When water damage strikes, many Greater Seattle homeowners grab towels, fans, and shop vacuums because they feel an urgency to begin cleaning up right away. Although quick action is important, DIY water damage cleanup often creates the illusion that everything is okay. If the area appears dry on the outside, there are still pockets of moisture that remain deep inside walls, floors, insulation, and other structural materials.
In Greater Seattle, because of the large number of days with heavy rain and high humidity, aging plumbing, as well as construction methods using crawl spaces, the effects of water damage can develop into a significant problem very quickly or remain hidden for some time. Understanding when DIY cleanup is no longer effective and when to call in the professionals for water damage restoration in Greater Seattle will help protect your home, your family’s health, and your finances.
Overview of What DIY Water Damage Cleanup Will Provide (and What It Won’t)
Typically, when cleaning up after water damage, homeowners will remove any visible standing water from the home and dry off any surfaces with fans. Most homeowners will also use paper towels to wipe down the affected area. If the water damage is from a small spill, it may be possible to dry out the area sufficiently to avoid further issues.
For minor water damage incidents, such as a sink overflow, a homeowner may be able to clean up the area quickly and thoroughly prior to any damage occurring to the walls and/or flooring. However, most homeowners will not be able to reach down into the walls, subfloors, insulation, or any other framing material to remove all of the moisture trapped within those materials. DIY approaches do not extend far enough into compromised materials once water has penetrated them.
There is no substitute for using Water Damage Restoration Experts to detect and control moisture that isn’t visible, as most of the long-term damage to properties is caused by moist areas hidden away from view.
How Water Travels Through Your House
Water follows the laws of physics; it continues down the path that has the least resistance, and it travels behind walls, under floors, and in crawl spaces before damage can become visible to the naked eye.
Often, while you are waiting for stains, odors, or signs of damage to occur, the moisture has already spread throughout your property, particularly in enclosed spaces found in Seattle-area houses constructed with wood.
The fact that you can see through to a wall or floor does not mean that the materials underneath no longer have moisture left in them.
Although a surface will feel completely dry, there may still be moisture trapped under the surface, which creates favorable conditions for mold growth and deterioration of the material.
Because of the vast differences in weather patterns and the way moisture accumulates in different regions, Water Damage Restoration Companies in Greater Seattle rely on specialized equipment, including thermal imaging and moisture meters, to find all traces of moisture left behind by the DIY cleanup process.
The Need for Caution: The Risk of Mold Growth
Mold can start growing as quickly as 24 to 48 hours after a water-induced flooding event. The cool air mass of the Greater Seattle Area can significantly speed up the growth of mold, even after you’ve removed a significant amount of water from the area.
You have a greater risk of developing a mold problem if you attempt to restore and clean up your own property without the expertise of a Water Damage Restoration Company.
The Health Risks from Mold
Mold spores reduce the quality of indoor air and may cause individuals to experience allergic reactions, chronic respiratory conditions, headaches, and fatigue. Individuals who are most susceptible to mold include children, seniors, and individuals with compromised immune systems, who are more at risk of developing asthma and other respiratory conditions as a result of exposure to mold and its spores.
Once mold is discovered, it is vital to have it safely removed by a qualified Water Damage Restoration Company. Never overlook the structural problems caused by water damage.
Building Materials Will Be Compromised by Extended Contact with Water
Extended contact with moisture can result in crumbling drywall, rotting wood, and warped flooring. Over the course of an extended period, all of this will weaken the structural integrity of your home.
Sagging ceilings, softening floors, and deteriorating wall framing are common after extended exposure to moisture and will occur even when there are no obvious indicators.
Hazards Associated with DIY Clean-Up After Water Damage
When materials are wet, they pose an increased risk of collapse, slips, and injury. Attempting to perform a DIY cleanup in an area that has been affected by water damage without the proper training and equipment could pose a danger to the cleanup worker.
A professional restoration team will apply the proper techniques and equipment to stabilize your structure before beginning repairs.
Electrical Hazards from Water Damage
Water damage will have an effect on electrical outlets, wiring, and the various types of electrical panels commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, and within walls.
DIY cleanup around electrical components that have been affected by water poses an increased risk of shock and fire due to electricity not being appropriately contained.
If water has flooded electrical systems, do not engage in continued DIY cleanup efforts. Immediately contact a water damage restoration team that works within the Greater Seattle, Washington area, and will coordinate the cleanup process with local licensed electricians.
Types of Water Damage That Are Not Safe for DIY Clean-Up
Water that has come into contact with sewage, toilets, drains, or storm flooding can carry millions of bacteria, dangerous chemicals, and disease-causing pathogens. This means it is essential to have specialized equipment and sanitation techniques used by a professional restoration team. Performing DIY cleanup of contaminated water presents an immediate threat to your health.
If you have been experiencing water damage for longer than 24 hours or if you have no idea where it came from, do not attempt to clean it up yourself. More than likely, you will have hidden moisture and contamination.
Indications of When to Call Professionals
You will want to call Water Damage Restoration Near Me as soon as you notice:
• Musty odors that won’t go away
• Water stains that are getting larger or returning
• Warped, bubbling, or soft floor or wall surfaces
• Multiple rooms have been affected
• Mold has started to grow
• Standing water that has been present for more than a few hours
These signs indicate that the damage has gone beyond the need for surface cleaning.
How Water Damage Restoration Is Done by Professionals
- Industrial Drying and Extraction
They utilize high-powered, industrial-grade equipment for drying and extraction by using both commercial and industrial equipment. They utilize specialized air movers that are able to move air at high rates to remove moisture from walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and more.
- Moisture Detection and Monitoring
Professionals utilize continuous moisture monitoring to ensure that all moisture has been completely removed and to prevent mold growth and re-entry of damage before providing repairs. This is extremely important in the humid climate of Greater Seattle.
- Insurance Considerations to Remember
You can lose coverage or reduce your claim if you perform your own restoration. Many insurance policies require prompt and proper mitigation and can deny coverage or reduce your claim if failures are caused as a result of the use of inadequate equipment or automation. Document everything and use a professional restoration service.
Restoration professionals assist in the filing of insurance claims by documenting water damage, measuring moisture levels within your home, and providing progress reports for drying and restoration efforts. This documentation can help minimize disagreements about which items deserve compensation and how much.
Cost Comparison Between DIY Water Damage Cleanup vs Professional Restoration
While doing your own cleaning may seem cost-effective in the short term, if you miss or fail to remove moisture from certain areas, you will likely end up paying for mold remediation, repeated repairs, and higher long-term costs than you would have paid had you hired a professional restoration company.
What seems like an inexpensive option could turn out to be one of your most expensive mistakes.
Professional restoration companies handle everything related to the cleanup and restoration of your home from the very beginning of the water damage incident, which minimizes the potential for additional damage, protects the home value, and ultimately reduces future repair costs.
Why Speed Is Important When it Comes to Water Damage Restoration
Because of Seattle’s frequent rain and high humidity, it takes much longer for moisture to evaporate than it does in most other climates, allowing water to spread throughout your home and create conditions for mold to grow much faster than in drier climates.
The sooner you contact a professional restoration service after experiencing water damage in Greater Seattle, WA, the less severe the damage you will likely have to deal with.
Questions Commonly Asked About DIY Water Damage Cleanup
- Can I Do My Own Water Damage Cleanup for Small Amounts of Water That Have Accumulated?
Yes, if you are dealing with clean water, a small area, and you dry the area completely within a few hours after cleanup. - How Long Does It Take for Mold to Begin Growing After Water Damage?
Mold can begin to grow as soon as 24 to 48 hours after water damage has occurred if moisture remains in the affected area. - Is It Sufficient Just to Use Fans and Dehumidifiers on Wet Areas?
No. Using fans and dehumidifiers will not completely remove all hidden moisture from walls, floors, and/or insulation. - Do Insurance Companies Prefer the Use of Professional Restoration Services?
Yes. The use of professional mitigation services protects your insurance coverage and assists in the filing of insurance claims. - What Is the Biggest Risk Associated with DIY Water Damage Cleanup?
Hidden moisture can lead to both mold growth and structural damage, resulting in health and safety hazards.
Professional Water Damage Restoration in Greater Seattle You Can Trust
When you experience water damage in your home, towels, fans, etc., cannot adequately clean up the water, you will need expert assistance from trained professionals who understand how to quickly stop the damage and restore your home safely. Premier Emergency Water Removal has been providing Professional Water Damage Restoration in Greater Seattle, WA, using the latest technology available (moisture detection, industrial drying equipment, and proven methods) to resolve visible and hidden damage since 2006.
From initial emergency response through full restoration, Premier Emergency Water Removal is the only local company homeowners in Greater Seattle can rely on for Quality Water Damage Restoration the first time, every time. Contact us today to schedule a restoration consultation.
