4 Types of Secondary Damage After a Water Spill

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Drying carpet in a home in Weho, CA.

After a Water Spill, There Are Four Types of Secondary Damage

A water spill in your home is an unpleasant experience and one that could be quite disruptive. The primary event is bad enough, with a combination of standing water, saturated items and even ruined flooring and furniture. However, if the cleanup job is not done correctly or takes too long to begin, your home in Weho, CA, could also be at risk for black mold.

1. High Humidity
Your home is most comfortable under certain conditions. A water leak puts your home at risk of too much moisture in the air. You should aim for a level of between 30-60% humidity. Anything higher could cause mold growth. This is why professional drying by a professional water damage mitigation team is so important. It will significantly reduce the chance of black mold gaining a foothold in your home.

2. Lingering Smells
Ineffective cleaning and sanitizing can result in unpleasant odors. This could be a musty scent, or it could be something stronger. This type of secondary damage might not appear for a few days after a cleaning, but it will show up if proper cleaning methods were not utilized.

3. Additional Damage to Carpeting
After a home water spill, carpeting can absorb a lot of moisture. If the water is dirty, the carpeting must be thoroughly cleaned, including the underlying padding layer, and in some cases, it will need to be thrown out. If the carpeting isn't cleaned and dried, it could quickly deteriorate.

4. Additional Damage to Insulation
Wall insulation can also become collateral damage after a water spill. Since this occurs behind the walls, it can be easy to miss. Wet insulation will have a hard time drying out completely and it will lose some of its insulating value.
Black mold is one of the most serious results of poor water cleanup. Other forms of damage can also occur that require a follow-up from a professional company.