Cedar Rapids’ climate and proximity to the Cedar River make it a city that is vulnerable to water damage. Seasonal fluctuations increase the likelihood of water damage, especially with rapid snowmelt during thawing seasons. Significant rainfall during spring and summer months can damage homes, causing homeowners to seek professional assistance.
There are many types of water damage, and homeowners may wonder if some of them can be repaired without professional attention. DIY enthusiasts might be familiar with small residential repairs, but the aftermath of a hurricane or flood will be too much for a homeowner to handle alone. The risk of water damage occurring in Cedar Rapids causes Cedar Rapids residents to ask a key question: when is water damage a simple DIY fix, and when should homeowners call an expert water damage repair company like ServiceMaster by Rice?
Understanding the Types of Water Damage in Cedar Rapids Homes
Cedar Rapids homes can experience water damage due to several causes. Leaking roofs, burst pipes, flooding from storms, and foundation cracks are common causes of water damage, and they all require extensive work to be repaired. Areas prone to heavy rainfall may have increased vulnerability to floods and heavy rainfall. Homes and businesses near the Cedar River should be extremely vigilant about water damage prevention and restoration.
Water damage can be much deeper than visible wreckage and mold spots. Mold growth commonly occurs within hard-to-reach areas of your home that may not be within your line of sight daily. Lingering moisture can cause mold to begin growing within 24-48 hours. Burst pipes can cause severe water damage near the foundation of your home. Winter months in Cedar Rapids bring below-freezing temperatures that can cause your plumbing system to freeze, making pipe bursts much more likely.
Untreated damage repair can lead to health risks and cause residents to feel allergy-like symptoms if exposed to mold growth. Long-term mold exposure can cause serious health complications, along with the structural damage that can accompany untreated mold growth. Pipe bursts flood your floors with water, causing severe damage and creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth.
DIY Solutions for Minor Water Damage
DIY solutions may be suitable for small, manageable leaks. If your dishwasher or refrigerator is leaking, you may be able to fix it if you have the right tools and a bit of experience with household appliances. If the water spillage is minor and addressed quickly, towels and mops may be all you need to absorb water. However, anything past a simple fix should be left to the professionals.
Major water damage repair may not be suitable for the average homeowner, but virtually everyone can play a part in mitigating minor water damage. Property owners should act quickly if they detect residential water damage after heavy rainfall. Drying water, purchasing dehumidifiers, and turning off water sources can prevent costly repairs.
Why You Should Call a Water Damage Expert
Severe water damage that results in a need for extensive repairs should always be left to a professional team. Untreated water damage may lead to structural damage, rotting wood, or rusting metal, creating safety hazards in your residence. Hire water damage reconstruction specialists to restore your home to its pre-loss condition if you notice water leaks, mold growth, or other early signs of water damage in your residence.
Professional water damage remediation experts should be hired immediately if a water damage-related health concern has made its way into your home. Persistent coughing, sneezing, and other allergy-life symptoms can be a sign of mold growth. Long-term mold exposure can lead to severe health complications such as organ damage or cancer. A professional team can use mold detection technology to locate where the growth has taken place in your home and promptly remove it.
The Risk of Delaying Professional Water Damage Repair
It doesn’t take long for water damage to worsen and create new problems for your residence. Mold and mildew growth can develop within 24-48 hours, and delayed water damage remediation can lead to severe problems. Structural damage, weakening foundations, and rotting drywall can cause long-term damage if not handled promptly.
Procrastinating scheduling a professional water damage repair can negatively affect your insurance claim. Many insurance companies require policyholders to immediately perform water damage remediation and quickly follow up with a professional water damage repair service. Failure to do this can lead to reduced reimbursement or claim denial.
How ServiceMaster by Rice – Cedar Rapids Can Help with Water Damage Repair
We provide expert water damage restoration services to Cedar Rapids homeowners. Our technicians provide services such as water extraction, mold remediation, and reconstruction to restore a damaged home to its pre-loss condition. With years of experience providing remediation services to homeowners in flood-prone areas of the city, our restoration specialists ensure a thorough, efficient recovery process.
Residents can count on our emergency water damage remediation team to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cedar Rapids homeowners may be concerned about unexpected water damage causing severe damage to their homes. Storms, snowmelt, and pipe bursts can flood a basement, create mold growth, and inflict many other types of water damage that will ruin a house if left untreated for too long. Our 24/7 emergency services are available when your water damage requires immediate repair.
When to Consider Professional Help Instead of DIY
Large-Scale Damage
Extensive water damage, such as whole-room flooding or structural damage, will require professional attention. If heavy rain floods a basement, industrial-grade equipment to properly remediate, and faulty foundation repair can lead to structural instability and decreased property value.
Mold Prevention and Remediation
Mold remediation should be left to the experts to ensure your residence is safe for your family. Improper mold removal techniques can lead to cross-contamination. Mold spores can linger throughout other areas of your home if mold remediation is not handled correctly. Mold spores contaminate indoor air and can lead to mold growth over time.
ServiceMaster by Rice | Water Damage Repair in Cedar Rapids, IA
Knowing when to call water damage expert professionals to restore your home can help you address your home’s damages before they create additional problems. If your Cedar Rapids residence has endured water damage, don’t wait to begin restoration efforts. ServiceMaster by Rice provides professional water damage repair and restoration services. Call us today to schedule an inspection with a member of our team.
