Blog

Lisa Scottoline recently wrote in her Philly.com column, “Chick Wit“, about an unfortunate event that unfolds on Christmas Eve 2009.

The Manor House at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens had water damage and mold problems in the 1990s. A small stream would flow through the basement because of poor drainage, causing plaster to crumble and other damage to the estate. In addition, the wall and balustrade that formed the outer boundary of the West Terrace also suffered water damage. Instead of just fixing the water damage and removing the growing mold, those who managed the estate saw the problem as an opportunity to make big improvements.

Gutters are one the homes most neglected accessories, but one of the cheapest defenses against water damage, mold, mildew and problems with a home’s foundation. When gutters are not well maintained, however, rainwater and debris can collect on your roof. If the situation is not remedied quickly, water can seep through roofing materials and cause major water damage.

If your home or office building was affected by recent water damage, such as floods, you may not be done with the cleanup process even though the water may appear to be gone. Anything that got wet must be completely dried to prevent structural damage and mold.

Whether it comes from nature or is manmade, water damage can lead to unimaginable destruction to a building. Water damage can come in the high-visible form of a flood, or lurk behind the walls of a building. When left untreated, standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mold growth.