Deadly Hamilton Township Home Collapse Caused by Long-Term Water Damage. Officials said a house that collapsed in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, Monday morning killing a woman and injuring her two daughters was caused by widespread and untreated water damage. It is clear that water damage can have devastating consequences if not addressed quickly. Within the first 24 hours after a leak or flood, mold, damage to floors, walls and electrical systems, and even structural problems can occur.
That is why it is essential to hire a water cleaning professional near you to consult and repair you as soon as possible. Water damage can also cause roofing material to fall or sag, which can be a sign of significant water damage that needs to be addressed immediately. If left untreated, the whole roof could collapse. A damp or wet basement could indicate a larger problem known as foundation damage.
If you start to notice cracks in the walls, the floors slope, or the windows and cabinets become more difficult to open, immediately contact a foundation repair specialist. A damaged foundation can be caused by improper drainage of rainwater in your house or by the formation of a sump. A sump forms when the accumulation of water beneath the foundation moves sediments and pressure from the caves of your home into destabilized soil. In severe cases, this could cause your home to collapse.
Damage to your base will only get worse (and more expensive to repair) the longer you delay repairs. Water damage also causes serious structural damage to the building, putting it in danger of eventual collapse. Water affects different surfaces and areas in unique ways that can help you identify water damage. For example, water causes hardwood floors to swell and discoloration of walls and carpets. Carpets are extremely difficult to clean because fabric absorbs water and mold growth is common on carpet fibers. This cannot be removed with daily cleaning products and must be removed by a professional.
A Tuesday report from the municipality's engineering department cited long-term water damage and aging materials as the cause of the collapse that killed Tika Justice on Monday morning. They will assess the level of water damage and assess the amount of work needed to make your home safely rehabitable. Water damage can also come from sources inside the home, such as broken pipes, broken appliances, or a faulty plumbing system. Water damage is so common because it has many possible sources, some of which cannot be predicted or prevented. Not all water-related problems cause structural damage, but it is essential to correct any foundation damage before it becomes a concern for the overall structural integrity of your home.
The same applies to damaged pipes that cause water damage; if a pipe is severely damaged or has burst, it will need to be replaced in addition to fixing the roof itself. To minimize water damage caused by a major leak or flood in your home, the restoration process should ideally begin within 24 hours. Hardwood floors, for example, damage with any amount of accumulated water that is allowed to sit for about a day, leading to bending of planks and other repair problems. It's never a good idea to try to clean up water damage on your own, no matter how small the damage seems. Water restoration companies can help you with water removal, drying and dehumidifying, restoring and cleaning carpets, removing mold and odors, and even some refurbishment. For example, you'll likely quickly recognize if you have water damage caused by a storm, hurricane, or other natural disasters. The best thing you can do in this situation is to have your property evaluated by a water damage restoration professional and recommend the next appropriate course of action.
First of all, there is water damage itself, which damages building materials, appliances, accessories and furniture while sitting and swimming pools, and electronic devices are especially susceptible to damage. Once you establish that it is safe to re-enter the house, the faster the cleaning and restoration of water damage is done, the better. It is essential not only for safety reasons but also for preventing further destruction from occurring.
