A Timeline Of What Happens After Water Damage

Water damage can occur in a Tulsa home from a number of different sources. Some of the common culprits of water damage that the team at Decor Construction sees often are malfunctioning appliances, water pooling in areas such as basements and crawl spaces, and natural disasters or other weather-related problems such as rainfall.

According to the National Weather Service, Tulsa received more rainfall in April, May, and June of 2019 than those same months in 2018. In fact, May of 2018 saw 2.89 inches of rainfall, while May of 2019 saw 12.99 inches. April and June were both up by over 4 inches this year, making the total rainfall received this year 34.12 inches, and there are still 5 months left in the year (in 2018 the entire year total was 34.08 inches). While the rain definitely has positive effects on our lawns and gardens, it can wreak havoc on our homes.  Water from rainfall can leak into homes and buildings through gaps in the roof or walls. Large amounts of rainfall in short periods of time can cause pooling near foundations and overload gutters. In extreme cases, rainfall can even cause flooding. Routinely checking roof tops and walls for leaks and cracks can help minimize the risk of water damage from rain or other weather-related problems, as well as performing routine maintenance on gutters to keep them clean and clear of obstruction. Make sure rain gutters are leading water away from your home, and not allowing water to pool near the foundation.

Areas That Are Prone

There are certain areas in homes and buildings that are more prone to water damage. Basements, crawl spaces, attics, and any other dark or damp areas in the home are at an increased risk of pooling water. Moisture can build up in these areas, as they are places that may not be entered frequently, which can lead to mold growth. Mold can grow in dark, damp areas in as little as 24 hours; consequently, by the time the water is discovered in these areas, the mold could already be a serious problem. Homes and buildings should be checked periodically to be sure that less trafficked areas are dry and moisture free.

Along with checking less trafficked areas, all appliances that use water should be inspected regularly. Pipes that lead to appliances can build up rust inside them, which can lead to cracks and leaks. Water hoses that run to dishwashers and washing machines can weaken over time, and pose a threat to leaking or flooding water. Mineral buildup in water heaters can increase the risk of leaks, and for this reason water heaters are one of the leading causes of water damage. It is important to perform routine maintenance on all appliances that use water.

Get Help When You Need It

Water damage can seem overwhelming, and there is a lot to check and be aware of, but maintenance and inspection are the two biggest factors that will help mitigate the risk and effects of water damage. If you find yourself in a home or building that has suffered water damage, do not stress. Decor Construction and Restoration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call. Our qualified team of professionals proudly serves the Tulsa area, and will be able to restore your home or commercial building to its pre-loss condition. Whether a pipe bursts, an appliance malfunctions, or heavy rainfall causes water damage to your property, Decor Construction offers professional water damage cleanup and restoration will get you the fastest service so your property can be restored quickly.