors. Therefore, it’s vital to take steps to contain the contaminated water to prevent it from spreading further.
It’s essential to act quickly in the event of sewage water damage. Even small amounts of sewage water can cause serious health problems if left to sit. Professional help from reputable agencies like Restoration Bay should always be called upon to deal with the situation immediately to prevent future contamination. The first step we will take is to remove the contaminated items from the affected area. It could mean anything from furniture and clothing to carpeting and drywall.
Once the contaminated items get removed, the next step is to begin the cleanup process. Our experts begin by using specialized vacuums and pump to remove the contaminated water from your home. Once the water is gone, the area will be sanitized and deodorized and then dried out completely. It will prevent the growth of mold or mildew due to the remaining moisture in the air.
Floor Drying
Bay Area homeowners should also be aware of the criticality of drying out soaked floors quickly. Severe water damage may occur when carpets and wooden floors are exposed to water and not dried out properly and on time. It may result in warped floors, ruined carpets, and peeling paint on walls.
When dealing with wet carpets, the first step you need to take is to extract as much water as possible. We at Restoration Bay do it with a combination of professional-grade tools like vacuums and extractors.
Once the water is out, the area needs to be dried as soon as possible. Also, we perform it with industrial-grade fans, which can force dry and warmer air onto the affected area. Another method is to use dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the air and reduce the relative humidity in the room.
It is essential to use the proper professional-grade tools for this purpose since most domestic tools are not powerful enough to dry out the area properly. It may take several days to ensure that all moisture is gone and prevent issues like mold growth or a weakened structure.
Basement Leaking
Basement leaking caused by excess humidity is also a common problem in the Bay Area. Water tends to build up in basements because of the lower temperature and lack of air circulation. It may result in pools of standing water, mold growth, and feeble foundations.
The area should be properly sealed and waterproofed to prevent water damage due to basement leaking. It should include adding a protective sealant to the exterior of the foundation, apart from installing drainage systems and sump pumps. Seepage should also be stopped by sealing cracks and other openings with waterproofing agents.
In addition to waterproofing, we also consider proper ventilation. Ventilation helps reduce humidity levels and keep moisture from building up in the locality. We perform this activity by installing exhaust fans or opening windows to draw in outside air.
Commercial Water Damage
Commercial water damage is yet another issue that Bay Area residents may face, and it’s essential to take extra steps to protect your property from water damage from neighboring businesses. If you’re sharing a wall with a neighboring business, water can seep into your home from improperly maintained pipes or faulty insulation.
Moreover, following a major storm, water from the adjacent commercial outlets could cause water seepage into your building through vulnerable points in the foundation or walls. To prevent this situation, it’s always necessary to inspect your walls and foundation for any potential weaknesses and establish a clear line of communication with your neighboring business owners to ensure that their pipes and insulation are properly maintained.
Conclusion
Bay Area homeowners should be aware of the must-know water damage facts in their localities. Sewage damage can carry serious health risks and should be dealt with by a professional like Restoration Bay immediately. Floor drying is also very critical to prevent damage to carpets, wood, and paint. Basement leaking can be prevented by waterproofing the area and improving ventilation. You can minimize commercial water damage by performing periodic inspections of the surroundings. Knowing these facts and acting on them quickly can help protect your home from water damage and its adverse consequences.
