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Part 2: Why Professional Restoration is the Smarter Choice
While DIY might seem like the cheaper route, professional restoration offers long-term benefits that save time, money, and stress. Here’s why hiring experts at Champion makes a difference:
👉 Next in Part 3: A detailed comparison between DIY and professional costs.
When disaster strikes—whether it’s water damage, fire, or mold growth—you might be tempted to handle the cleanup yourself. While small spills and minor issues can be tackled with DIY solutions, major restoration work requires professional expertise.
In this four-part series, we’ll compare DIY cleanup vs. professional restoration, covering the risks of DIY, the advantages of professional help, and how to choose the right restoration company.
While DIY cleanup can save money upfront, it comes with serious risks. Many homeowners underestimate the extent of damage, leading to bigger problems down the road. Here’s why DIY cleanup can be risky:
👉 Coming up in Part 2: Why professional restoration is the smarter, safer choice.
In the past three parts of this series, we covered exterior inspections, interior warning signs, and hidden problem areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Now, let’s talk about how to prevent mold growth, control indoor humidity, and what to do if you discover water damage in your home.
Mold thrives in damp, humid environments. If water damage goes untreated, mold can spread quickly—sometimes in as little as 24 to 48 hours! Here’s how to keep mold at bay:
✅ Control Humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% by using dehumidifiers and air conditioners.
✅ Improve Ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to reduce moisture buildup.
✅ Fix Leaks Promptly: Even a small leak under a sink or behind a wall can create the perfect conditions for mold.
✅ Use Mold-Resistant Products: If you’re renovating, choose mold-resistant drywall, paint, and insulation.
✅ Keep Areas Dry: After a spill or minor leak, dry the area within 24 hours to prevent mold from forming.
High humidity levels can make your home feel uncomfortable and lead to condensation, which contributes to water damage. Here’s how to regulate humidity:
If you find water stains, leaks, or standing water, act fast to minimize damage. Follow these emergency steps:
1️⃣ Identify the Source – If it’s a burst pipe, turn off the main water supply immediately.
2️⃣ Remove Excess Water – Use towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or a mop to soak up standing water.
3️⃣ Use Fans & Dehumidifiers – Speed up drying time to prevent mold growth.
4️⃣ Call a Professional Restoration Company – If the damage is extensive or mold is present, it’s best to call experts like Champion, who can safely assess, repair, and restore your home.
5️⃣ Check Your Insurance Policy – Water damage coverage varies, so review your homeowner’s insurance to see if you’re eligible for a claim.
Water damage doesn’t always happen suddenly—it often starts small and worsens over time. By staying proactive and checking your home regularly, you can catch issues early and avoid costly repairs.
💧 If you suspect water damage or need professional restoration services, Champion is here to help! We’ve been serving Metro Atlanta families since 1970, and we’re committed to protecting your home. Contact us today for an inspection or emergency water damage restoration.
In Part 1, we inspected the exterior of your home, and in Part 2, we looked at interior signs of water damage. Now, it’s time to check the areas of your home where water damage often goes unnoticed—your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. These hidden spaces are prone to leaks, excess moisture, and mold growth, making regular inspections essential.
Your attic is one of the first places water damage may appear due to roof leaks or poor ventilation. Here’s what to look for:
✅ Dark stains or water spots on wooden beams or insulation
✅ Damp or matted insulation, which reduces energy efficiency
✅ Mold or mildew growth, especially in corners
✅ Sunlight shining through the roof, indicating holes or gaps
✅ A musty smell, which could mean trapped moisture
🔹 Prevention Tip: Ensure proper attic ventilation to reduce humidity. If you find any signs of roof leaks, schedule a professional inspection immediately.
Basements are one of the most common places for water damage due to heavy rainfall, foundation cracks, and poor drainage. Warning signs include:
✅ Puddles or damp spots on the floor—even small ones can indicate a leak
✅ Efflorescence (white, chalky residue) on concrete walls—a sign of water seepage
✅ Cracks in foundation walls or floors, which can allow moisture in
✅ Rust on metal pipes or appliances, signaling excess humidity
✅ A damp, musty smell, a sign of hidden moisture
🔹 Prevention Tip: Keep a dehumidifier running in the basement to reduce moisture. If you notice persistent leaks, waterproofing the foundation may be necessary.
If your home has a crawl space instead of a basement, moisture buildup can lead to wood rot, pests, and mold. Here’s what to check:
✅ Standing water or damp soil, indicating poor drainage
✅ Mold growth on wood beams, which weakens your home’s structure
✅ Condensation on pipes, which can lead to rust and leaks
✅ A foul or musty odor, which suggests excess humidity or mold
🔹 Prevention Tip: Install a vapor barrier to keep moisture out and check for proper ventilation. If water pools under your home, consider adding a drainage system or sump pump.
In Part 4, we’ll wrap up this series by discussing mold prevention, humidity control, and emergency steps if you discover water damage. Taking action now can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe this spring!
In Part 1, we focused on inspecting the exterior of your home for signs of water damage. Now, it’s time to step inside and check for hidden issues that could lead to mold, structural damage, and costly repairs.
Even if your home looks fine at first glance, water damage can hide in unexpected places. Follow this step-by-step guide to identify potential problems inside your home.
Prevention Tip: If you find water stains, determine the source immediately. Roof leaks, burst pipes, or condensation issues could be the culprit. Fixing the cause early prevents further damage.
Prevention Tip: If you notice damage, address leaks or high humidity levels quickly. A dehumidifier can help regulate indoor moisture.
Prevention Tip: Tighten loose connections and replace hoses every few years to prevent leaks. Consider installing a water leak detector for early warnings.
Prevention Tip: Use weather stripping and caulk to seal gaps, and make sure windows are properly closed during rainstorms.
Sometimes, you can smell water damage before you see it. If an area has a persistent musty odor, it could be a sign of mold growing behind walls, under carpets, or inside HVAC systems.
Prevention Tip: If musty smells persist, consider a professional inspection to rule out hidden water damage or mold growth.
In Part 3, we’ll dive into basements, crawl spaces, and attics, where water damage often hides. These areas are prone to leaks, high humidity, and mold, making early detection crucial.
By checking your ceilings, floors, and appliances now, you can catch problems early and keep your home in great shape this spring!
Spring is here, which means it's time for deep cleaning and home maintenance! While scrubbing floors and dusting shelves are essential, one often overlooked task is checking for water damage. Spotting and addressing water issues early can prevent costly repairs and serious structural damage. In this four-part series, we’ll guide you through identifying potential water damage in different areas of your home.
Your home’s exterior is the first line of defense against the elements. Over time, winter weather, rain, and fluctuating temperatures can take a toll on your roof, gutters, and siding. Here’s how to spot and prevent water damage outside your home.
Prevention Tip: If you notice damaged shingles or leaks, have a professional inspect and repair the area before spring storms hit.
Prevention Tip: Clean gutters regularly and install gutter guards to keep debris out.
Prevention Tip: Seal cracks with waterproof caulk and redirect downspouts to prevent water from collecting around the foundation.
Prevention Tip: Reapply caulk and replace weather stripping to prevent water from seeping in.
Stay Tuned for Part 2!
In the next post, we’ll focus on spotting water damage inside your home, from ceilings to floors and everything in between. Keeping an eye on these exterior warning signs can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe this spring!
Spring showers may bring flowers, but they can also bring flooding, leaks, and water damage if your home isn’t prepared. Here’s what to check:
✅ Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts – Clogged gutters lead to roof leaks and foundation damage. Clear out leaves and debris so water flows properly away from your home.
✅ Inspect Your Roof for Damage – Missing or damaged shingles allow leaks. Have your roof checked and repaired before heavy spring rains.
✅ Check Your Sump Pump – If your home has a basement, test your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly before storms hit.
✅ Seal Windows & Doors – Water can seep in through small cracks in doors and windows, leading to mold growth and structural damage. Reseal any gaps to keep moisture out.
🏡 Pro Tip: If you notice any leaks, act fast! Water damage spreads quickly, leading to mold, rot, and costly repairs.
Call Champion today if you'd like us to perform a free inspection on your home.
If you experience a sewage backup, follow these steps immediately:
🚨 Evacuate the area – Keep kids & pets away!
🚨 Shut off the water supply if the backup is caused by plumbing issues.
🚨 Turn off electricity in affected areas to prevent shock hazards.
🚨 Do NOT use household fans—they can spread airborne contaminants.
🚨 Call a professional like Champion for safe and thorough cleanup.
Acting fast can prevent further damage and keep your family safe.
While it might be tempting to handle a sewage spill yourself, a mop and bleach won’t cut it. Here’s why:
❌ Porous surfaces (wood, drywall, carpet) absorb contaminants, leading to long-term health hazards.
❌ Sewage contains airborne bacteria, making exposure dangerous even if you’re not touching it directly.
❌ Improper cleanup can spread contamination to other areas of your home.
For your safety, sewage cleanup requires proper protective gear, industrial-grade disinfectants, and professional extraction equipment.
Sewage spills are more than just a nasty mess—they pose serious health risks and can lead to costly damage if not cleaned properly. At Champion, we specialize in handling sewage backups safely and efficiently. Here’s what you need to know before you grab that mop.
Sewage water—also known as black water—contains:
☣ Bacteria & Viruses – Can cause serious illnesses like Hepatitis A, E. coli, and gastroenteritis.
☣ Parasites – Exposure can lead to infections like Giardia or Cryptosporidium.
☣ Toxic Chemicals – Household and industrial waste can contaminate sewage water.
☣ Mold Growth – Excess moisture from sewage spills can lead to dangerous mold infestations.
Even a small sewage spill can expose you to these hazards, making professional cleanup the safest option.
