Flood Damage and SERVPRO

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

Say the words flood damage and people rightly think of foot deep water in their basement or entire neighborhoods underwater. This time of year, it can be a common, even multiple occurrences in some parts of New York.

SERVPRO is an expert in reducing the obvious flood damage to Rochester homes. What surprises our clients are just how many ways a flood can destroy a home even after the water has been removed. Here are the most common ways your home can be dry as a bone and still be unlivable.
Odor - This may seem like a minor thing, but some folks can be allergic to just the smell. If you don't get rid of it, you won't be able to live in your home, and you certainly won't be able to sell it. The smell is also indicative of a worse problem.

Mold and Mildew - If not found and immediately treated and removed, mold and mildew will cause respiratory problems that will drive you out of the house. It is particularly dangerous to people with asthma. If the mold and mildew get into sheetrock and cannot be destroyed by industrial cleaners, then walls will have to be replaced.

Electrical System - If flooding reached high enough to reach electrical outlets, then those have to be inspected by our SERVPRO professionals and possibly be replaced before the power can be turned back on. If they have been compromised, then there is the possibility of a fire hazard when the lights are turned back on.
Plumbing and Sewage - Flooding can overwhelm and damage a home's plumbing system. If it stays under water too long, there is also the possibility that raw sewage can flow backward into your home through the toilets. Septic tanks can also be compromised in the same manner. The cleaning process now becomes much more extensive.

Bacterial Contamination - If sewage gets into your home, this also brings the threat of bacteria which can cause more respiratory problems and other health concerns such as having your kidneys and intestinal (digestive) systems compromised as well.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Flood water in a home is a dangerous threat and needs to be removed quickly. SERVPRO of South-East Monroe County understands that this is only the first step. Other hazards have to be addressed before you are safe again in your own home. To begin the process or if you want to schedule an inspection to help prevent problems in the future, call us today at 585-641-0040