Water damage to your home is among the most frustrating, dangerous, and expensive issues facing homeowners. The immediate effects of a flood, a malfunctioning washing machine, or a burst pipe are often dramatic. However, in the long run, the effects are much more devastating if not adequately dealt with swiftly and effectively. Left unattended, water damage can lead to several problems, from structural damage to health issues. Take proactive measures to protect your home. Ensure it remains a safe living environment for you and your family.
The Long-Term Effects of Water Damage on Your Home
Structural and Foundation Damage
Water can seep into the foundations, walls, and flooring. This weakens these materials over time to the point that they deteriorate. Extended water exposure wears out the foundation, leaving you with cracks, settlements, and a host of other structural problems.
This is a common issue in regions with moisture-retentive soil or poor drainage. Foundation problems can be an expensive process to repair. If left untended, water leaks can create unsafe living conditions.
Ceiling, Wall And Floor Damage
Water absorbs into wood beams, joists, and frame structures. Water seeping in causes wood to warp or swell. This effect impacts the structural strength of your home and creates the ideal conditions for pest infestations.
This type of damage often goes unnoticed until the issue becomes severe. Water gradually:
- Peels the paint
- Cracks the plaster
- Swells wood
- Disintegrates drywall
This damage results in exorbitant repair costs and in extreme situations, structural failure. Wood floors can absorb water and lift the boards. This causes buckling, discoloration, and rotting.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Among the most direct and dangerous impacts of water damage is mold growth. Mold requires a wet and humid environment to thrive. Water-damaged areas around the home serve as an ideal breeding ground for spores.
When mold is disturbed, mold spores are released into the air. This can pose various health problems for people with allergies, and asthma. Symptoms of mold toxicity can range from mild to acute breathing problems. It can also trigger allergic reactions and the onset of chronic diseases.
It might be some time before you realize that the mold traveled to other parts of your home. Mold causes stains and damage to walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture which then require intensive cleaning and remediation efforts to remove it.
Mold and mildew give off a musty smell that spreads throughout your house, and can impact the safety of your living conditions. The smell is often impossible even after cleaning and can last a lot longer than the physical mold infestation.
Damage to the Electrical System
Water and electricity don’t mix. It creates electrical safety risks in your home. Water can cause short circuits that start fires and create electrocution risks. When water encounters electrical components, the parts slowly begin corroding as well.
Outlets, switches, and wiring can experience malfunctions and require extensive repairs or replacement. Water damage to the electrical system can cause current fluctuations resulting in electrical outages and failures, disrupting daily life and potentially damaging your appliances.
Lowered Property Values
Long-term water damage can decrease the value of your property. Water-damaged properties scare off potential buyers, as they associate them with hidden issues and future problems.
As a seller, you must disclose water damage or any subsequent repairs related to the problem. This disclosure means your house may be less attractive to buyers and less valuable on the market.
Pest Infestations
Water-damaged materials are an ideal habitat for pests, including insects and rodents. The increase in humidity and moisture attracts pests looking for food and shelter. Moist wood attracts termites, which cause significant damage to roofs and walls. Termite infestations harm the structural integrity of the house and require professional extermination and home repairs.
Water-damaged spots provide entrances and nesting opportunities for rodents. They gnaw wires and insulation and cause further damage. Pests such as mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants are often found living around standing water and dampness.
Reduce Risk and Hire a Professional Water Damage Restoration Service
Water-damaged properties require immediate assessment and restoration. Take action at the first signs of water damage.
Contact a reliable water damage restoration company near you for help. They can assist if you have flood damage, a broken appliance leaking large amounts of water, or other water damage to your home. They have the knowledge, equipment, and skills to:
- Evaluate the situation correctly
- Carry out a refurbishing plan effectively
- Restore your property to its former glory
- Help navigate the insurance company
Denver Clean-up & Restoration Services
With over 150 years of combined experience, the Colorado Cleanup Services, Inc. team has the knowledge, skill, and commitment necessary to handle any emergency cleanup services you may require. From flood and fire damage restoration to sewage backup, and coronavirus cleanup services in Denver, CO, you can always turn to us when you need deep, disinfecting cleaning for your home or business.
Family-owned and operated, our cleaning company is proud to provide the services of trained and certified technicians to all our clients. Our impressive team knows what it takes to return damaged properties to their original condition with the highest level of professionalism. Don’t settle for anything less when you require high-quality disaster recovery services. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure you receive the help you need when you need it give us a call: 303-237-4406.
