Water Damaged Building Materials

by | Oct 31, 2017 | Water Damage, Restoration | 1 comment

We often associate water damaged building materials with inundation or flooding of homes with wild weather and big storms. However, broken water supply lines, appliance failures and damaged roofing allows water to spread through the property. It may also cause severe water damage to building materials and eventually lead to flooding.

Clean water (category 1) is considered such when it doesn’t pose a threat to humans (contaminated with sewage and bacteria). However, quick action needs to be taken to avoid further damage and possible mould growth.

knee high water flooded kitchen

Water Damage On Building Materials Within Minutes…

Water spreads to other areas rapidly, damaging flooring, walls, furniture and contents on its way. More specifically, wood and metal furniture as well as carpet can be stained and discoloured. Paper goods will more likely swell and split and become un-restorable.

Water Damage On Building Materials Within Hours…

Furniture will deteriorate and swell, water will also begin to penetrate walls and building materials, causing a musty odour. Please note that the water damage involving clean water at the start may quickly become a grey water situation. Once clean water comes in contact with other surfaces and materials, they will start dissolving and release contaminants. This in turn will change the category of the water from clean to grey.

Within Days…

Clean water categories will be upgraded to grey water. Around this time mould will begin to grow, along with a very strong musty odour impacting the Indoor Air Quality. Furniture, plasterboard and other porous building materials will continue to swell and disintegrate. Furthermore, electronic components are affected and may malfunction.

Within Weeks…

The grey water category will become completely unsanitary and turn into a black water category (extremely dangerous conditions). Chemicals and other contaminants from building materials and furniture breaks down, dispersing out into the water. Not only will it contribute to water contamination, but also the discoloration and destruction; compromising all building materials as well as contents. Mould will continue its growth, spreading spores, dramatically affecting Indoor Air Quality. Correct Personal Protection Equipment is required to enter such contaminated area.

In conclusion, time is crucial when a disaster such as flooding occurs at your property. The quicker your water damaged house is seen to by a water restoration specialist company, the easier the recovery process is going to be.

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