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Water Damage Detection - No Time is Too Early to Do This

Thu 25 Sep 2008 - 10:49

Water Damage Detection - No Time is Too Early to Do This
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Caulin]Valerie Caulin

Water is known to be an essential factor in human's life, and to all living things. It is known to be in liquid form but water has solid form and gas form as well. It is a chemical substance that has one molecule of oxygen combined with two hydrogen atoms. Water has much usage and it is the most important chemical substance in our everyday lives. Water has no odor, transparent and no taste.

Mainly, water is important in all aspects of life. Nature needs water, animals need water, and humans as well. It is being used in agriculture, as a dissolving agent, used in heat transfer process, recreation, industrial applications, food processing, and fire extinguisher. As population grows, need for water goes high as well. That is why sometimes, water is being abuse by many of us and we never thought that water supply will never be enough if we don't take care of it.

Water is very useful but can be damaging as well. In nature, it is life-threatening. This is one of the reasons why most people claim their home insurance. We have to be ready when water pipes burst and the basement gets flooded. Some appliances may be leaky, or when disaster strikes. There is no such 'too early' to be ready. We need to be sensitive and ready all the time when the event arise. If others can be ready, why shouldn't we? There are few tips to consider being ready in the event that water damage arises. Let us collate some information on how to easily detect water damage.

Water damage can destroy even the most solid built and well- maintain houses. If you're house or building has water pipes installation, be aware that water burst happens in some unexpected times. Maintaining your water system properly will help minimize the possibility of damage. Always think that your house or building is designed to protect you against any form of water and moisture, and you need to have a regular, routinely inspection of your house. If in case water damage emergency arises, you can expect minimal damage or none at all. Home maintenance is number one aspect in preparing for water damage. It gives you and the whole family a peace of mind, security and safety. You don't just protect it, you also simply increasing its value.

If in case you were already a victim of any natural disaster such as hurricane, typhoon, floods that results you to leaky pipes, damages or leaky roof, and totally destroyed house, here are some basic tips on what to do. First of all, if you were a victim of hurricane or tornado, make sure that you check your house first if it is still safe to live in. If you are certain, just look for a temporary place like lodge for you and your family to live in. If in case a typhoon arises, make sure that your gas supply lines are off, same as your water supply. If you have feelings that there will be a power outage, make sure to turn off the main switch or circuit breaker panel. If there were waters inside the house, make sure you sweep waters and dried it all up. After the event, check for damage water pipes or plumbing connections. Check your electrical and power wirings as well. Be careful upon checking, and make sure that you always watching out your steps. If there were exposed installation with hazardous chemicals or components, make sure that you fix it first of all. Cover it with safe, plastic sheets or tarps to avoid leakage. Remove wet carpets and rugs immediately and have it dried first. If there are parts of the house that has been damaged or broken, make sure that you clean off the debris and keep your children away on it. Consider safety, always. If you have to do the above checking or procedures, you can bring your family on the safe place first together with your valuable belongings and keep them safe. Write down all your observations and create a checklist of your inspection. After that, you can call your insurance company or any person whose expert in each type of damage. Arrange some basic agreement and always keep important tracking or invoice number.

Since you've already aware of safety and precautions, we have to give you an idea on how to check if you have water damage and teach you how to detect water damages. In cases like typhoon or hurricane, you should always check your roof. Check if there is missing or bent flashing, if there's any damage gutter and chimney. Check your walls as well. Is there any damage bricks? Cracked on stucco? Wet and stained stucco or bricks means there is possible water damage that needs to be checked and fixed right away. Check also for warped or loose siding boards. Check for water intrusions through the windows and basement.

In your attic, check for any wet and damaged insulation. Check missing parts, vents, rotting or warping. In your basement, check for wetness. Your floor above basement should be free of wet and stains. Your ductwork should be dry and intact and free of wetness and stains. Don't forget to see your furnace. Check if it is still operating or damaged. Your water heater should be disconnected if it is damaged.

Valerie is a freelance article writer. You can check more articles of Valerie in her site, http://www.valcaulin.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerie_Caulin http://EzineArticles.com/?Water-Damage-Detection---No-Time-is-Too-Early-to-Do-This&id=1508574


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