Effects of Flooding and Snow Melts and How to Determine the Best Technicians to Restore Your Milwaukee Home

Flooding is simply described as an overflow of water on land that is usually dry. Flooding usually occurs after very heavy rainfalls that make the beds of the water bodies’ break.  Milwaukee residents are not strange to flooding and snow melts.  This is one county that has encountered one too many floods over the years. Who cannot recall the devastating floods of July 2010 that turned every street and freeways into impassable rivers? This is just one instance; Milwaukee has had several instances of flooding.

When heavy rains fall, a lot of negative effects are likely to be experienced. One of this is flooding. Flooding has the ability to destroy homes and lives. Milwaukee residents who live near water bodies are more likely to experience such effects more than others. Snow melts can also be more devastating to residents that live near water bodies than others.

This article will cover in details floods, snow melts, their effects, prevention measures, restoration measures and how to choose the best restoration experts.

Effects of Flooding

Flooding can have devastating effects on social, environment and economic conditions.  Floods are known to be one of the most expensive disasters in Milwaukee.  Among these effects include the following:

- Loss of lives.

-  Damage to crops.

-  Damage to human health.

- Water damage to nearby homes.

This article will place emphasis on the water damage caused by floods.

Water Damage Caused By Floods

When Milwaukee Rivers flood, it ceases being a natural beauty to behold, but a constant reminder of disasters. When the floods get to reach your home, the following are possible:

- Growth of molds and mildews.

- Flooding of the basement.

- Flood water may get in the house causing water damage.

Molds and Mildews

When flood water gets in to a home, it is likely to penetrate areas that may either be too difficult to notice or homeowners may ignore drying in some areas. Mold and mildew are not only bad looking but are also responsible for a number of illnesses such as skin infections, sinus infections, pneumonia and chest infections.

·         The possible effects of molds and mildew include the following: 

Destruction of structural materials such as wood. When a home has wooden floor that gets to be infested with molds and mildews, some parts may be completely damaged and are a loss to the homeowner. Molds and mildews cause rotting to wood.

   Molds and mildews are also responsible for staining cloths. Sometimes these stains tend to be permanent and no amount of detergents would work.

  

   When the growth of molds and mildews affect the walls, re-painting may be needed after the drying process.

·         Molds may mess up bathrooms and sinks.

There are some proven ways that homeowners can take to prevent the growth of molds and mildew. These include:  

·         Homeowners should strive to keep their homes clean and dry at all times. When flood waters get into the home, efforts should be made to ensure extraction and drying is done as soon as possible.

·        Before any rains, the roof should be in perfect conditions were missing shingles are replaced and broken ones fixed. Damaged roof may cause water damage during heavy rains which eventually leads to the growth of molds and mildews.

·         When flooding is evident, like in cases where warnings are issued, home owners should ensure that as many belongings are moved from the risky areas. This will reduce the chances of molds.

When molds invade our homes, your walls may never be the same again. No matter how much homeowners try, eliminating molds and mildews can be quite impossible. This is why one needs to engage the services of water damage restoration solon springs wi who are best suited to restore homes after molds growth. These experts have the necessary tools, machinery and skills to do what homeowners would not do in months.

Basement Leaks

If you are a resident of Milwaukee, then for sure basement is not a new word. Many residents totally adore their basements and use them for various activities. Some may make them their gyms, studios, rest rooms or even bedrooms.

As relaxing as people may view their basements, it is also the area of the home that is most susceptible to flooding. Things may get worse when flooding from the river gets its way to the home as the basement is the easiest target for any flowing water. The damage likely to be caused is intense in such a situation. All the belongings, furniture and beautiful structural materials may soon become things of the past. Other than this, molds and mildew are likely to start growing if no restoration exercise is done in good time.

While a homeowner would get to a state of confusion after such an occurrence, it is important to know what to do in such cases and how to prevent future damage to the basement. The following are some of the measures to take:

Homeowners should try use water proof materials on the walls of the basement that will act as water absorbent.

All gutters should be extended away from the house. Most gutters direct water down but still within the home compound which may find its ways into the basement during heavy rains.

Rather than waiting till when heavy rains start or worse still your home is hit by floods, it is very crucial that the sump pump is tested and that the owner is confident that it is in perfect condition.

All debris on the gutters should always be cleared. Many homeowners find this a tedious task but the truth of the matter is that working on it would be worth the long days. Clogged gutters tend to render the gutters somehow ineffective which in turn lead to rain water falling directly on to the ground which may slowly creep into the basement.

Homeowners should ensure that their yards slope away from the home rather than towards the home. This ensures that rain water flows out of the home and flood water may not get its way up reaching the basement.

Sealing all cracks in the basement as soon as they are noticed is also a good way to prevent water damage to the basement.

When rain water or floods get to seep their way to the basement, extensive damage may be done. It is very important that homeowners treat this with urgency. Much work may not be done by the homeowners in regards to the restoration exercise. To ensure thorough drying and restoration of the basement, homeowners should ensure they engage water damage Brookfield experts to clear the mess.

Other Damages That Flooding May Cause

When rain water finds its way to a home, homeowners may find themselves having to spend hundreds of dollars on repairs and restoration exercises. The possible losses likely to occur include the following:

Power surges: when rain water or floods get their way to a home, power surges are a likely possibility. It is common knowledge that water and electricity should never be used in the same sentence. When water gets its way to the switches, sockets and electrical appliances, other than a homeowner having to count his losses and possible spending on repairs, devastating effects can occur. Worse is that it can lead to death through electrocution, especially if there were any electrical wires that were hanging loose?

Health conditions: Wet conditions are a breeding place for illnesses, especially water borne illnesses. Such health conditions may include chest infections, pneumonia, asthma, colds and flu and several allergic reactions. When a home is under such threats, then getting prepared for frequent visits to the ER should top the agenda. It gets worse when there are children, the elderly and people with compromised immunity as they only need the least exposure to rush to the doctor.

Growth of molds: If there is one prominent effect on every water damage situation, then it must be the growth of molds. Molds can be quite stubborn once they invade a home. The worst bit of it is that the presence of molds is noticed when it is already too late. This is one reason why homes should always be kept dry. Molds are another health hazard as well. They also cannot be removed by homeowners without the special machinery, skills and tools used by restoration technicians.

Destruction of structural materials and belongings:  It can be quite a devastating affair when homeowners watch their once beautiful homes all messed up. Unfortunately, this is the case that happens when rain or floods get access to a home. Structural materials are likely to get damaged by water leaving the homeowner with repair bills. Materials such as steel are likely to get rust while wood can get rotten. At times repair of such materials may be impossible and homeowners are forced to do an overhaul replacement. Other belongings that can be damaged by water include furniture, cutlery, clothing and personal documents.

Roof damage: Heavy rains may damage roofs, especially when the gutters are clogged and rain water does not flow well as it should. When the roof is damages, it becomes another cycle of damages that can literally drive homeowners crazy.

While no homeowner wishes for any disaster upon themselves, at times disaster just strikes even to the most careful homeowners. Rather than waste time on self pity, what homeowners should follow on is how to get their homes restored. Some damage may only be solved by the services of water damage restoration Wisconsin technicians.

Preventive Measures against Water Damage

Homeowners who follow the following tips get to enjoy some form of dry homes:

When flood warnings are issued, or heavy rains seem to be a matter of concern like instances when homeowners notice water in the home, all electrical connections should be disconnected. The best way is usually disconnecting from the main switch just to be safe.

During such wet seasons that water may have seen its way to a home, it is always best to keep the home properly ventilated. All windows, drawers and cabinets should remain open.

 Where damage is too much, dehumidifiers would greatly help.

When the presence of molds is noticed, restoration exercises should be done immediately to prevent any illnesses to the home occupants. Usually keeping the home dry works best.

When warnings for floods and heavy rains are issued, homeowners should try and move as many belongings as possible. When it is not possible to move them to a different location, which by the way is the best, moving them to the upper floors would be ideal. Water is less likely to get to the upper floors. This action eliminates the possible damage to cloths and other belongings by water.

Snow Melts

Winter always feels like it is the longest season ever. Talk about the layers of cloths one has to use, the many activities one has to forego and the many good places one may not visit with ease. It is completely difficult for Milwaukee residents to hide the joy experienced after this season is over. The fact that they can finally enjoy some great moments is awesome.

While the above may be the case, post winter becomes another season to watch water mess up your home. Melting snow can be a really nasty affair and may require lots of effort from homeowners.

Snow melts can happen in various ways such as:

Milwaukee River may flood after snow fills up the river. This causes excess water to end up on dry land when the river cannot take more. The snow may also seep its way into the nearby homes causing excess damage.

·         Snow on the roof may cause severe damage especially in cases where there are possible roof problems such as missing and broken shingles. This situation may be worse in cases where the gutters are clogged.

    Snow on the driveway and within the home compound may slowly seep into the house.

All the above are culprits of possible water damage to a homeowner. There are tips that should be taken to ensure minimal or no water damage at all during snow melts:

All ice on the driveways and surrounding areas should be regularly shoveled away. This may be a tedious exercise but then again it may be the only option homeowners may have to prevent melting snow into their homes.

·         Roofing experts should be engaged to help clear any ice on the roof and gutters. Failure to do so may be an invite of molds into the home.

·         It is always better when homeowners use water resistant structural materials.

·     Considering proper layout of a home is also very efficient in preventing water damage. Having a slope that slopes away from the home is the best.

·         Rock salt may also be used to melt snow in and around a home.

·         Having gutters cleared of debris is a sure way of avoiding roof and wall damage.

    Having sump pumps that are well maintained, serviced and tested is also a great damage control measure.

   Other than having a functional sump pump, it is more important to have the best quality.

Possible Damages Caused By Snow Melts     

 

Melting snow can have very serious effects to a home. Some of the possible damages caused include:

·         Molds and mildews are a very likely possibility.

·     Melting snow seeping into the walls and other materials may cause structural damage.

·         Gutters that are full of debris are likely to get clogged.

·     The basement is the most affected by snow melts in any home. It is easier for water to find its way into the basement than any other place in the home.

·         Damage to personal belongings such as cloths and furniture is also very likely.

While snow melts may leave devastating effects on a home, it is no reason enough for the homeowner not to enjoy the great weather after a cold winter. Other than taking preventive measures, homeowners should ensure that they get good water or flood restoration specialists franklin wi to shoulder off the burden.