Most people associate Sanibel water damage with hurricanes and wind blown rain
In Sanibel, most people associate water damage with hurricanes and wind blown rain but in fact, most Sanibel Water Damages occur from plumbing leaks and appliance failure.
The most common sources of Sanibel Water Damage from water leaks and ruptures are:
- Water heater tank or fitting leak or rupture
- Washing machine supply hose leaks or rupture
- Washing machine pump out hose coming out of drain
- Ice maker line leaks or disconnection
- Toilet and sink supply lines leak or rupture
- Damaged wax ring on toilets
- Cracked tanks on toilets
- Air Handler condensation drain line blockage
- Tears and leaks in A/C ducting causing condensation
- Copper plumbing lines corrosion or solder failure
- Plastic plumbing lines cracks or glued fitting failure
- Gutter backup or improper installation
- Stucco cracks around windows and doors
- Roof shingle cracking from heat and weather damage
- Roof flashing and drip edge damage and cracking of seal
Whether a slow drip or a rush of pressurized water the damage is the same. Sanibel Water Damage wets flooring, drywall, cabinets, base molding, doors and wood casings. If these building materials are not dried out quickly and thoroughly mold growth can occur in as little as 48 hours. Water will structurally damage particle board in cabinets and furniture. Water will rot and delaminate plywood and OSB. Water will weaken and delaminate the backing of your carpeting. Water will warp and crack base molding and wood interior doors. Water will encourage mold growth on the paper face and backing of drywall. Any water leak in an Sanibel home must be dried quickly and completely to prevent damage to building materials, furnishings and cabinetry.
The science of drying is called psychometrics. The concept involves a containment known as “the envelope”. In this envelope heat and air movement encourage wet materials to release their water content in the form of humidity. High speed air movers force air across wet surfaces at a shallow angle which creates low pressure at the material surface. This literally pulls the moisture out of the material and into the air in the form of humidity. This humidity is captured by an LGR “low grain refrigerant” dehumidifier and pumped into a sink or floor drain. This dehumidifier can remove 62 pints or 7.75 gallons in 24 hours from the air in the drying envelope.