Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Consequences of Water Damage in Schools

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

Water is a pervasive element that can cause incredible damage to practically any material that has been exposed to it for a certain amount of time. In a school building, water damage can result to the following:

Damages to Property and Materials
It can erode soil, weaken cement structures, make wood rot, and corrode metals, creating a wide range of damages to the school grounds, structures, building materials such as tiles, plaster and drywall, utility systems and even ductwork.

Water damage can also cause contamination and destruction of the contents of a school building such as furniture, library books, computers, lab equipment, audiovisual equipment, and school records. Wet materials and items are also at risk of saturation damage, which creates moisture problems like molds and mildew.

Health Threats
If a water-damaged school building is not cleaned and dried properly after the incident, it is very likely to harbor contaminants and encourage mold growth, which can lead to serious health risks to both students and school staff such as respiratory symptoms and allergies.

School Shutdown
Schools that suffer extensive water damage will be forced to close to allow cleanup, repair and restoration. The school’s ability to return to normal instruction will depend on several factors, including the scale of water damage and long-term health concerns.

Moreover, the duration of the school closure will be affected by whether or not the school has adequate insurance coverage and the speed with which the cleanup and restoration process started. There is a possibility that a severely flooded school will be permanently closed if it is situated in a flood plain.

Recommended Reading
School Water Damage Preparedness and Education
School Water Damage Recovery