Hoarding is a psychological health problem affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Hoarding is an uncontrollable illness in which a particular person has a strong desire to keep things, even if they are dangerous, filthy, or have no value. In most cases, the person who hoards becomes emotionally tied to the hoard and its items, making the situation hard to address.

Adding to this is the damage that hoarding can do to the structure and integrity of a property. In this article, we’ll discuss the link between hoarding and property damage and how property restoration and hoarding cleanup services can aid in taking care of these problems and returning houses to their original state.

How Does Hoarding Damage Property?

Now that we know what hoarding is, we can check out the dangers often overlooked when analyzing this behavior. Due to the buildup of trash and other materials, the hoarder and any person who enters the space or lives nearby 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 junk 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 debris, paper, and other combustible materials are allowed to accumulate. 

A fire can start swiftly if something covers a heating vent or damaged wires. It is much more difficult for residents to leave the building and for firefighters to respond in the event of an emergency if the corridors and rooms are cluttered.

Infestation

As items start to build up, there is a greater possibility that your property will end up being a home for unwanted visitors like rats and pests. Food that is left out, trash, and clutter are all things that are likely to attract vermin such as mice, roaches, and other unwanted animals. 

This can contribute to unsanitary conditions and cause damage to the building’s structural integrity. If you are struggling with hoarding, it is important to find help with hoarding cleanup to address these issues before they become unmanageable.

Mold Growth

Mold growth is another common issue associated with hoarding. Poor air quality and increased moisture are the perfect conditions for mold growth when clutter obstructs vents and condensation or leaking pipelines are covered. Trash, spoiled food, and other perished household items can breed mold if improperly disposed of. The mold can grow on the walls and surfaces, causing the building to deteriorate. Meanwhile, in order to effectively treat mold issues caused by hoarding, it is recommended that you hire mold remediation specialists.

Structural Damage

The risk of structural damage to buildings is also a significant problem that may occur from hoarding. It is also possible for a hoarder’s accumulation to grow to the point where it compromises 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.

Why Hire Hoarding Cleanup Services to Restore Your Property?

Property remediation and hoarding cleanup services from companies like PuroClean Northwest in Lynnwood, WA can be tremendously helpful in addressing the link between hoarding and property damage. Removal of flammable debris, identifying structural damage, removal of mold development, and prevention of pest infestation are some of how these professional services can help homeowners get their property back to its original state.

Hoarding is a complex mental health problem that calls for a holistic approach, and these experts have been trained to deal with hoarding-related issues with care and respect.

Conclusion

Hoarding is associated with significant 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 assistance. You can seek help from mental 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 little bit of support and guidance, it’s possible to live clutter-free.