Water damage can be a menacing foe, inspiring you to take matters into your own hands before it can cause further harm. Unfortunately, as valiant as your efforts are, you don’t have the knowledge or tools to do a thorough job. Doing it yourself may save you a few bucks, but a poor water damage cleanup job can lead to even greater expenses.

But saving money isn’t the only reason to hire a water damage expert. This post will discuss the top five reasons to enlist the help of a professional.

Before that, though, let’s take a quick look at the causes of water damage and the potential risks of not addressing it properly.

Causes of water damage in residential homes

Water damage can have numerous sources, and it is crucial to identify the authority to restore and repair the damage.

Some of the most common causes of water damage include:

• Leaks and drips from plumbing fixtures, appliances, and HVAC systems can cause water damage over time. These types of leaks are often caused by worn-out parts or improper installation.
• Flooding can occur from various factors, including heavy rain, storms, and overflowing bodies of water. Unsurprisingly, flooding can cause significant and extensive water damage to your home.
• Sewer backups can lead to severe water damage with a high risk of contamination. A sewer backup can occur due to blockages in the sewer line or heavy rainfall.
• Burst pipes can cause much structural damage to your property. In addition, pipes can burst due to freezing temperatures, age, and poor maintenance.
• Water-dependent appliances in your home, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters, can malfunction and cause water damage.

Risks of water damage

Water damage may appear like a surface-level problem, but it can severely affect your home and health. The risks of water damage include:

• Structural damage
• Mold and other contaminants
• Health risks
• Electrical and fire hazards
• Loss of personal property
• High repair cost
• Insurance claim denial

Addressing water damage immediately is essential to minimize it and prevent further issues.

The longer water and moisture sit in your home, the more damage they can cause. For example, mold can begin to grow within a day. Likewise, water is more likely to seep into the building structure and foundation, causing more extensive damage.

5 reasons to enlist a water damage expert

When it comes to water damage, hiring a professional is always better than DIY-ing it. Here’s why.

Assessment and identification of damage

Sometimes, water damage may look like a little wet spot on the wall or a stain on the floor, but the problem usually runs more profound than that.

One of the most important reasons to hire a water damage expert is to ensure proper assessment and identification of the damage. Water damage can be tricky; the source of the water or the extent of the damage is only sometimes apparent at first glance.

It’s easy to miss important details and overlook areas needing attention, leading to further damage and mold growth.

Proper assessment and identification of the damage are crucial to developing an effective plan of action for cleanup, repair, and restoration. A professional water damage expert will have the experience, knowledge, and tools to correctly assess and identify the water damage.

Use of advanced tools and equipment

Have you ever tried to remove water from a flooded basement? Or remove a severe mold infestation? Indeed, it’s challenging, if possible, in some cases.

Specialized equipment is necessary for effective, thorough, timely, and safe water damage restoration. Some examples of tools that water damage experts may use include:

• Industrial-grade water pumps and extractors
• High-powered air movers and dehumidifiers
• Infrared cameras and moisture meters
• Specialized disinfectant and antimicrobial treatments
• Protective gear, such as respirators, goggles, and gloves
• Water damage experts not only have access to these advanced tools and equipment, but they also have the proper training and licensing to operate them.
• Insurance claims and documentation

In the aftermath of water damage, it’s essential to have a professional to help you navigate the insurance claims process and ensure that you receive the appropriate coverage.

Water damage can be expensive to repair and restore, and your homeowners’ insurance policy typically covers it. However, the process can often be convoluted, lengthy, and messy. In addition, the insurance company will require detailed documentation of the damage and proof that the work was done by a professional.

A water damage expert can provide and organize all the necessary damage documentation. This includes photographs, moisture readings, and an inventory of the affected items.

Moreover, a water damage expert can provide accurate estimates of the repair costs, which will be helpful when making an insurance claim.

Cleanup, restoration, and repair services

Addressing water damage can involve cleanup, restoration, and repair. These processes may require varied expertise and expertise and cannot be done by one person, especially a novice.

Cleanup services typically involve removing standing water, debris, and damaged materials, preventing secondary damage and mold growth. Restoration services include drying and dehumidifying the affected area and performing necessary demolition or reconstruction. Repair services entail fixing any structural damage or malfunctioning systems caused by water damage, such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems.

Hiring a water damage expert ensures that the cleanup, restoration, and repair services are performed to great standards. These professionals will have the necessary experience, skills, and equipment to do the job.

Prevention of mold growth and contamination

Mold growth is a common problem associated with water damage. Mold thrives in humid and moist environments. Once it spreads, mold can cause serious health problems and damage your property.

Unfortunately, once mold spores settle in your home, they can multiply (within 24-48 hours). Moreover, mold is difficult to identify and locate, and removing it requires a thorough inspection and deep cleaning.

Water damage experts will be able to identify and address the conditions conducive to mold growth. They can use specialized equipment such as moisture meters and infrared cameras to spot mold, no matter how well-hidden.

They will then use industry-grade dehumidifiers, other air treatment equipment, specialized disinfectants, and antimicrobial treatments to remove the mold permanently.

In conclusion, water damage can be a tricky, overwhelming, and expensive problem. But don’t let these hurdles get you down.

Instead of trying to handle it on your own, consider enlisting the help of a water damage expert. These trained and experienced professionals have the proper knowledge, resources, and skills for effective water damage cleanup.

By relying on these experts, you can save yourself the time, money, and headaches that come with trying to do DIY water damage cleanup.