How To Identify Secondary Damage

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Wood floor damage in Glendale,AZ

Primary water damage is relatively easy to pinpoint. A specific incident such as a broken pipe or malfunctioning device leads directly to the presence of water in a home. Secondary issues such as black mold may result if a homeowner does not immediately take action to mitigate the initial problem. It may be difficult to distinguish primary damage from secondary in an environment where both types of damage are present.

Primary Versus Secondary

Primary damage is directly caused by the original source of the damage. In the case of a roof leak or flood, primary damage occurs when items come into contact with the excess water.

Any damage that takes place after the initial incident or due to the conditions caused by this incident is secondary. This damage may occur if the primary damage is not promptly discovered or is improperly addressed.

Common Types of Secondary Damage

Primary damage can become compounded without adequate mitigation measures. If water is left to stand or conditions such as high humidity persist, you may have to deal with additional damage, including:

• The growth of black mold or other types of mold
• Buckled hardwood floors
• Metal corrosion
• Cracked plaster
• Released laminate or vinyl flooring
• Rotted wood
• Sagging sheetrock

Which of these conditions occurs depends on the types of building materials or contents that are exposed to primary damage. The severity of these conditions may vary depending on the duration of time and the severity of the primary damage.

Mitigation and Prevention

The best way to reduce the likelihood and extent of secondary damage is to promptly mitigate primary damage. Eliminate the presence of standing water and use a dehumidifier or ventilation to dry out air, building materials, contents, and surfaces. Keeping humidity levels low can help prevent the growth of black mold. In addition to this immediate action, your home can also benefit from the expertise of water damage restoration professionals in Glendale, AZ.