A Flood’s Effect on Homes | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have water damage or flooding? Let SERVPRO of North Kenosha County guide you through your water-related issues.

Though homeowners must protect themselves and their homes from many hazards, flooding is often overlooked. However, flooding rates are continuing to increase around the country, so it is important to be prepared just in case.

There are many reasons floods occur and many ways they can cause damage, but we hope that providing an overview will allow you to understand some of the risks and better prepare you for a flooding event near your home.

The Ways Flooding Affects Homes

Foundation Damage. The foundation of a home sets upon the soil, which can move and swell in unpredictable ways when it becomes saturated with a high volume of floodwater. This can cause the foundation to shift unevenly, leading to problems within the home’s structure.

Drywall Damage and Mold. Damage done to drywall is often obvious as it will begin to deteriorate, but occasionally it will look perfectly intact after being soaked. Because of how well drywall hides mold, replacement is typically still recommended.

Insulation Saturation. The majority of insulation used in residential homes are highly susceptible to flood damage as they are quite absorbent and do not dry quickly. Not only can this cause insulation issues with your home, but it can also lead to mold damage in the walls.

Temporary Frame Swelling. Built with solid lumber, most house frames are quite resilient to water exposure. While some swelling will likely occur when the lumber is soaked through, the structure can typically maintain its integrity again once the swelling is reduced.

Appliance Ruining. Many appliances rely on insulation to regulate the temperature inside of them, and this insulation is vulnerable to water exposure. However, it is worth discussing this with a trained professional as not all appliances are built this way and some can be salvaged.

Furniture Damage. Furniture that is made of solid material such as glass or metal generally fares well in a flood, simply requiring a thorough sanitization. However, furniture made from particleboard or upholstery can often become dangerous to reuse due to contact with floodwater.

If your home has been affected by a flood, we’ll be here to help you! Give us a call ²⁴⁄₇ to learn about our certified flood restoration process.