Secondary Damage After Water Damage

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Secondary damage was caused by water damage in a Deltona, FL home.

Secondary Damage After Water Damage

Water damage is never good. Although it's possible to mitigate some of the effects, if water has gone undetected for too long then there may be more damage than you can handle on your own. That's why we always recommend calling in an expert if you have any doubt about the severity of a water intrusion -- or even if you don't!

What is secondary damage? 

Secondary damage is the damage that happens to a Deltona, FL property once its owner has left it after a major water or fire event. It can happen right after a water intrusion occurs, and it’s usually caused by neglect, weather, or even crime.

It’s important to know about secondary damage because this type of damage is often not covered by insurance policies and must be paid for out-of-pocket by homeowners. That means that if you don't protect your property from secondary damages, you could face financial loss even if you aren't at fault for any of the incidents that led up to them.

The first phase of water damage is generally the most intense, but secondary damage can be more insidious and problematic in the long run. Secondary damage includes structural problems that may not show up until much later, such as warping or mold growth. These issues are harder to identify than immediate damages that occur during an initial flood event.

Black Mold

When you have a water intrusion in your home and it is not addressed quickly, there are several changes that can take place in the environment. The first change that happens has to do with humidity levels. When a water intrusion occurs, there will be excess moisture in the air. This excess moisture causes mold growth to occur at an accelerated rate compared to normal circumstances. If this excess moisture is not removed from your home within 24 hours, mildew and mold growth may begin as well as damage to certain items like books, clothing and other materials made out of paper or wood pulp products (such as cardboard boxes).

A good example of secondary damage can be found in the form of black mold. This type of secondary damage is notoriously difficult to remove, and it can grow in dark and undisturbed places. Black mold is a sign that there is a larger problem at hand—whether this means moisture intrusion or some other issue.

Black mold thrives in dark and undisturbed areas. It can be found behind drywall, inside HVAC systems or ductwork, or even in an old box of clothes you've been holding onto for years. Black mold is considered the most toxic type of mold because it produces mycotoxins that are harmful to your health.

Mold spores are everywhere and once they find a place to grow, they produce more spores and spread quickly throughout your home. Mold doesn't need much water -- just enough moisture to support its growth and reproduction cycle. That's why it's important to keep things as clean as possible so that if there is any moisture present (like when you're taking a shower), it doesn't sit long enough for the spores to grow into colonies large enough to cause damage and release toxins into your environment.

As you can see, secondary damage can be detrimental to your home's value and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Secondary damage is a serious concern, especially if it's not addressed quickly. If you suspect that your Deltona home may be experiencing secondary damage from a flood or fire, we urge you to call SERVPRO of Deltona North as soon as possible we will make it look " Like it never even happened".