Water Damage Restoration Mistakes Bentonville Homeowners Make

Water damage can occur at the most inconvenient times. While you might be tempted to handle the cleanup on your own, you can easily just make the situation worse.. Understanding the impact water damage can have on your property and the process it takes to recover can help you to prevent and address water damage. Mistakes can have long-term consequences, which is why it is essential to have professional water damage restoration companies help navigate the disaster of water damage.

The Risks of DIY Water Damage Restoration

One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make when water damage occurs is to try to handle it themselves. Any mistake in the restoration process can result in expensive and dangerous problems later on. In DIY attempts, failing to remove all moisture is a crucial step where many fail. Lingering moisture seeps into materials and creates environments for mold or mildew to take root and spread throughout the home. This can result in health hazards and damaged materials. Mold and mildew are hard to remove and require professional remediation to properly handle the cleaning process. Any remaining water can also compromise the structure of a home. Water damage weakens materials as it penetrates porous surfaces. Water removal isn’t just surface level. Professional water damage restoration companies are able to clean water up and completely dry out affected areas for a complete restoration.

Delaying the Restoration Process

Many people underestimate the speed at which water can seep into materials like walls, insulation, wood, and even carpet. When water damage occurs, there is no time to waste. The longer you wait to address water damage, the more extreme the damage becomes. Even though water may seem to have dried up on the surface, when it becomes trapped in walls, floors, and ceilings, it can remain for long periods of time. Not only does a delay in restoration cause more damage, but it can also negatively impact filing insurance claims. Calling water damage restoration professionals in Bentonville is the best way to ensure that you have an immediate response to navigating the restoration process to protect your home and health.

Ignoring Mold Growth

Ignoring mold growth is one of the most dangerous mistakes homeowners can make in attempting DIY water damage restoration methods. Mold spores only need 24-48 hours to begin growing mold and spreading. Not only does mold cause physical damage, but it poses serious health risks to occupants. Scrubbing at visible mold spores might remove visible evidence of mold growth, but it does not remove or decontaminate the microscopic spores that are left behind within porous materials and the air. Professional water damage restoration companies have an understanding of the importance of addressing mold remediation. They know and implement industry standards to help prevent health concerns that are a result of mold growth occurring within your home.

Inability to Properly Clean Up Contaminants

When you have to clean up water damage, it is important to know that not all water damage is the same. Depending on what the source of water damage is, the water can have contaminants in it that are hazardous. Floods and sewage backups are prime examples of water that can bring contaminated materials into your home. Water damage that is categorized as grey or black water can be full of bacteria, chemicals, or even sewage, and it requires special treatment. Harmful microorganisms can grow on materials and put occupants at risk. Contaminated water requires the correct knowledge and equipment to assess the damage and follow protocols to handle hazardous materials. Bentonville homeowners should only allow trained professionals to handle the restoration of dangerous water damage.