Homeowners in Lexington may notice persistent water damage odors lingering throughout their homes. The city of Lexington presents unique challenges for homeowners trying to prevent water damage. High humidity levels and annual rainfall are a part of the local climate, but the city’s humid, subtropical climate creates damp, high-moisture environments within homes.
The city’s mix of historic homes in areas like Downtown and modern constructions in Hamburg require professionals to understand a variety of building materials. Seasonal weather changes can exacerbate water damage odors. Summer months can bring heat and humidity into your home, increasing the likelihood of mold.
Understanding Water Damage Odors in Kentucky Homes
Humid months of the year can cause water damage odors. Most buildings are made of materials that are meant to withstand humidity levels under 50%, whereas Lexington’s summer months can reach humidity levels up to 70%. When outside temperatures and humidity levels rise, homeowners may notice persistent odors beginning to permeate throughout their homes. This could be a sign of mold growth or bacteria developing somewhere within the home.
Common Sources of Water Damage Odors in Lexington Properties
Lexington has a variety of housing styles, but no structure is completely airtight. Many residences have water intrusion points that lead to water damage odors. Cracks in exterior walls, gaps in windows and doors, and other intrusion points allow water to seep into your home. Over time, built-up moisture and dampness will lead to mold growth, sometimes as soon as 24-48 hours.
Water intrusion points can lead to water damage odors in your home. As water seeps into your home through cracks and crevices, mold will grow, creating earthy odors and causing your indoor air quality to diminish. If HVAC and ventilation systems are improperly installed or improperly maintained, they can sometimes create condensation that causes water damage odors.
Health Implications of Water Damage Odors
Water damage odors cause more problems. In addition to creating unpleasant smells in your home, mildewy, musty odors can be a sign of mold growth. Addressing the presence of mold as soon as it is detected is the best way to prevent respiratory issues. Mold exposure can exacerbate issues such as asthma, and long-term exposure can cause severe health problems.
Homeowners in the Bluegrass region with seasonal allergies should take quick action if they notice water damage odors around their homes. This can be a sign of mold growth, a contaminant that exacerbates allergies. Itchy skin, sneezing, coughing, and other allergy-like symptoms may feel more intense or long-lasting because of mold exposure. If a mildewy odor is persistent and won’t go away after multiple cleanings, it is time to hire a professional to remediate the situation.
Professional Deodorization Techniques
Experienced sanitization professionals understand that each home contains different materials. Hiring a cleaning company gives homeowners peace of mind. The older cleaning process is specifically tailored to your home’s specific needs and materials. Our specialized treatments allow us to provide professional cleanings that remove odors without damaging surfaces.
Historic district properties should always be serviced by a professional. Water damage remediation work done to a historic property must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to preserve the historic character of the building. This typically requires approval from the local Historic Preservation Commission for repairs or alterations made to the property.
Prevention Strategies for Kentucky Homes
Controlling moisture and lowering humidity levels can help prevent water damage odors. Dehumidifiers can remove moisture from your home, eliminating damp environments and reducing the likelihood of lingering water damage odors. Using a dehumidifier can also improve your indoor air quality by eliminating mold, dust, and other airborne contaminants. Exhaust fans work well in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-moisture rooms. Install an exhaust fan to remove moisture from your residence and prevent mold or mildew from building up.
Lexington’s weather patterns may require homeowners to invest in seasonal maintenance and water damage prevention services. The summer months come with 70% humidity levels that are damaging to your home, creating damp environments that could become a breeding ground for mold growth.
When to Seek Professional Help
There are many warning signs that water damage has occurred in your home. Water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors can be a sign of serious water damage. Yellowish or brownish stains are a sign of leaky pipes behind walls. Respiratory issues are another sign of serious water damage. If you or your family are coughing, sneezing, or experiencing other allergy-like symptoms, there may be mold spores and mildew lingering in your home because of water damage.
Professional water damage restoration services can help homeowners navigate the insurance claims process. Residential water damage can be stressful, and communicating with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Many water damage repair companies provide services that help clients document damages and submit information to their insurance company, helping the process move along swiftly.
ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration Services in Lexington, KY
Our Professional cleaners can provide specialized treatments for historic properties in downtown Lexington. Cleaning a historic building requires cleaners to follow a strict set of guidelines and use odor-removal methods that work on sensitive materials. Hiring an odor remediation company ensures historic properties maintain their integrity using cleaning techniques that work well with older paint, wallpaper, carpets, and other areas of a historic building.
When water damage affects your home, ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration Services will be there to help you repair your residence. Our locally trained professionals help businesses maintain healthy indoor air quality when humidity levels rise. We have years of residential odor remediation experience, including successful treatments for historic homes.
