Depending on what area of the country you live in, you may be more familiar with certain types of weather events that cause flooding. Hurricanes, heavy rains, and flash flooding from melting ice are just a few to mention.
In 2016, Louisiana experienced an abnormal weather event that caused days and days of flooding. This wasn’t a hurricane and wasn’t expected, yet the damage done by flooding was catastrophic. People went to hotels or stayed with friends for months while their homes were repaired.
Unfortunately, some of the buildings were fixed in a hastened manner and not all issues were taken care of. We have compiled five ways flood damage can affect your home in less than obvious ways. Keep reading for more information!
Vanities, Tubs, and Toilets
If you’ve had flood water in your home, it probably reached at least one bathroom. Unfortunately, just because your shower gets wet a few times a day, it doesn’t mean it can stand against flood waters on the exterior.
This goes for vanities and toilets as well. Failing to remove these fixtures could result in mold growth within days.
Electrical Wiring
Water and electricity don’t mix – we all know this. Before deciding to use outlets or switches in your home, ask a contractor for an inspection of the wiring.
If the flooding has been caused by a saltwater surge (think hurricane), outlets and switches need to be replaced. This is because salt water is extremely corrosive.
Foundation Water Damage
In Gulf Coast states, the soil is comprised mainly of clay – and homes are built on concrete slabs. When this clay is saturated, it expands unevenly and may cause slabs to break or crack.
This uneven expansion can also cause pipes to burst, creating another major problem.
Even if you don’t live in an area with clay-like dirt, the soil beneath your home can still swell and affect your home’s foundation.
Home Goods
Your home isn’t just a structure that shelters your family – it houses appliances and furniture as well. During a major flood, the majority of furniture must be thrown away.
This is also true for appliances as the electric wiring and motors have likely been affected by water.
Although it may seem like the flood was ‘just water,’ it’s far from it. Most flood waters carry bacteria from sewage, making it smelly and dangerous to be around.
Deadly Mold
It seems like mold growth would be obvious, but even the best attempts at drying out home are futile. Flood water can get into every crack, cranny, and crevice in your home.
Most of those cracks and crevices are porous materials like insulation, drywall, and carpet, meaning each of these things must be removed. This is typically best done by professionals who take your family’s safety into considerations.
Flood Damage and You
If you’ve recently experienced flood damage, keep your head up – things will get better. In the meantime, it’s imperative that you act quickly in order to rebuild and save your home.
The process to repair your home is going to be difficult, but it will be worth it.
You’ll be receiving all types of advice over the next few months, but when you’re ready for truthful, professional help, contact us!