Identifying Oxidation as a Result of Water Damage in Belmont

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

One way to identify oxidation is to look for discoloration, such as red rust on a metal pipe.

How to Detect Oxidation in Your Water Damaged Home

Some metals can react with water in a process known as oxidation. When these materials come into contact with water, they may chemically reform into a new, entirely different material. The most well-known form of oxidation is rust, but many other metals and materials can oxidize as well. Oxidation can sometimes be one of the costliest forms of water damage to reverse in Belmont homes because the objects and fixtures affected may be very difficult to repair or replace due to their metallic composition. Here are a few ways you can know if metal surfaces in your home have oxidized.

Discoloration

The easiest way to identify oxidation as a byproduct of water damage in your Belmont home is to look for discoloration on the material. The vast majority of oxidized materials have a different color from the original metal. For example, rust is red while iron is gray, and copper's brownish hue becomes a light green. SERVPRO technicians are trained to recognize different colors and what they may mean, but your focus should be on finding any unusual colors. In addition to color changes, most oxidized metals lose their luster and appear as dull and perhaps misshapen materials. Thus, if the metal is visible, identifying oxidation is simple.

Smell

Some oxidized materials may omit strange and distinct odors. This can be an important way to discover oxidation in places not directly visible, such as in pipes and metal structural components. In general, keeping watch for strange smells in your home is an excellent way to identify damage early, as you may find signs of mold growth or other forms of water damage that would otherwise go unnoticed until they cause far more damage.

SERVPRO of The Lakes Region provides expert and quality home restoration services to all local homeowners in need. If your home has been affected by water damage, please contact us at (603) 527-2518.

Click here for more information about Belmont.