Common Types of Damage Caused by Flooding in Atlanta

Water damage can vary by the extent of damage. Though some loss is caused by something as simple as a slow leaking pipe, flood damage is much more sudden and severe. In most cases, flood damage is caused by a natural disaster where there is heavy rainfall in a short period of time. Flash floods and hurricanes are just a few examples of events that can lead to flood damage in homes, requiring prompt and professional flood restoration Atlanta services to mitigate the damage.

When these types of flooding events occur, homeowners can quickly find themselves with several inches or feet of water throughout their entire home. The results can be absolutely devastating. In fact, a flood can leave a family with several thousands of dollars in loss that can take months to fully restore.

What type of damage can homeowners expect from a flood? Though it varies case by case, there are some types of damage that are more common with flooding than other water damage events. As experts in flood restoration, Atlanta-based contractors at The Homestar Group have seen homes impacted by the following problems.

Water Staining of Materials

When inspecting a home, one of the first signs of flood damage is usually water staining on the walls or ceilings. However, the stains can also impact household contents, such as upholstery, wood furniture, and clothing. The stains from flood damage are usually darker than other water damage stains because flood water typically has more contaminants and debris. Most home restoration companies classify flood water as blackwater that is very dirty.

While homeowners might think these stains are easy enough to wipe clean, that’s usually not the case. Many people find themselves needing to hire a professional flood restoration crew to clean the property. Their experts have access to specialized tools that make cleaning and disinfecting solutions more effective. They also have equipment that can clean and restore household contents based on the type of material and how soiled they are.

Mold Growth

Homeowners with flood damage also have to worry about mold growth. Though that might seem like more of a long-term problem, it can actually appear in as little as 24 hours. In a flood event where there is more bacteria, the rate of growth can be much faster than that of the water damage situations. 

Since mold grows so rapidly, it’s important that homeowners act as quickly as possible to start their flood restoration. Atlanta homeowners are encouraged to contact a professional with 24/7 emergency response times so that they can immediately begin mitigating the risk of mold growth and other secondary water damage signs. It might be tempting to delay the restoration while dealing with the emotional trauma, but the sooner the crew can start working, the better the results will be.

Structural Damage

Some homeowners might find that the flood damage has caused significant structural damage. As some materials, such as drywall, absorb water, they weaken. This can put the house at serious risk of collapsing walls and ceilings. The same can be said for the flooring. Therefore, it’s crucial that homeowners use caution if they plan to enter the home after the flood.

It’s always best to wait on a flood damage restoration company from Atlanta instead. The experts understand the most common risks of structural damage from flooding, so they know how to safely enter the home. They also have access to safety equipment that can protect them from the risks. 

Rot from Prolonged Exposure

Another popular type of secondary water damage caused by flooding is rot. Many homes often end up with water sitting in them for several days while homeowners wait to start the restoration process. As the water continues to sit in the home and soak the building materials, it can start to rot the wood inside. In fact, rotting subfloors and framing are incredibly common after floods. 

Again, the best way to prevent this type of damage is by acting quickly. However, in some cases, it’s unavoidable. Therefore, homeowners should make sure that their restoration crew is also licensed and certified to reconstruct the house or repair any signs of rot. 

Learn How to Repair Common Types of Damage with Flood Restoration - Atlanta

Fortunately, none of these types of water damage have to be the end of the world. The Homestar Group is available to help with any size of flood restoration. Atlanta homeowners should contact their team of professionals right away to request their emergency services. They can reach the company by calling (470) 837-5337, or customers can submit their project details through the simple online quote form.