Why a Timely Response is Vital When Dealing with Water Damage

Water damage can happen unexpectedly, wreaking havoc on your property, belongings, and well-being. The consequences of flooding and excess water can be devastating, whether it’s a burst pipe, a roof leak, or heavy rains and extreme weather. 

Moisture intrusion and water-related disasters cost property owners up to $20 billion each year. And if you live in Chicagoland or the Upper Midwest, studies show that temperatures are getting warmer, precipitation is increasing, and aging infrastructure is more likely to fail.

In such situations, taking action within the first 24-48 hours is paramount to minimizing the extent of the harm and expediting the restoration process. Let’s take a closer look at the significance of a swift response when dealing with flooding and water damage and highlight why time is of the essence when it comes to repairing your home.

Health and Safety Considerations

Standing water can create serious electrical hazards as well as weaken the structural integrity of a building by causing warping and rotting of walls, floors, and foundations. It also attracts mosquitoes and can carry bacteria, chemicals, dangerous debris, and other contaminants. 

There are mainly three categories of water damage in a home:

• Clean or potable water, such as from a broken tap or pipe
• Grey water, from roof leakage or a malfunctioning large appliance
• Blackwater, which comes from a sewer, overflowing river, or hurricane flooding, carries the largest chance of contamination and debris. Basement flooding when the water comes out of a shower drain, toilet, or sewer line is Blackwater.

Many of Chicago’s historic homes feature gorgeous vintage wood flooring or interior wood beam construction which can be particularly susceptible to wet and dry rot after highly concentrated water exposure.

Wet drywall left untreated is the perfect breeding ground for pests and a variety of fungal species. Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus versicolor are most commonly found in water-damaged buildings and P. chrysogenum, while it can also be a source of antibiotics such as penicillin, is also an allergen and pathogen that is closely associated with asthma and other allergy symptoms.

One of the most substantial risks associated with flooding is the potential for mold growth. Mold thrives in moist environments, and within just a day or two, it can start colonizing on damp surfaces. 

Mold infestation poses a variety of health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those with immunodeficiency conditions. Spores and other microscopic organisms can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Timely intervention can contain and remove this harmful material, protecting your health and preserving the integrity of your property. The longer floodwater or excess moisture remains in your home, the greater the chance of permanent damage, contamination, or heartbreaking loss.

Mitigation and Recovery

This type of emergency can wreak havoc on your personal belongings, from furniture and electronics to sentimental items and important documents. Fast action can dramatically increase the chances of salvaging your possessions.

By quickly removing water, employing proper drying techniques, and utilizing specialized restoration equipment, our professionals can assist with recovering your valuable furnishings and beloved home decor before irreversible damage occurs. 

We employ industrial capacity extractors and dehumidifiers, as well as HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration systems to eliminate excess water, dry the affected area thoroughly, then clean and sanitize as much as possible to get your property back to its pre-flood condition. Unfortunately, porous items like couches, carpets, and mattresses can’t always be saved. 

In many cases, insurance companies require policyholders to report water damage promptly to qualify for coverage. Delaying the reporting process can jeopardize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. 

An experienced and compassionate restoration company can help you take immediate action and notify your insurance provider promptly, increasing the likelihood of a successful claim and a smoother restoration process. We’re a preferred provider for top homeowners insurance companies nationwide and can give you the help and guidance you need to navigate this complex process. 

PuroClean of Evanston’s 24/7 emergency response team can be onsite at your home within hours to begin the mitigation and repair journey as soon as possible. 

Getting Peace of Mind

We’re known as “The Paramedics of Property Damage™”, and our trained experts will carefully assess your situation, develop a comprehensive plan, and implement the appropriate techniques quickly and efficiently. This expedites the recovery process, minimizes inconvenience, and gets your home back to normal as soon as possible. 

Water damage caused by flooding, wild weather, or faulty large appliances is a time-sensitive emergency that you should address immediately for the safety and well-being of your family.  
Contacting a professional restoration company like PuroClean of Evanston immediately has many benefits and can save you from unnecessary expenses, health hazards, and prolonged disruption — reach out to us today!