What is Water Damage, How Does it Affect Your House, and How Can You Fix It?

What is water damage?

Water damage is caused by any type of water that enters your house and leaves behind signs of moisture, which can lead to structural damage if left alone.

How does it affect my house?

Structural water damage

Structural water damage, or permanent water damage, are foundation issues that occur when the foundation of your home begins to split under the pressure of retained moisture.  This is especially dangerous if your house is located in a flood zone or near rivers, as floodwater can rise fast and often.

Structural water damage is very expensive to repair.  After the water removal process has been completed, your home must be restored by professionals who know how to perform structural repairs so that your house does not collapse.  Even a minor crack in your foundation can result in significant water damage if left alone.

Non-structural water damage

Non-structural water damage, or temporary water damage, is caused by leaks and overflows from plumbing and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines that drip into small cracks without causing structural damage. This type of water damage can often be repaired by homeowners without a licensed contractor.

This type of damage does not affect your home's value as much but black mold growth can create health issues for you and your family.

What issues do mold overgrowth cause?

Not removing mold quickly isn't just something to do with property values but it can cause problems like inflammation issues like hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory issues. A mold issue can spread quickly out of the initially affected area, so dealing with it swiftly is a good idea whether you're doing it for yourself or potential buyers.

Mold on a home inspection report is the clearest sign that the rest of the house needs to be inspected. Changes are that you will find sagging beams and possibly the source of your mold problem in your home's crawl spaces.

Is water damage worse for an old house?

The damage from standing water or a burst pipe will be worse if the house is old because materials like wood, masonry, and plaster are more likely to absorb water and hold it in long enough to cause damage. Age isn't the only factor, however: a poorly maintained home is just as susceptible as an old one.

A roof leak can create ice dams in the winter that create moisture that seeps into your walls; damaging insulation and creating mold. Poorly done renovations can lead to a chain of problems that can lead to flooded basements which doesn't just mean the start of mold issues but also major issues when it comes to the very building materials that hold your house up. This is why things like flood insurance are critically important before an accident happens and the number of a good mold remediation company is one of the first things you need to look up to prevent respiratory problems and other issues.

Further damage restoration might be necessary for older homes because prior water damage restoration may have worn off.

How does water damage affect wood?

Warping and buckling floors

Warping and buckling floors are two of the most common complaints from property owners with homes that have been flooded by water. In many cases, these problems are caused by wood materials that once were solid and stable but after absorbing water, began to shrink and contract. As a result, they buckle under their weight or warp out of shape. When this happens in a home, the impact on the homeowner is devastating. Not only does it affect their daily routine, but can change the way they live in their own homes and also drastically affects the value of their property.

Water damage can cause wood to rot

Water damage can cause wood to rot. This is a serious problem that can lead to the development of mold and mildew. In addition, if left untreated, it can eventually cause the wood to disintegrate. This means that in addition to the damage that has been done to the wood initially, there is also the risk of further damage down the road.

The finish on the wood can peel or flake

If it is not treated quickly and efficiently, this can eventually lead to the wood being ruined, staining it irreparably. It may also cause additional problems with mold or mildew growth.

Water damage can weaken structural members

Water damage can weaken structural members including beams, floor joists, studs and other important elements of a home's frame. Once these are weakened, it can lead to additional problems such as cracking and breaking. In addition, this damage is often not visible from the outside of the home so many property owners do not realize that there is a problem until significant amounts of their home's structure have already been damaged or destroyed.

Moisture-induced rot and mold

Wood must be dry to be strong and stable. When it is exposed to moisture, it can quickly begin to rot and develop mold. This not only causes the wood to decay but can also cause health problems for people who live in the home. The presence of mold can also lead to the development of allergies and asthma.

Water damage can have a devastating effect on a home, not only in the short term but also in the long run. It is important to take action quickly to mitigate any damage that has been done and to prevent further problems from occurring. If you are experiencing any of the above issues, please contact a professional immediately for assistance.

What are some causes of water damage?

No drainage or working sewer system, resulting in flooding during heavy rains

A leaky roof or a pipe burst are two of the most common incidents that create water damage. Flood damage is also a big risk but the two previous issues can be invisible for long periods.

Sump Pump failures

A sump pump is a pump that is used to remove water that has collected in a sump pit, an area that is dug in the ground to collect water. It is usually found in the basement of a home and is used to collect water that seeps in from the walls or floor. It is often used in areas where there is a risk of flooding.

In homes without a sump pump, flooding can occur when the water level reaches the height of the home's lowest point. When this happens, homeowners need to contact a professional immediately to resolve the issue and prevent more damage from occurring.

Window leaks

This is another common problem that can often go undetected for long periods. A window leak can be caused by several things, including a faulty window seal, a broken window pane or even improper installation.

If the area close to a window is not inspected often, then the untreated water damage can affect your floors and more if it seeps further below.

Flooding from outside sources, such as a river or storm surge

In some cases, water damage can be caused by flooding from outside sources. This can be a result of severe weather conditions such as a hurricane or tornado, or it can be from a more localized event, such as a broken water main.

If you're on the market for a new home and know that the area is prone to floods or surges then it should be a major part of the sales contract and something that you and your real estate agent should discuss. It's not enough to simply remove standing water, you don't want to find yourself with a water-damaged house filled with mold spores that no insurance company will be even willing to look at. If the owner or your real estate agent waves away these concerns, consider that a red flag ASAP.

Leaks from faulty appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, ice machines, etc

In some cases, water damage can be caused by a faulty appliance. This is most commonly seen with dishwashers, washing machines and ice machines. If the water supply line to the appliance becomes ruptured, it can cause extensive water damage in a very short period.

If you notice that your appliances are leaking, make sure to turn them off immediately and contact a professional for assistance. Do not try to fix the appliance yourself as you could potentially cause more damage.

Faulty water heater

Provided that the water heater is faulty, it can create a large amount of damage within a short time.

If you notice any leaking from the water supply line, turn off the water supply and contact a professional as soon as possible. Don't attempt to fix this yourself as it could cause more problems.

Leaky air conditioning units

A severe leak can cause extensive water damage if it isn't addressed quickly. If the exterior condenser line develops a crack, moisture will be able to seep in and accumulate around your HVAC units. This can cause wet insulation that is at risk of combusting. The accumulated moisture can also create mold spores which are hazardous for your health.

Make sure to call a professional for assistance. Do not try to fix the AC unit yourself as it could potentially be dangerous.

How can you fix water damage?

Fix any source of flooding in your house, like repairing or replacing worn-out plumbing

The first thing to do is figure out the source of the water damage. Safety hazards not only endanger your home but at the same time can cause your home's value to plummet.

Make sure drains are not blocked by leaves

This is helpful for prevention as much as it is part of the restoration process. If you have a balcony or large patio, your drains should not be obstructed by leaves or other materials. Better to step out before a storm and wash an old hoodie than open walls to see the extent of the eventual necessary repairs.

Get rid of anything that has absorbed water

If the flooding or water damage was severe enough, you may have to get rid of things like soaked couches, or furniture. A restoration company may be able to salvage items but it may be more trouble than it's worth.

Think of getting rid of some items as a form of pre-emptive mold removal.

Fix any warped or swollen floors, then clean up the mold with hydrogen peroxide

In cases of extensive water damage, floors can often become warped or swollen. If this is the case, you will need to fix the floor before you can clean up the mold.

Once the floor has been fixed, use hydrogen peroxide to clean up the mold. Make sure to wear gloves and a mask when doing this. It's best left to professionals, you can talk to your insurance company or a real estate agent to find the best one in your zip code.

Use disinfectant on walls, countertops, and anywhere else that may have absorbed some mildew

If the mildew is extensive, you may need to call in a professional. They will be able to use a stronger disinfectant and remove any traces of mildew.

It’s also important to keep your home well ventilated. This will help prevent any mildew from growing in the future.

What if you don't fix water damage?

If you ignore any signs of water damage mold will start to grow, causing various health issues. If the mold remains untreated, it could even cause structural damage because of its corrosive properties. It can also be a fire hazard if it accumulates inside your HVAC unit.

It's important to stay on top of any potential leaks or water damage in your home. Water can spread quickly and cause extensive damage, which is why it's important to address the problem as soon as possible.

Make sure that you keep all drains clear and dry any wet areas right away to ensure that no mold or mildew develops. Proper preventative measures will allow you to get rid of mold before it starts and fix any water damage before it gets out of hand.

No one wants to live or buy a water-damaged home. The necessary repairs will improve your standard of living, raise the property value and prevent massive damage in the long run.

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