Long-Term Storm Damage

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Most property owners have the misconception that post-storm water damage will dry naturally. The reality is that leaving water damage in your Dedham, Ma commercial or residential property to dry over time may result in long-term property damage.

Flooring Failure

Water that seeps into your  property and floods your flooring can sink through carpets and padding. The result is a damp rug that is slow to dry. But what happens if the rug feels dry to the touch?

In some cases, you can dry and restore storm-damaged or flooded carpeting. This does not mean you should attempt to save your carpets without help. Failure to properly dry the carpets or the padding underneath can cause additional problems for what lies underneath.

A regular vacuum will not pull water from under the carpet's surface and a Shop Vac may not get all of the water. Likewise, a fan or other type of similar drier will not reach beneath into the padding. This means what may feel like a completely dry carpet can hide a wet, moldy, or dirty carpet pad. If you have wood flooring under your carpets, a damp pad could cause structural damage over time.

The longer the moisture sits on the wood floor, the more likely the cellulose fibers in the material will soak up excess water. This can warp the wood and cause permanent damage. While other types of flooring, such as tile, may not warp, the constant presence of water can still cause problems.

Faulty Furniture

Your flooring is not the only part of your property that is subject to the long-term effects of storm-related water damage. If water or moisture remains on your furniture too long it can also cause permanent damage. The type of damage your furniture sustains after a flood or storm depends on what it is made from. Water will soak through furniture made of wood or that is upholstered into the padding underneath. This can result in internal mold growth or damage the frame. Completely drying furniture or removing spotting caused by water damage requires the help of professional restoration experts. 

Weak Walls

Water damage can extend from the floors and furniture to the walls of your property. Like with other types of water damage, the longer moisture sits on your walls, the higher the likelihood that your property will have permanent problems such as mold growth, warping, or other similar issues.

Like with flooring, a dry wall surface does not always mean it is free from moisture. Long-term water exposure can result in seepage through drywall or plaster. The underlying wood and other building materials can warp or rot. This can cause serious or extensive structural issues. A restoration professional can evaluate the situation and create a treatment plan.

To prevent long-term damage to your commercial or residential property and its contents after suffering storm damage contact SERVPRO of Norwood/West Roxbury. Call (781) 769-9125 and our Disaster Remediation Team will make it, "Like it never even happened."