How Do You Identify Secondary Damage?

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding in Kansas City, MO can be hard enough to deal with without considering the effects of secondary damage. Secondary damage is what happens less as a direct result of the impact of flood waters and more as a side effect of the presence of the water itself. Common issues include black mold and mildew. So how do you recognize the difference between primary damage and secondary damage?

Know What Primary Damage Is.

Primary damage includes the effects of floodwater on your property, including:

• Impact damage from high-pressure flooding or high-speed floodwaters
• Erosion of soil on your property
• Ruined and waterlogged items
• Structural damage

These are all direct effects of flooding. Secondary damage can happen when the initial damage of flooding isn’t mitigated quickly enough – which is where black mold comes in.

Recognizing Secondary Damage.

Areas waterlogged by flooding or suffering from high humidity after a flood even are at high risk of a black mold infestation. Black mold is a pervasive fungus that permeates your environment in the form of spores. When too much standing water is left after a flood or if waterlogged items are left unattended, this can encourage the development of mold. You may have mold if you:

• Smell foul, musty odors in the air
• Notice developing spots of black, green, white, yellow, or brown fuzz on your furniture or appliances

However, mold can also be a hidden problem. After flooding it’s usually a good idea to work with a mold remediation specialist. Mold remediation specialists are usually highly trained environmental hygienists capable of finding mold wherever it’s hiding, including inside your walls and underneath your appliances.

After a flood, it’s not enough to just dry out your home, repair any structural damage, and replace damaged possessions. You must be absolutely vigilant to prevent secondary damage such as mold from taking root and causing potential catastrophic damage to your home.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROclaycounty.com/.