Water damage, especially the type caused by floods, can create expensive and time-consuming problems. The damage to your home itself is the first and most obvious issue. However, don’t forget about the health hazards caused by flood damage as you look over your home.
Fungus and Mold
Fungi and mold species love a moist environment. Upholstered furniture, curtains, and even hard-to-see areas like the hollow space between walls can absorb moisture. This dampness can be held onto for weeks or longer. Fungus and mold can result in skin and eye irritation even for people not sensitive to them. For those with asthma and allergies, their conditions can get much worse.
Hidden Structural Damage
A section of drywall that may look fine can begin to warp or crack over time. Before you know it, the wall may be compromised and at risk of dropping on someone’s unwary head. These issues can also crop up with the floor and even ceiling tiles. The flood may not have touched that area, but the water soaking into your home can badly degrade the material.
Toxic Buildup
Floodwaters aren’t just composed of H2O. They also contain:
- dirt
- garbage washed in from the gutters
- overflowing sewage from nearby broken sewer lines
- pesticides and fertilizers leaching out of your lawn
- and other hazards
The standing water in your home will eventually evaporate, leaving behind toxic traces that need to be safely removed. Even if you can’t smell anything, it’s a good idea to wear a breathing mask when in the home.
Debris From Inside and Outside
Your previously flooded home may have hazards including:
- broken window glass
- bits of furniture
- sticks
- nails that worked free of the walls
- dangerous, broken electronics
If you get cut by one of these objects, whatever bacteria or toxic substances are on them will get transferred into your body. Work boots and thick gloves are a must here. A property restoration company is the best option for cleaning up flood damage safely–if you’re looking for water damage restoration services or an odor removal company, then contact the team at BROADCO Property Restoration today.