It is an unfortunate reality that many people underestimate the potential damage that water can cause even with limited exposure time. Chemistry teaches that water can be either a base or an acid depending on environmental factors, which means that in highly acidic environments, water acts as a base and in low pH environments, water is slightly acidic. The mutable nature of water gives it the ability to carve solid rock to create beautiful natural wonders, but this same ability can also destroy drywall, plumbing materials, and other common building materials. This point, however, is often forgotten when people deal with water damage.
When it comes to water damage, many people simply focus on the top layer of water and do nothing for layers of water that have penetrated the subfloor or been absorbed by the drywall (also known as drywall). and gypsum board) and sill tiles which are usually due to double hitting that they don’t understand the hazards and don’t have the proper extraction equipment. Wikipedia reports that drywall is “easily damaged by exposure to water” and “encourages mold growth.” Although the gypsum board is treated to make it more water resistant, if the gypsum board is punctured or if water collects, such as from water damage, around the unprotected area of the gypsum board, the gypsum board porous will readily absorb and hold water. The longer the absorbed water remains within the gypsum board, the more damage it will cause.
Unlike fire damage which leaves a visible and usually static damage path, water damage can be subtle and can manifest its destruction over a period of time. Unlike the immediate destruction caused by fire, water, similar in many ways to stress, can slowly erode the host until it requires extensive repair at a MUCH higher cost and over a MUCH larger area than the initial exposure. To treat. The subtle nature of water is what causes water damage to be regularly underestimated and therefore not adequately addressed in real-world case scenarios.
Unfortunately, despite the best intentions and valiant efforts of many honorable DIYers, their efforts are in vain as they simply lack the necessary equipment for remediation and such equipment is often not available at their local rental store. At best, these people may have access to a commercial carpet cleaner that can effectively remove the top layer of water, but does little to penetrate the subfloor or remove absorbed water, so they’ll stop when the area feels dry and leave a fan on. This method is very similar to the method employed by remediation professionals in the infancy of the water restoration profession, but was soon discarded as it was quickly shown to be ineffective, at best, and a catalyst for the decay and mold growth, in the worst case. .
The best way to combat water damage and prevent both short-term and long-term devastation caused by water damage is to call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as you find yourself. the damage. While the honorable DIYer will have an unrelenting urge to get their gear out and help the professional water damage restoration company, the best way a DIYer can help the company is by turning off the source. of water damage (if possible), ensuring that the area is free of electrical hazards, and ensuring that the affected area is free of debris and physical hazards (if possible) so that professionals can remove the water as quickly as possible. quickly as possible to minimize restoration time.
The right time is essential for the fastest restoration. Now you know.
