Our Reputation for Great Work Precedes Us

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

Your restoration project requires the necessary equipment.

Nobody wants to have to deal with water, fire, or mold damage. As a homeowner, you want to fix this situation as soon as possible, so you might have the urge to deal with it yourself. However, it's important to recognize what you can do yourself and what you have to leave up to the professionals.

If you're dealing with water, fire, or mold damage, being proactive about fixing it is the right mindset to have. But for things like this, it's best not to delay and call the pros. Read on to find out why.

Why Shouldn't I Ignore Water Damage?

1. Mold and Mildew Can Appear in Your Home

The appearance of mold and mildew can be quite worrying. Water damage leads to excessive dampness within your house, making it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Mold and mildew are not only aesthetically unappealing but can also structurally damage your house. Mold eats away at your house's materials and can damage them over time. Inhaling mold is also toxic to humans, especially those with mold allergies.

2. Your Home May Suffer from Compromised Structural Integrity

Water can damage the materials of your house, like wood and foundation. Cracks in the walls might be just superficial damage or tell-tale signs that something is structurally unstable within those walls. Therefore, it is advisable to call a professional to evaluate and confirm.

3. You May Suffer Damage to Electrical Parts

Water and electricity are a dangerous combo. If you let the water cause electrical damage, it can put your and your family's safety at risk. If your basement was recently flooded, this warning is doubly important.

Why Shouldn't I Ignore Fire Damage?

1. So You Can Get Back to Your Normal Routine

Fire damage is one of the most serious types of structural damage that your home can sustain. When all or part of your home has burnt down, it can make it very difficult to go on with everyday activities.

Time is key when it comes to dealing with fire damage. You want to get the ball rolling as fast as you can simply because it'll give you peace of mind to return to your normal routine.

Why Shouldn't I Ignore Mold Damage?

1. Mold Can Harm Your Health

We mentioned mold in the water damage section, but it deserves a section of its own. The appearance of mold isn't usually something that you're on a tight clock to fix, but that's exactly why mold causes so much trouble. People ignore it because it's not urgent until it becomes urgent.

You can breathe in mold spores, which can cause you to have headaches, mild allergic reactions, a sore throat, etc. You might be feeling unwell and not know why. This is twice as important for people with mold allergies and sensitivities, who suffer much more severe reactions.

2. It Can Cause Structural Damage

When mold is ignored - and it often is - it tends to proliferate and spread to other areas of the house. Mold uses the material that it's on as sustenance, consuming it to grow.

There have been cases where wood beams or walls have collapsed due to mold. While your case may not be as extreme, don't put off dealing with the mold in your home until it becomes so.

If you're dealing with any of these damages, your first instinct may be to try and tackle the issue yourself. However, doing so can often lead to further damage and increased costs down the line. If you're in the East Baton Rouge and Ascension parishes, call the professionals at SERVPRO to handle these issues for you so that you can get back to your life as soon as possible.