GROUND WATER

Nebraska ground water is one of the most common sources of water damage and mold growth.  Fortunately, many ground water and mold contamination problems can be easily corrected by:

1)    Keeping outside gutters clean.

2)    Using proper downspout extensions (6' - 8' minimum).

3)    Ensure positive drainage away from the structure  and eliminate any low spots or depressions next to the foundation.

4)    If your house has a sump pit, make sure it has a functioning sump pump installed.

PLUMBING FIXTURES & APPLIANCES

Plumbing fixtures represent another major source of water damage and subsequent mold growth and damage.  Water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, water softeners, ice makers, sinks, bathtubs and toilets/commodes are all connected to live water lines and susceptible to failure and accidental discharge of water.

When possible, plumbing fixtures and appliances should be inspected for wear and tear and should be kept in proper working order.  Even a small leak over time can result in significant damage from mold growth and subsequent mold remediation and cleanup expense.

FROZEN PIPES

Nebraska winters wreak havoc on water lines.  Both inhabited and uninhabited buildings can fall victim to sub-freezing temperatures, resulting in a frozen water pipe.  With enough pressure, the ice can burst water lines resulting in potentially catastrophic damage.  These are often some of the largest and most expensive water damage events we see.  Since these structures are often unoccupied, mold and fungal growth are common if they go undiscovered. 

Keeping interior temperatures warm, allowing water to run in suspect plumbing and being vigilant in winterizing plumbing can help reduce the risk of frozen plumbing.

WATER VAPOR

Water doesn't have to be in liquid form to damage buildings and their contents.  Humid Nebraska summers can result in moisture laden interior air, the structure and it's contents are constantly trying to reach moisture equilibrium.  When air temperature and humidity reach certain levels, hygroscopic materials will absorb moisture (water vapor) directly out of the air.  Given enough time, materials can become wet enough to suffer damage and even support mold growth.

In summer months, all Nebraska basements should always have a quality dehumidifier running to control water vapor in the air, keep humidity in check and reduce the potential for stale odors.

CARPET

Most carpet manufactured today is 100% synthetic (nylon, olefin, polypropylene, etc.).  As a result, it's very forgiving when exposed to clean water for short periods of time.  Water alone WILL NOT damage synthetic carpet.  In fact, when carpet is manufactured using the Beck dying process, it's completely immersed in water.  Every time carpet is steam cleaned it also gets wet.  However, when exposed to chronic moisture or exposed to water for an extended period of time, carpet will eventually deteriorate.

Older carpet or natural fiber carpet (sisal, wool, cotton) is very susceptible to water damage and should be inspected with great care and urgency to determine if it's possible or safe to restore. 

SOLID HARDWOOD FLOORING

Solid wood flooring consists of floor planks that are composed of a single piece of solid wood.  Solid wood flooring systems can often be dried and restored but it must done promptly.  If exposed to moisture for too long, permanent damage and/or mold growth beneath the floor is possible. 

ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING

Engineered wood flooring consists of floor planks that are composed of layers (similar to plywood) of wood with a solid wood wear layer on top.  Engineered floors look just like solid wood flooring so proper identification is important.  Engineered wood flooring systems are more tolerant to low level moisture than solid wood flooring, but their construction makes restoration a challenge. 

LAMINATE FLOORING

Laminate floors do not tolerate moisture very well.  If your laminate flooring exhibits any swelling, it's most likely damaged beyond repair. 

SHEETROCK & DRYWALL

Sheetrock is a very dense material, only able to hold about 6% of its weight in water.  Moisture alone will not damage sheetrock but chronic, long-term exposure will deteriorate the material by making it progressively more brittle.  Due to it's density, sheetrock is very slow to dry and its paper surface provides a good food source for mold if not promptly dried.

TRIM & FINISH CARPENTRY

Due to the non-uniform and unpredictable nature of wood, it's difficult to predict how wood will react to moisture.  In general, softer woods (pine, fir) are more stable than hardwoods (oak) but both will cup as the wood swells across their grain when wet.

Fortunately, most wood can be safely and successfully dried if prompt action is taken to mitigate exposure to water.

MDF (medium density fiberboard) FURNITURE

Due to its construction, MDF furniture is easily damaged by moisture.  As the material swells and deforms, it loses some of its structural integrity. 

MDF (medium density fiberboard) Flooring

Due to its construction, MDF is easily damaged by moisture.  As the material swells and deforms, it loses some of its structural integrity.   MDF is also a great food source for fungal and mold growth. 

Molds use tiny spores to reproduce. Spores that become airborne are hard to filter out and can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time.  The spores can then be easily inhaled, causing the following symptoms:

· headaches and/or fever

· coughing, wheezing

· runny nose/sinus problems

· ongoing flu-like symptoms

· skin rashes

· diarrhea

· hypersensitivity, pneumonitis, asthma, or other immune responses

A few mold species are capable of producing toxins if a proper food source is available. People vary in their sensitivity to the concentration of spores in the air. The elderly, children, and people with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to the effects of spores, but even healthy people may react to high concentrations.