Why Do People Care So Much About Water Damage?

A leaky rooftop, a flooding basement, a burst pipe, and a backed-up sewage system have one thing in common – all cause major water damage. Whatever may be the cause of water damage in your home, it is something that seriously needs to be tackled and acted upon quickly. So, connect to an emergency water damage restoration company San Diego to mitigate the extent of the damage in no time and also secure your family’s health.

But it brings us back to the question, what can the impact of water damage be?

Hazards To Health: 

If your home is flooded with water, you have a particular cause for concern. Undoubtedly, water damage can cause some pretty nasty health hazards.

Flood water can be classified into three types:

Category 1 – ‘Clean water’ comes from sanitary sources, most probably from the pipes in your home. It is fresh and clean as it has not been used for anything else yet.

Category 2 – ‘Greywater’ comes from the outside of your homes. It includes groundwater that might have seeped into your basement or post-use water from your home appliances.

Category 3 – ‘Blackwater’ comes from unsanitary sources, most likely that contain human or animal waste. This water is toxic as it includes floodwater from lakes, rivers, and any water containing sewage.

If at all you are dealing with ‘Blackwater,’ you immediately need to take a step back. Instead, call a professional water damage restoration company, as the water is unsafe to breathe around or touch. Anything that is exposed to blackwater is either disposed of or cleaned and sanitized professionally. Only a professional water damage company will be able to determine whether contaminated belongings need salvation.

Mold growth is the most commonly known danger of water damage. Its spores begin to form less than 24 hours after the occurrence of water damage. Mold is known to cause various forms of health problems, from allergic symptoms in a few to serious respiratory problems and even neurological damage in some. You should not take mold growth lightly. If you suspect its growth or water was allowed to sit for more than 24 hours, you have to call emergency water repair services to address the problem.

Certainly, these aren’t the contaminants you want in your home. It is imperative to deal with this kind of damage right away. Water damage not only presents health hazards in the form of biohazards, but it can also deteriorate the structure and materials of your house in various ways.

How Does Water Damage Deteriorates Structural Integrity?

Due to the potential for collapse, water damage to your ceiling is particularly concerning. Even when your ceiling is the only area leaking or when there is a pipe burst above the ceiling, as might be the scenario of an upstairs bathroom with poor waterproofing or a roof leak, you have to call professional water damage services San Diego to address this urgently.

If you notice signs of water pooling in your ceiling, there is quite a possibility that the area could collapse. However, this clearly presents a safety concern for you and your family, along with your belongings. Additionally, by the time you notice pooling, the chances are that water might have gathered for a while and may have caused mold growth.

Drywall is an area that is easy to overlook, especially if the water damage to other places is more visible. Mold is a severe issue when dealing with drywall water damage. Mold can hide inside your walls, and this cool, damp environment is ideal for mold growth. Water or mold-damaged drywall must be removed and replaced.

Even minor water damage to your drywall can compromise the structural integrity of your home over time. If your drywall is not completely firm to the touch but feels spongy, you are dealing with water damage effects that could pose structural hazards. So, you require the assistance of water damage repair experts to eliminate such hazards.

Wood appears tough on the surface, but it is actually very porous, making it especially vulnerable to water damage. Because many homes have wooden floors, baseboards, and furnishings, as well as load-bearing elements like posts and beams, it is critical to address any water damage to the wood in your home and recognize that the damage may be widespread.

While you deal with the effects of water damage on your wood flooring, the first few hours are critical. Wood absorbs moisture quickly and begins to swell over time. If water has come into contact with your wood floors, it does not mean that all is lost; however, the clock is ticking, and the sooner the drying process begins, the easier and less expensive it will be.

Mold can grow, and the wood can warp if you delay in calling water damage restoration professionals. Wood warping in your home is more than just a cosmetic issue; excessive warping can cause structural instability, particularly in load-bearing beams.

Also Read: Ways To Repair Water Damage In Your Home

The carpet is extremely porous, making it vulnerable to water damage. Depending on the type of water that caused the flooding and the amount of time that has passed, you may need to replace it. If you find mold or other contaminants in the carpeting, you must call water damage repair experts to clean it professionally. They will remove or replace any padding on the carpet. The drying process is lengthy, but it is possible if the carpet is deemed salvageable. It is one area of the home where you should not delay to eliminate water damage. Otherwise, mold growth will indicate health hazards.

Of course, you are aware that electricity and water do not mix well. Flooding and other types of water damage can be disastrous if any wires, outlets, or your fuse box are exposed to the invading water. The interaction of electricity and water can be hazardous, even fatal.

After flooding or water damage, you should always turn off your home’s electricity and consult with an electrician or your electric provider if you feel unsafe doing so. A professional electrician should inspect the electrical systems exposed to water and determine whether they can still be used safely or need to be repaired or replaced.

Water damage to your foundation can happen in several ways. If your home’s bricks or concrete have cracks or have eroded, water from flooding may penetrate these areas and freeze during the colder months. The freezing causes the water to expand, which can cause serious structural issues.

Prolonged or extensive water damage can render your home structurally unsound and cause foundation damage. It is best to call a qualified water damage restoration company to inspect your home following any extensive water damage.

Even if you don’t think about all of the things that can go wrong in your home as a result of water damage, a home inspector will find. A fresh coat of paint on damaged ceilings and drywall will not conceal the telltale signs that home inspectors are trained to spot.

If water damage is allowed to fester, your home’s value will suffer greatly. Also, it will be more complex to sell your home, even at a reduced price, due to obvious health and safety concerns that arise wherever untreated water damage exists.

Conclusion:

To conclude, the effects of water damage on your home can be significantly harmful. So, you have to address them quickly and thoroughly. Various factors like the category of water, amount of water, the extent of damage, how long the water has been sitting, and mold growth should be considered while determining the water damage repair cost. A professional water damage restoration company considers all factors and offers free estimates to repair and restore your property back to normal.