When it comes to water damage, it is imperative to understand how the severity of flooding can be determined. Because of the highly catastrophic nature of a flood’s effect on property and occupants, individuals should understand what qualifies as significant flooding. What causes flood damage? Floods often come as the result of recent heavy rain, but they can also be caused by defective plumbing systems that cause sewage backups, or even by ruptured water mains. Here are ways on how a professional can determine the severity of flooding:
Flood Damage to the Structure
The type of damage that flood causes to the structure can help a professional determine its severity for water damage cleanup. For example, if water has risen above the foundation, this will be an indication that the flooding is serious as it threatens both the integrity and stability of a building.
Elevation of Water
Flood water expands in size as the result of the amount of water that has accumulated. The higher the elevation of water, the more severe the flooding is. That is why it is crucial for a professional to understand how to calculate it.
Type of Material that was Flooded
A professional should also consider how long it takes for these materials to dry in order to determine the degree of flooding damage. For example, the longer it takes for materials to dry out, the more severe the damage becomes.
Length of Flooding
The length of time that a building was flooded can also point out how severe is the flooding. For instance, if a building was flooded recently and there are no signs of moisture or discoloration in materials that should be dry, this can be an indication that significant flooding has occurred.
The quantity of Flooding
The amount of water flooding a building also can determine its degree of damage. For instance, if flood water poured into the building for several days, this indicates that it is in need of professional services to address the extent of damages.
Severity of Flood Damage
A professional should measure the level of flood damage and determine how severe the damage is from each one. For example, if water has accumulated 3 inches of standing water in a matter of hours, this is highly significant flooding.
The presence of Mold
Mold can be a sign of severe damage because it can compromise the structural integrity and harbor heavy mold spores that can make people sick. Mold spores produce allergens that cause respiratory diseases and inflammation in the nose, throat and lungs. For this reason, professionals should carefully examine for signs of mold growth to determine its severity.
Effect on Building Contents
Another way to determine flood damage is to assess how it affects the building contents. Floods that are as a result of a natural disaster can destroy many building contents and cause them to be damaged beyond repair or replacement. For example, if possessions such as clothing, furniture and appliances are soaked in water causing damage, this indicates significant flood damage.