Hoarding is a mental health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Hoarding is a compulsive illness in which a person has a strong need to keep things, even if they are dangerous, dirty, or have no value. In most 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. In this article, we’ll talk about the connection between hoarding and property damage and how property restoration and hoarding cleanup services can help fix 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 risks that are often overlooked when analyzing this kind of behavior. Due to the buildup of trash and other materials, the hoarder and anyone who enters the space or lives nearby is at risk for a number of health problems, such as fire, rodents, crush injuries, mold growth, and damage to the building itself.
Listed here 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 building but also to the occupant if trash, paper, and other combustible materials are allowed to accumulate.
A fire can start quickly if something covers a heating vent or damaged wires. It is much more difficult for residents to evacuate the building and for firefighters to respond in the event of an emergency if the hallways and rooms are cluttered.
Infestation
As items start to 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, trash, and clutter are all things that are likely to attract vermin such as mice, cockroaches, and other unwanted animals. This can contribute to unsanitary conditions and cause damage to the building’s structural integrity.
Mold Growth
Mold growth is another common problem associated with hoarding. Poor air quality and increased humidity are the perfect conditions for mold growth when clutter blocks vents and condensation, or leaking pipes are covered. Trash, spoiled food, and other perished household items can breed mold if not disposed of correctly.
The mold can grow on the walls and surfaces, causing the building to deteriorate. If you or a person you know is experiencing mold growth due to hoarding, advise them to consider seeking professional mold removal in Mountlake Terrace to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.
Structural Damage
The risk of structural damage to buildings is also a major issue that may arise from hoarding. It is also possible for a hoarder’s accumulation to grow to the point where it compromises the building’s structure. The decay of the property’s foundation is often the first sign that the structure won’t be able to support the contents.
Why Hire Hoarding Cleanup Services to Restore Your Property?
Property restoration and hoarding cleanup services from companies like PuroClean Northwest can be extremely helpful in addressing the link between hoarding and property damage. Removal of flammable debris, identifying structural damage, remediation of mold development, and prevention of pest infestation are some of the ways in which these services can help homeowners get their property back to its original state.
Hoarding is a complex mental health condition that calls for a holistic approach, and these specialists have been trained to handle hoarding-related issues with care and respect.
Conclusion
Hoarding is associated with extensive property damage, which can have lasting effects on the hoarder. But it is possible to fix these problems and return homes to their original condition with the help of enough resources and support. You can seek help from mental health experts 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.
