February 15, 2011

Be it at your place of work or at home, experiencing a flood in your property cab be traumatic. Looking at the damage that the water has caused can be upsetting and your first instinct may be to get busy cleaning up. The desire to begin the repair process is one that we can empathise with. However, there are a few important facts that you should be aware of before you undertake such a task. Read on to learn about the three key dangers you face if carrying out your own flood restoration.

Structural insecurities

The first area where you could find yourself at risk, if undertaking your own flood restoration, is if there has been damage to your property’s structure. Water seeps into brickwork, plaster and wood, which serves to destabilise then. So risks such as falling through a floor are very real.

The dangers of electricity

Damage to electrical circuitry is another element that we must consider. The fact that this is an unseen threat and that water is a conductor, makes it a particularly dangerous one.

Issue of toxic mould

Most people will not even realise that mould can be a hazard following a flood. Flooded properties provide a perfect environment for mould to grow. This is dangerous due to the fact that some mould is toxic, making it harmful when breathed in. The hazard of mould can be particularly worrying because it often grows behind plaster boards and under floorboards, meaning it can cause illness before we even realise it is there.

Seeking the help of a professional

Bearing in mind the risks that we have discussed regarding flood restoration, it is advisable to seek out professional assistance. Your insurance policy should cover the cost that hiring a specialist will incur. Therefore, rather than putting your health at risk, it makes better sense to leave it to the professionals.