3 Necessary Steps To Combat Secondary Damage

Created on:

June 15, 2020

While the initiating cause of water damage is certainly costly, the aftereffects, should the premises not receive appropriate treatment, can be overwhelmingly devastating. Black mold and structural decay may occur, adding further stress and hardship. Therefore, owners and adjusters in Fort Collins, CO should diligently focus on prevention measures, lowering the price of restoration and reducing the probability of future projects. Here are three steps to help ward off further secondary destruction.


1. Find and Fix the Source


The first priority is to stop additional issues, fixing the original source. That means determining what has caused the high humidity. Did a pipe break? Is there a leak in the roof? Has something gone wrong with the sewer lines? An emergency water restoration company can be trusted to evaluate the premises, identify the trouble and repair it.


2. Minimize Water Damage


Black mold thrives on fluid, especially when the spores are embedded in damp, dark locations; therefore, to avoid growth developing within the walls and floors, water extraction should occur as quickly as possible. Establish barriers. Use negative air chambers to reduce or cut off air flow from affected rooms to other locations. Then, place moisture absorbent products in small, hard-to-reach crevices. Finally, run industrial dehumidifiers, drawing out any excess humidity from the walls and carpets.


3. Remove Contaminated Material


Secondary damage can occur when structural items are left polluted. For this reason, workers should remove heavily ruined porous objects. Take carpeting, for example. If fungus has started growing within it or the underlying pad then intense drying will not be enough. The organisms need to be extracted, reducing the risk of reappearance and spread. This also applies to ceilings, trim and dry wall; over time anything left untouched and harmed could begin to decompose.


If not attended to quickly and efficiently, black mold and dry rot can take root. Therefore, work swiftly to identify why the problem began. Then, work to minimize the impact.

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