Common Examples of Secondary Water Damage

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Secondary Water Damage: Typical Cases

If your home in Miami Shores, FL becomes flooded with water, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the idea of restoring your home. While primary damage is the direct result of water damage, if water is left to sit, secondary damage, such as black mold growth, can occur.

1. Loss of Personal Items

Though personal items may not be immediately damaged by water, water that is not removed immediately and high humidity can cause some belongings in your home to deteriorate. Items such as chairs, desks and other pieces of furniture may be affected by standing water and high levels of humidity. Belongings made of wood are particularly susceptible to damage as they may rot quickly.

2. Mold Growth

The potential for mold growth is a major concern that is often overlooked when a home is affected by water damage. Since mold most often grows close to water, damp areas with high humidity levels as a result of flooding create the perfect environment for mold. Mold can grow in a matter of days, and black mold, a type of mold that can be particularly hazardous, can cause extensive damage to a home and can create health risks.

3. Structural Damage

Though a pipe leak and minor flooding may seem to be a simple problem to fix, if water is not quickly removed, structural damage can occur. Floors and ceilings can become damaged due to consistent leaks, and in some cases, replacements are necessary. When a flood affects a larger area of your home, everything from drywall to the home’s foundation can become badly damaged if water remains in the area.

Although black mold and other types of secondary damage can cause major damage to your home, quickly removing water from affected areas can help to prevent such damage from occurring. As you begin the cleanup process, you might find it helpful to work with water damage restoration experts.