Water damage can devastate your property; drying out your walls and floors should be an immediate priority. But how can you do it safely and effectively?
Although flooding is every building owner’s worst nightmare, many don’t realise the effects that water damage can have on their property and health if neglected. It can destroy a site’s structural integrity, walls, floors, furniture, and appliances, as well as your health, if not addressed before it’s too late. What’s worse, water seeps into small, hard-to-reach areas, which not only makes the task of finding the extent of the damage worse but is another hidden repair that will continue to cost you money.
Drying out the walls fast is a must to help prevent further structural damage. They may look okay to the naked eye, but water reaches the insides of walls and behind walls which continues to cause damage.
We know that all this talk about water damage sounds scary. But the great news is, it doesn’t have to be. If you have suffered a flood in the home or at work, there are ways to successfully dry out walls which we will discuss in this blog.
Causes of Water Damage
Let’s first go over some common causes of water damage and its effects on your home.
Homes are susceptible to water damage from various sources, which can include:
- Leaky roofs
- Burst pipes
- Leaking dishwashers
- Foundation cracks
- Flooding
- Overflowing washing machines
- Poorly laid exterior siding
- Faulty gutters
- Sump pump failure
- Water heater malfunctions
Whenever there is a way for water to enter your home, you welcome the risk of water damage.
The Impact Of Water Damage
As you are probably already aware, one of the worst effects of water damage is mould and mildew spreading. It can grow in waterlogged areas within just a few days.
Water damage combined with mould will not only eat away at your building’s structural integrity but also threaten your health.
To make matters worse, the effects of water damage and mould can depend on the type of water causing the damage.
3 Categories of Water
There are three different categories of water, which can all change the possible health and water damage risks.
- Category 1 water: Clean water that does not pose an immediate health risk.
- Category 2 water: Grey water which contains contaminants (chemical, biological, or physical) stands to pose a slight health risk.
- Category 3 water: Black water that is extremely dirty and unsanitary is more than likely to cause serious health risks.
That’s not to say that clean water can’t be dangerous. With time and exposure to air, dust, and other contaminants, it will become grey water and, eventually black water. Therefore, containing the extent of existing water damage and beginning the clean-up and restoration process is of the utmost importance.
How to Prevent Water Damage
There are various ways of preventing water from entering your property.
Doing so will inevitably save you time, money, and stress if you ever have a flood or experience heavy rainfall.
Ensure you have proper drainage systems
Inadequate water drainage can cause foundation issues.
Water damage to the foundation weakens its structure. It can lead to cracking and uneven settling, creating new avenues for water to enter your property. Therefore, checking for leaks regularly is best, especially in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
You can help ensure water doesn’t seep into a building by regularly inspecting gutters. In addition, having a professional inspect your roof every few years to ensure no damage has been done is recommended.
Ensure your sump pump is working soundly
Your sump pump is your property’s first defence against water damage. A sump pump is a small, submersible pump that helps remove excess water around your foundation and basement. Sump pumps are generally placed in a pit dug at the lowest level of your basement or crawl space and activated when enough water has accumulated to raise the float switch.
Suppose your building is in an area with a high water table, or you experience regular flooding, or you have had significant leaks in the past. In that case, we urge you to get a sump pump installed by a professional as soon as possible.
We also recommend testing your sump pump regularly to ensure its functioning correctly and can do its job when called upon.
Take care of leaks and repair damage immediately
You must take care of all leaks as soon as possible, no matter how small they may be. Leaks cause severe water damage over time, so it’s best not to ignore them.
If you have cracks in your foundation, seal them with hydraulic cement as soon as possible.
How To Dry Out Walls After Water Damage
Once you’ve found and addressed the water source, it’s time to start drying out your property.
The first step is to remove any sitting water. Depending on the extent of the water damage, you may be able to do this with a wet/dry vacuum.
If there’s too much water for a wet/dry vacuum, you’ll have to start by removing the water with a sump pump. Once you’ve removed as much as possible, it’s time to dry your walls.
The best way to do this is with a combination of fans and dehumidifiers. Place the fans pointing inwards at the base of the wall and the dehumidifiers about a foot away from the wall on the floor.
If you have access to an industrial-strength fan, this will speed up the drying process. You can rent industrial fans and dehumidifiers from most hardware stores.
Once your walls are dry, you can start repairing any damage.
We know it’s not always possible to repair the damage immediately. Still, the sooner you take care of it, the better. Water damage only worsens over time, so the sooner you address it, the minor damage there will be.
We hope this guide was helpful. If you have other questions or need professional help, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help 24/7! Vinci Response offers water damage cleanup and restoration services across the South East. Our restoration professionals are always here to help you with all your water damage needs. Contact us today for a free quote!
