When you experience water damage in your home, you may think that it isn’t really that big of a deal. You may be thinking: “It’s just water” or “It’ll be super easy to clean up”. However, you couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, water can cause huge amounts of damage in your home that could be irreversible over time.
One of the reasons that water can be so damaging to your home is that water is a universal solvent. This means that it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. Having large quantities of water in your home could mean that major structural parts could be dissolved and cause integrity problems. However, there are far more problems that you will have to deal with when it comes to water damage.
Water can and will affect everything in its path, including the structural integrity of the home itself. There is no limit as to what will be damaged, then will need to be replaced/restored. The depth of damage all depends on the amount of water that is in the surrounding area. Drywall can crumble and deteriorate, and the subfloor can warp and split. Even the foundation and concrete in your home can be damaged by water. If water leaks into the cracks of the foundation, the entire home will be weakened, unless it is taken promptly and taken care of properly. Consequently, the more damage that is present, the more the property’s value will dramatically decrease. To bring the value back up, everything will have to be replaced or restored.
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so when a flood breaks out, electrical lines are sure to be damaged. When electricity is not turned off in the event of a flood, wiring is rendered useless and will need to be replaced before it can be utilized again. Electrical water damage usually occurs to kitchen appliances, washing machines, dryers, hot water tanks, furnaces, and low-mounted electrical outlets. Even a few inches of water in the basement or crawlspace could be enough to damage these appliances beyond repair.
Mold is a fungus that thrives on moisture and will begin to grow within 24 hours of a flood. No matter the amount of water that is present, mold is bound to break out. Unfortunately, it has negative impacts on a person’s body and immune system. Those exposed to mold consistently will develop health problems like asthma attacks, allergic reactions, eye/skin/throat/nose irritation, and lunch problems. The longer that one is exposed to mold, the higher that person’s sensitivity will be, increasing the probability of severe allergic reactions.
Mold also impacts the area that it grows on. The surface that mold is on will weaken as it is eaten away. With just the right temperature and moisture, mold can grow on anything from wood, paper, carpet, food, insulation, and more. It can also grow on nonporous materials like concrete and brick.
When water damage occurs in your home, immediate action is required. The quicker it is acted on, the less damage will be inflicted on your home. No matter the amount of water damage, Flood Pro is readily available to assist with water damage restoration. They will be able to properly alleviate the water damage to get your property back to its original state.
