Water Damage

The devastation from a flood effects not just the possessions of the owner, but also the owner. If you have ever experienced a loss you know how valuable a well thought out plan can be. Plan first to get everyone out safely and second to make recovery from the disaster as easy as possible. Knowing who to call for help after the disaster can save you added emotional distress. Texas Mold Busters helps you put your family's life back together as painlessly as possible.

Stages of Water Damage

Stage 1:

The free-flow of water by gravity levels out the available water and causes it to find cracks in the floor, plumbing penetrations and many other openings. This affects the floors below as well as other adjacent spaces. Quick action at earlier stages of water damage will reduce the costs and resulting cleanup.

Stage 2:

Moisture wicks into materials that are in direct contact with water. Damage continues to increase as long as free-water touches gypsum board, wood floors, furniture and documents due to the tendency of materials to draw in moisture through capillary action. This damage is mitigated by quick and thorough water-extraction, as it will remove the free-water and stop the wicking.

Stage 3:

High humidity damage occurs when the moisture on and in the wet materials begins to evaporate, saturating the surrounding air. Previously unaffected materials now take on moisture. Early signs of high humidity damage include condensation forming on walls, ceiling tiles sagging from high moisture content and paper stock taking on moisture to the point it cannot be used for copying. This damage is mitigated by controlling the relative humidity inside the building through the use of high-capacity dehumidifiers.

Stage 4:

Active microbial growth begins when materials have taken on sufficient moisture to be able to support mold and mildew. For most cellulose-based material (i.e., wood, documents and the paper covering on gypsum board) this happens when moisture content exceeds 20 to 25 percent of weight. Reducing this damage is accomplished by controlling three key conditions of the building's air: relative humidity, temperature and air circulation.

Stage 5:

Microbes spread to other areas of the building. If this stage of water damage occurs, a comprehensive plan must be put together involving various indoor air quality professionals and contractors.

Quick and effective action at the earliest possible stage will reduce interruption to the business, reduce overall restoration costs and increase the likelihood that irreplaceable items will still be usable.