The Hidden Dangers of Water Damage After a Fire
Posted in Flood & Water Damage, on August 16, 2024
Fire damage to your building can result in a great deal of health hazards that need to be considered during the remediation process. To the surprise of many, there is actually a high risk of water damage to a building post-fire. Firefighters' efforts often involve water, as it is the main element needed to extinguish a fire. When such a large amount of water comes into contact with your entire building, the structure and internal elements are sure to suffer from water damage, which can be just as dangerous as fire damage, depending on the severity. It is important for property and homeowners to understand this risk, as it can help ensure that your building and those who reside in it are safe. This way, preventative maintenance can also be conducted to prevent future fires and water damage. If you require fire damage restoration services, contact Canada’s Restoration Services. If your building has suffered from water damage in Toronto during the fire remediation process, we can also conduct water damage remediation and mold removal services. Contact us today for a free estimate!
How Water Damage Occurs
When firefighters attempt to extinguish fires, they do so by spraying a water and foam mixture over an active house or building fire. In extreme cases with a high-rise building, sometimes helicopters will drop this mixture over the entire surface of the building to maximize contact. When this happens, the building is essentially drenched in water, and without remediation, the water will remain in the building.
Water damage can also result from the fire itself. Fires can cause damage to your building’s plumbing elements and pipes. They can become weakened, melted, or broken. This can cause leaks and plumbing issues in the future, even after your building has been restored, especially if they go unnoticed. This is why it is so important to get your building thoroughly inspected after a fire, as water damage can be difficult to detect without professional detection.
Mold Growth Post-Fire Remediation
One of the biggest risks of water damage in Toronto buildings is mold growth. Mold is an extremely common occurrence in homes that have suffered from any type of small leak or water issue. Buildings that have had even more contact with water, like those that have recently been on fire, have a significantly increased risk of mold growth. Mold grows in environments that are moist or humid for a long period of time. These damp environments provide an excellent breeding ground for mold growth. Mold growth begins with a single spore that eventually reproduces into a larger mass. Mold can grow very quickly. The growth process can begin as early as 24 hours after exposure to a moist environment. Within 2 weeks, mold colonies can form, and mold can become visible at the 18-21 day mark. Oftentimes, buildings that have experienced fire damage are left alone for at least a couple of days or weeks. And in this seemingly short period of time, mold can take over your home.
Mold typically grows in concealed areas, as these areas are typically more likely to harbour moisture. In a typical home with a small leak, mold will grow between ceilings and floors, or inside insulation, or behind appliances. Areas that are not very visible. However, when your whole building or home has been drenched in water as a result of fire remediation, your whole house will be harbouring moisture. This means that your ceilings, walls, cabinets, or any other penetrable elements of your home can grow mold, making it much more visible and difficult to remove.
Mold is toxic to human health, which is why you’ll want to avoid putting off water damage remediation after a fire. Symptoms of prolonged mold exposure include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Skin rashes or hives
- Persistent tiredness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Confusion or brain fog
- Worsening of existing respiratory problems
Risk of Structural Damage
After fire remediation, your building can suffer from structural damage from the water exposure and damage. Water can be damaging to the wooden elements of your building. When water makes contact with wood, it can cause it to rot and deteriorate. When this happens, the wooden elements of your building’s structure lose their integrity. This makes your building more susceptible to physical trauma, like intense weather. If it suffers enough, it can collapse, which can be very dangerous. This is why water damage remediation is so important after a fire. It can help ensure that your building is safe from future issues.
Your walls, ceiling, and floors can also deteriorate after water damage. Drywall is highly susceptible to water, and it can literally crumble if it has been soaked for too long. Sometimes, water can build up in your walls and ceilings and burst randomly. This can be dangerous if somebody is occupying the area below, as they will be soaked with dirty water and hit by the pieces of drywall.
Water damage can also result in rust and corrosion to any metal elements of your building/home. This often includes pipes and vents. Rust is the result of water and oxygen reacting with metal. These metals can begin corroding due to the rust, and when this happens, their structural integrity also becomes compromised. This increases the risk of these elements collapsing and hurting someone.
Importance of Professional Remediation
Although fire remediation is meant to save buildings and the lives of those inside, it comes with the one caveat of increasing the risk of water damage. It can be difficult to know which parts of your building have been impacted by the water, which is why bringing in the experts for water damage remediation is so important. Professionals will know exactly which areas to check for water damage, along with the major indicators of water damage. They will also be able to tell you whether you’ll need any reconstruction or repairs done. The experts at Canada’s Restoration Services can conduct water damage restoration along with mold removal. This will ensure that your building is completely safe from the dangers of water exposure. When conducting remediation, you can also look into what preventative measures you can take to prevent both water damage and fires. Professionals can give you an idea of what can be improved, whether that includes fireproofing, plumbing fixes, or an insulation change.
Understanding The Dangers of Water Damage
The risk of serious water damage after a fire is very real. Firefighters spray entire buildings with water in order to put out fires, and the longer the water sits in the building, the more damage. However, being aware of this can help you ensure that proper measures are taken to restore your property. Calling in a professional restoration company in Toronto to check for mold, structural damage, and rust can help ensure that your building remains safe. If you require fire damage restoration services, contact Canada’s Restoration Services for expert assistance. And if your property has suffered from water damage in Toronto as a result of fire remediation, we can also help with water damage restoration and mold removal. Contact us today for a free estimate on our services!
