08/28/2018
The Dogs Days of Summer
I moved to the Gulf Coast on a sunny day in April, and compared to the Northeast, where I grew up, the weather was beautiful….or so I thought until that first “real” summer. I once heard a joke that went something like this; “Houston has three seasons - Summer, July, and August”, how true! We are now in the middle of the dogs days of summer where both the heat and humidity are in their daily race toward 100! It’s this time of year when your air conditioning is working it’s hardest.
Now you may ask, what does all that have to do with water restoration? Well, let me tell you; the majority of our residential calls this time of year have to do with overflowing AC pans or excessive condensation from faulty and failing air conditioning units. When your air conditioning units are not working correctly or your AC pans are not draining, you have circumstances that are perfect for water damage to ceilings, walls, and floors. The worst part is you may not even be aware of the problem until the water soaks through your walls or your ceiling collapses.
So what’s a homeowner to do? First, don’t skimp on preventative maintenance, have your air conditioning system checked and maintained on an annual basis before the summer heat arrives. A well-maintained air conditioning unit lasts longer and uses less energy. Not all failures are predictable or preventable, but a well-maintained unit is much less likely to malfunction.
If you do notice water spots on your ceiling or walls attempt to determine the source and stop the water infiltration as quickly as possible. If an AC unit, as uncomfortable as it will be, switch it off until a qualified technician can repair the problem. Call a plumber, a roofer or other contractor if you determine the issue lies with those systems. If a small spot or leak is found, it may be possible to direct a fan to increase airflow over the area and help the drying process. For bigger leaks, large wet areas, or collapsed sheetrock (walls or ceilings) we recommend contacting a professional water restoration company as quickly as possible. Removal of the wet material and drying the structure will prevent additional damage and expense from rot and mold growth. At Restoration 1 we are always happy to speak to you about your situation and complete a no-cost, no-obligation survey.
Don’t let the heat get you in the doghouse! Take care of your AC and it will take care of you, but if you do have a water leak from your air conditioning system call Restoration 1 of Missouri City. You'll be glad you did!
~ Don Golding
Business development Manager
Restoration 1 Missouri City
Water Leaks Houston