About 28,000 homes in New Zealand are always damp and have visible mould, according to one report called Housing in Aotearoa: 2020, by Stats NZ and the Building Research Association of New Zealand. However, for homeowners who experience water damage, mould growth can only add to the problem at hand.
From the consequences of water damage to how you can go about the issue in a way that’s kind to the environment while also preventing future instances of water damage and mildew, here’s what you should keep in mind from our guest blogger this week.
Understanding Water Damage
When looking at water damage, causes can stem from a variety of issues. Plumbing issues, such as leaky or burst pipes, are just one cause of water damage. If water is still flowing and you’re not sure where it’s coming from, finding your water main and shutting it off should be your first priority — if it stops, you’ll know that you likely have a plumbing issue on your hands. However, water damage can also come from a variety of other issues, like a leaking roof, appliance issues, or as the result of a flood — to name just a few. That said, calling in a professional plumber and even a water damage repair contractor may be necessary, especially if the damage is severe and widespread in the home. According to one 2019 Stuff Life & Style article, which highlights the advice of Master Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Drain Layers NZ chief executive Greg Wallace, attempting to fix a plumbing issue on your own can result in a variety of issues. “DIY gone wrong can result in possible fines and expensive mistakes. It can invalidate your home insurance and put your family’s health and safety at risk,” warned Wallace, thus underlining the value in calling a professional.
It’s necessary to take into account the fact that water damage can cause serious problems, which will continue to escalate the longer that materials remain wet — for instance, wood has the potential to warp, while metal will eventually rust and drywall will crumble. Mould is another issue that can arise from water damage, which can result in health issues itself from a range of respiratory symptoms (burning eyes, sore throat, etc.) to severe allergic reactions. It’s important to realise that water damage often goes deeper than the surface, underlining the importance of calling a professional as soon as possible in order to properly address the issues at hand.
Inspecting for (and navigating) mould
In cases of household water damage, the growth and presence of mould can become a major issue in a short amount of time, highlighting the importance of inspecting for it any time there has been water damage. “Any visible mould is a potential problem,” says professor Dee Carter, a microbiologist and fungi expert at the University of Sydney, who notes that the effects of such fungus are often underestimated. “If you can smell mould it’s at a level that might be hazardous, so look for it and clean it up if you can.” The Your Home and Garden article notes that mould can be found in a variety of places, from walls and ceilings to the bathroom and kitchen. Dee highlights the effectiveness of vinegar when looking to kill such fungi, noting that it will kill it on contact and penetrate into material to kill it, too. Not only that, but vinegar offers a perfect eco-friendly option for those looking to navigate mildew in a manner that is kinder to the environment and in one that’s cost-effective, too.
Regarding water damaged material in the event of a leak, Dee says “Any water-damaged material should be dried out. If mould has already started to grow to an appreciable level, it should be discarded.” Dee further advises wearing gloves and a mask when dealing with mould, and also notes the importance of using a professional service if there’s a lot of it. It’s important to note that in the event of a flood, water damaged property should always be disposed of properly — Auckland Emergency Management notes that there are 15 transfer stations and resource recovery centres across the region for people to drop off flood-damaged household items, and provides further instruction regarding the process in such a situation.
Double Strength White Vinegar is the strongest vinegar and is recommended for cleaning areas of mould along with Mould Magic for prevention.
A variety of preventative measures
When looking to avoid future water damage and the presence of mould as a result, prevention is the best eco-friendly way to do so, and there are several precautions worth implementing. For instance, preventing water damage can be as simple as proactively checking for leaks, routinely and thoroughly inspecting the roof, and keeping the gutters clean. Ensuring that appliances are well maintained, and keeping pipes from freezing are additional considerations. Minimising excess moisture through proper ventilation should also be implemented in order to reduce chances for mould growth, and can be achieved through the use of a dehumidifier or naturally ventilating the home with the help of wind by opening windows.
Reducing flooding risks on your property can also work to prevent resulting water damage and fungus growth that often follows. Keeping the drains clear of debris, leaves, and other rubbish is just one simple way to do this, while avoiding planting anything near pipes will help prevent damage to or blockages of underground pipes. It’s also advised to not build fences, sheds, or other structures that block overland flow paths, as these are the routes that rain takes in order to reach waterways during heavy rainfall (checking the GIS viewer will allow you to find out whether your property has an overland flow path). By taking all of these precautions, you can prevent water damage and potential property damage and in turn avoid the negative environmental effects associated with remedying such issues (such as having to dispose of flood-damaged furniture or appliances).
Navigating water damage and subsequent mould growth can be a headache for any homeowner, especially when looking to go about the matter in a way that’s as eco-friendly as possible. However, by calling a professional, tackling the matter by using natural solutions like vinegar, and effective preventative measures, you can ensure that the issue is taken care of while preventing future issues.
About The Author: Katie Brooks
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