Readers of this blog may be familiar with the devastation sweeping through Louisiana in light of recent flooding. Families have been forced to leave their homes, which may be damaged beyond repair. According to reports, the flooding has displaced thousands, and at least six people have died as a result of the catastrophic situation.
People are rushing to help out those in need across the state, but the situation is also prompting people right here in North Carolina to take stock of their own home and safety. In a similar situation involving flooding, is your house prepared to withstand the threat of water damage?
Unfortunately, many homes will not be able to withstand heavy rainfall, wind and other elements that accompany summer storms. In some cases, this boils down to the incredible power of Mother Nature; in other cases, it is the result of a poorly built home.
For instance, you might not be able to do anything about protecting your home from water intrusion when there are torrential rains falling outside. However, your home should not flood when there is regular rainfall. If this happens, it could be a sign that your home was built with substandard materials or that certain elements of your home were improperly constructed.
One way to determine whether flooding in your home is the result of construction defects is to keep an eye out for mold contamination. The development or growth of mold can be a clear sign that moisture is getting into your home, and if your home was recently renovated or constructed, this should not be happening except in situations of extreme weather and flooding.
It can be difficult to figure out if mold and other signs of moisture intrusion are linked to a construction defect or are the unavoidable result of extreme weather, but they should not be ignored. If you have questions about potential construction defects and the damage caused by them, it can be critical to consult a construction law attorney sooner, rather than later.
