In the long run, professional water damage restoration offers far more cost-effective benefits for homeowners than do-it-yourself cleanup efforts. If your home has had any water intrusion, it’s important to let professionals manage the cleanup to prevent long-term structural damage and health risks from mold growth. While DIY cleanup may seem cheaper initially, the potential for missed damage and recurring issues often leads to much higher long-term costs, making professional restoration the more financially sound choice. Here’s why.
Mold Growth
The potential for mold growth after water damage to your home is very real, with growth developing within 24-48 hours after the water intrusion. One common mistake by DIY-ers that leads to mold growth is inadequate drying of the premises. Water can seep into walls, floors, and insulation, creating hidden moisture pockets that are difficult to detect without professional equipment. Household fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows cannot fully dry affected areas.
Without proper remediation, mold will not only grow, but can also spread silently within walls and flooring over weeks and months before it visibly surfaces, causing significant structural damage and posing health risks in the meantime. Mold remediation often requires specialized cleaning, antimicrobial treatments, and sometimes removal and replacement of entire sections of walls or flooring. Delayed professional intervention can further increase costs, as mold infestations may necessitate extensive reconstruction and additional safety measures.
Structural Damage
Besides the potential for mold growth after water damage, another common mistake by DIY-ers is in improperly managing or underestimating the impact of residual moisture and how it can lead to costly hidden structural damage. Because water can permeate walls, floors, framing, and sills, if not correctly addressed, over a period of time residual moisture can weaken essential structural components. When porous materials like wood and drywall absorb moisture, it can lead to warping, rot, and deterioration if not properly dried, compromising the home’s integrity and value, as well as creating safety hazards.
As water damage progresses, structural issues become more severe and costly to repair. If wooden beams and supports develop rot, floors will sag and walls will weaken, and could even lead to foundation issues. In many cases, DIY efforts simply delay necessary professional intervention. By the time significant repairs are required, costs can escalate far beyond what early professional remediation would have been, making improper DIY cleanup a much more expensive mistake in the long run.
Electrical Risks and Issues
An area of major concern for every DIY-er attempting water damage cleanup is serious electrical risks and the long-term costs if not remediated professionally. The obvious danger of standing water in contact with outlets, wiring, or appliances is severe shocks, while hidden moisture in walls or electrical panels can lead to delayed failures, sparks, or even fires weeks later. Corroded wiring and damaged insulation increase the risk of short circuits, and powering wet appliances can result in dangerous internal shorts. These dangers are not only a safety risk, but can lead to costly repairs in time. If not done right the first time, homeowners can expect to bear the costs related to such issues as ongoing electrical system repairs and rewiring, appliance and electronic damages, and risk increased fire hazards, if not higher insurance costs.
Professional remediation addresses electrical risks comprehensively. With experience and expertise, and the right tools, they can identify hidden water in walls, outlets, and wiring, preventing short circuits, corrosion, and fire risks that DIY efforts might overlook. They also safely assess and restore electrical systems, conduct electrical safety inspections, reducing the chance of electric shocks and appliance failures.
Professional-Grade Equipment
As described above, DIY cleanup after water damage carries significant structural, health and electrical risks that can lead to many hidden costs. The average homeowner simply does not have the experience to identify and assess the gravity of the situation, and lacks the equipment to deal with it. Professional-grade equipment is key for proper water damage cleanup. More powerful and effective than DIY rental equipment, industrial-strength air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters can thoroughly extract water and detect hidden moisture pockets that DIY tools may miss. Certified technicians have the expertise to assess the extent of the damage, ensure complete drying, and apply antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold growth. Unlike rental equipment, which may not be properly maintained or powerful enough for severe water damage, professional tools and techniques help minimize long-term structural damage and costly repairs.
Invest in Professional Restoration
Octagon Cleaning & Restoration has helped thousands of businesses and homeowners avoid the mistakes that can not only limit the full recovery of properties from water damage losses, but prove costly over time. From the initial water extraction process to high-tech rapid structural drying, we use the latest technologies and techniques to dry out even the most damaged areas, addressing everything from minor water damage to major structural or electrical issues. This may involve using specialized equipment to remove mold and mildew, or employing advanced drying methods to prevent further damage and promote a safe and healthy environment. To streamline insurance claims and relieve stress, we’ll work with your insurance company, providing thorough documentation, proper damage assessment, and bill them directly.
At Octagon Cleaning & Restoration, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support, from the initial assessment to the final restoration, and we’re committed to helping you get back to normal as quickly as possible. For immediate service in Maine, call (207) 893-0002; in New Hampshire, call (603) 239-2100. For more information about our professional water damage restoration services, contact us anytime.
