When Salt Water Meets Your Home: The Hidden Dangers of Nassau County Coastal Flooding
Living along Nassau County’s beautiful coastline comes with breathtaking ocean views and beach access, but it also exposes homeowners to unique water damage challenges that inland properties never face. During Hurricane Sandy, Nassau County communities were severely affected with large areas subjected to erosion, storm surge, and wave damage along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, causing devastating flooding in Queens, Nassau County, and parts of New Jersey. Unlike typical freshwater flooding, coastal storm surge brings salt water into homes, creating a complex restoration scenario that requires specialized expertise and immediate professional intervention.
The Science Behind Salt Water’s Destructive Power
Water is already a powerful solvent, but salt water can cause significantly more damage in a shorter period of time. Salt will continue to damage your home even after the water is gone. While the water will evaporate and dry, the salt will form a coating on walls and surfaces. Unless it’s properly cleaned, the salt will continue to corrode metals and building materials long after your home is dry.
Saltwater’s interaction with building materials can lead to accelerated breakdown. Items like concrete and drywall are more susceptible to damage when exposed to saltwater, which can seep into porous materials and weaken their structural integrity. Salt has the nasty tendency of causing metal and concrete to corrode, which can lead to serious structural damage to your house. The main problem is that as salt penetrates concrete it breaks it down very slowly, meaning the instability could take years to manifest.
Nassau County’s Growing Storm Surge Threat
The Nassau County Back Bays (NCBB) area was identified as one of the nine areas of high risk that warrants an in-depth investigation into potential coastal storm risk management measures. Along the Atlantic Ocean, surge and waves inundated low lying areas, and contributed to the flooding along the shoreline of the interior of the bays. Nassau County’s drinking water supply is threatened by salty ocean water. Coastal areas like Long Beach and Oyster Bay are at the highest risk and may need to find new water sources in the future.
Storm surge from tropical cyclones poses a significant threat to life and property along the coast and is currently the leading cause of fatalities from hurricanes. Storm surge can even travel up rivers and canals, reaching well inland from the coastline. Recent weather events have shown that “The projected storm surge may cause water intrusion into homes during high tide,” making rapid response crucial for Nassau County homeowners.
The Unique Challenges of Salt Water Recovery
Mold is a common concern for homeowners after water damage, especially if salt water is involved. Saltwater damage leads to a higher rate of mold growth than freshwater because salt retains more water. However, there’s a complex relationship at play: Cellulose-based documents affected by saltwater are not as vulnerable to mold growth as those affected by freshwater are. After tsunami-affected various regions in Asia, documents that soaked in seawater and remained wet for several weeks did not experience mold growth or paper adhesion, despite humid tropical conditions. Scientists believe that the concentration of salt in the seawater inhibited fungal growth.
Saltwater has an electrical charge, which makes water damage from flooding and other disasters dangerous if the electricity is on in your property. This creates additional safety hazards that require immediate professional attention to prevent electrocution and further property damage.
Professional Salt Water Restoration: Why DIY Isn’t Enough
If your home is the victim of water damage, it doesn’t matter how handy you are – you need to call in a trained, skilled professional. This is especially important with saltwater as the flooded area needs to be thoroughly flushed out with clean water to remove the salt, then pumped away and dried completely to avoid any mold. Afterwards, the area will need to be inspected to ensure nothing external or internal is still damaged before repairs and renovations can begin.
For Nassau County residents facing salt water intrusion, professional water damage restoration Nassau County services are essential. Green Island Group provides swift and dependable water damage restoration as the premier choice in Nassau County, New York. Specializing in environmental, remediation, and demolition services, they cater to residential, commercial, and public sectors. Green Island Group stands at the forefront of water damage restoration services in Nassau County, New York. Their expert team is equipped with the latest technology and methodologies to address water damage swiftly and efficiently.
The Green Island Group Advantage
Whether it’s a residential home suffering from flood damage or a commercial property facing plumbing failures, Green Island Group provides tailored solutions to mitigate the impact and prevent future incidents. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction ensures that every project is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Understanding the urgency of water damage situations, Green Island Group operates around the clock to offer immediate assistance. Their emergency response team is always ready to tackle any challenge, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life or business operations.
Their team of knowledgeable professionals has years of experience as a first responder contractor, restoring properties with damages from floods, fires, and other major environmental events. Green Island Group Corp. has successfully completed over 5,000 restoration services projects in the New York State area. Their mission is to help as many homeowners return to a safe, secure environment as possible.
Immediate Steps After Salt Water Intrusion
Wait for the all-clear to return to your property if you evacuated during the storm. Take precautions before entering your home – you are probably eager to begin cleanup, but it’s important to be safe. Make sure the electricity is off to prevent electrocution. Then check the outside of your home for structural damage.
Take photos and video of the damage for your insurance claim. Even if you don’t have coastal flooding or hurricane coverage, you should always document the damage. While your insurance may not cover the cost of cleanup, you may still qualify for Federal-aid or other assistance.
Long-Term Recovery and Prevention
The long-term effects of saltwater flooding can be devastating, requiring not just immediate cleanup measures but also extensive renovations to restore a property to its pre-flood condition. Homeowners in coastal areas must be particularly vigilant, as the unpredictability of storm surges or heavy rainfall can lead to saltwater inundation, creating a unique set of challenges in cleanup and restoration efforts.
Replacing damaged materials with salt-resistant alternatives is a critical best practice in the restoration process for coastal homes. Utilizing corrosion-resistant materials—such as galvanized steel, marine-grade wood, and specialized sealants—will enhance the durability of the restoration and provide added protection against the harsh elements.
Nassau County’s coastal communities face increasing challenges from storm surge and salt water intrusion, but with proper preparation and professional restoration services, homeowners can protect their investments and ensure their families’ safety. When salt water threatens your home, don’t attempt DIY solutions—contact experienced professionals who understand the unique complexities of coastal water damage restoration.