Storms are an everyday occurrence here in the Pacific Northwest. If your home suffered water damage during a storm, it’s important to know what steps to take. Furthermore, you need to know who to call for experienced, top-rated water damage restoration services.
What to Expect After a Storm
After a storm occurs, you have to expect water damage and mold. Strong winds can easily lift roof shingles and damage your roof, making it more susceptible to water leaks. This is especially true if your roof was previously damaged but not repaired.
When a ceiling leak occurs in a storm, it can cause water damage to your wooden beams and insulation. In the process, it can destroy your hardwood floors, carpets, drywall, and wallpaper. It can also ruin your clothes, furniture, and anything else on the floor.
The biggest concern after storm-related water damage is mold. Mold is a type of fungi that grows indoors and outdoors. Mold grows in as few as 24 hours after water damage. If you suffered water damage from your ceiling, this puts your attic and the rooms beneath it at risk for mold. Once it develops, it can cause headaches, insomnia, depression, and allergies.
Leaving water damage after a storm untreated is a big mistake and could cost you a lot of time and money.
How to Prevent Water Damage in a Storm
The above scenario doesn’t sound great. But there are steps you can take to prevent a situation like this from happening. First, repair any damage to your roof as soon as it happens. Letting it sit puts it at risk of getting even more damaged in the next storm – which, here in Portland, could be any day.
Next, take time to examine the rest of your house. Look for any cracks or holes around windows and doors. Be on the lookout for water stains on your wall. This could mean the interior of your wall is wet and at risk of mold.
Speaking of mold, you should familiarize yourself with the signs of it. While this doesn’t prevent water damage, it can prevent the effects of water damage from getting worse. The most common signs of mold caused by water damage include:
- Black spots or patches
- Foul, musty odors
- Water stains on walls or wood
If you start coughing or sneezing when you enter a room, it could be another possible symptom of mold.
What to Do After Experiencing Water Damage From a Storm
The steps you’ll take after a storm will depend on the damage. If there is a leak coming from your roof, put a bucket underneath it to collect the water. Then, take photos of the damage and what you’re doing to prevent it from getting worse. You’ll need this for your insurance claim.
Next, get rid of the water. For small water leaks, dry the affected area with a towel until it’s fully dry, and open a window to get some ventilation. For larger water damage caused by excessive rain or flooding, you may need to use buckets to remove the water from the premises. Once all the water has been removed, you’ll want to fully dry the area. Do this by either opening up your windows to get a cross breeze or by turning on a dehumidifier.
Since mold grows in humid environments, a dehumidifier will help remove any excess moisture in the air that can spur mold growth. If you don’t have these tools, a professional water damage restoration company can help.
Why You Need a Water Damage Removal Company
Dealing with water damage yourself can be overwhelming. So, making a call to an experienced water damage restoration service should always be on your list of steps to take.
Often, water damage will occur behind walls or other difficult-to-see places. As such, calling a professional is necessary to remove drywall and disinfect the contaminated area.
Don’t Handle Water Damage Yourself. Call the Team at PNW Restoration For Help!
If your home suffered water damage from a recent storm, we can help. The team at PNW Restoration has years of experience handling the most severe cases of water damage. We will locate and effectively treat the damage to prevent mold growth. Your home is your sanctuary; don’t let it fall victim to unsightly water damage.
Storms are an everyday occurrence in Oregon. But water damage and mold growth don’t have to be. Call PNW Restoration today at 971-247-3470. We offer 24/7 emergency response.
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