Hoarding is a psychological health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Hoarding is a compulsive illness in which a person has a strong desire to keep things, even if they are dangerous, filthy, or worthless. In many cases, the person who hoards becomes emotionally tied to the hoard and the items in it, which makes the situation hard to deal with.
Adding to this is the damage that hoarding can do to the structure and integrity of a property. This article will discuss the link between hoarding and property damage and how property restoration and hoarding cleanup services can help take care of these problems and return homes to their original state.
How Does Hoarding Damage Property?
Now that we know what hoarding is, we can examine the dangers often ignored when evaluating this behavior. Due to the buildup of trash and other materials, the hoarder and any person who goes into the area or lives close by is at risk for many health problems, such as fire, rodents, crush injuries, mold growth, and damage to the building itself.
Listed below are some ways that hoarding can damage a property.
Risk of Fire
The accumulation of trash and flammable materials is a clear connection between hoarding and damage to property. There is a risk of fire not only to the structure but also to the occupant if debris, paper, and other combustible materials are allowed to build up.
A fire can start swiftly if something covers a heating air vent or damaged wires. It is much tougher for residents to evacuate the building and for firefighters to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency if the hallways and rooms are cluttered.
Infestation
As items build up, there is a greater chance that your property will become a home for unwanted guests like rodents and insects. Food that is left out, garbage, and clutter are all things that are likely to attract vermin such as mice, roaches, and other unwanted animals. This can add to unsanitary conditions and cause damage to the building’s structural integrity.
Mold Growth
Mold growth is another common problem related to hoarding. Poor air quality and increased humidity are the perfect conditions for mold growth when clutter obstructs vents and condensation or leaking pipes are covered. Trash, spoiled food, and other perished household items can breed mold if improperly disposed of. The mold can expand on the walls and surface areas, causing the building to deteriorate. To learn more about how to handle and eliminate mold because of hoarding problems, click here.
Structural Damage
The risk of structural damage to buildings is also a significant issue that may occur from hoarding. It is also possible for a hoarder’s accumulation to grow to the point where it endangers the building’s framework. The decay of the property’s foundation is usually the first indication that the structure won’t be able to support the contents.
If you are dealing with hoarding and the risk of structural damage to your property is significant, it is critical that you contact PuroClean Northwest. This restoration company can help you until your home is clean, safe, and secure for you and your family.
Why Hire Hoarding Cleanup Services to Restore Your Property?
Property remediation and professional hoarding cleanup services can be extremely helpful in addressing the link between hoarding and property damage. Removal of flammable clutter, assessing structural damage, remediation of mold growth, and prevention of pest infestation are some of the ways in which these professional services can help homeowners get their property back to its original state.
Hoarding is a complex mental health condition that requires an alternative approach, and these experts have been trained to deal with hoarding-related issues with care and respect.
Conclusion
Hoarding is connected with extensive property damage, which can have long-term effects on the hoarder. But it is possible to fix these issues and return homes to their original condition with the help of enough resources and assistance. You can seek help from psychological health professionals or restoration companies if you or someone you know is dealing with hoarding behavior. Hoarding is not something that has to consume life. With a bit of support and guidance, it’s possible to live clutter-free.
