Negative Effects of Water Damage
Water damage can be a very tricky thing. Often in our homes, we have leaking pipes that go unnoticed for long periods and start to cause water damage. This damage can become harmful in no time, and in no time, and by the moment we notice, it is already beyond repair. What are some of the negative effects of water damage that you need to be wary of? Let’s take a look:
Growth of Mold
Mold is the last thing you could want in your home. It only takes between 24 and 48 hours for mold to start growing after water damage has been sustained. Once the mold has taken root, it is very difficult to contain and treat it. Mold can also grow on just about anything, from the walls of your house, to furniture and even clothing.
Mold is one of the most serious negative effects of water damage because of the huge threat it poses to your health. It can cause allergic reactions and respiratory difficulties in many people.
Structural Damage
Structural damage can occur in your home wherever there is standing water. Water dissolves almost anything, given enough time. This means that if there is a flood, the water can start to deteriorate the flooring, the drywall, and the beams in your home. Even the foundation of your house can soak up water into its pores and cracks. Unless the water is removed and the building is completely and thoroughly dried up, there can be permanent structural damage.
Black Water Contamination
Different types of water can cause water damage in your home. The first is clean water from sanitary sources like your water pipes and tankers. The next is greywater, which comes from different appliances and can cause illness. Lastly, there is black water. Blackwater is unsanitary and can have traces of human and animal waste in it. This water usually comes from large-scale floods and from rivers and lakes. Blackwater contains pathogens and bacteria that can make you very ill.
If there is black water in your home, it can contaminate all other water sources. Blackwater contamination poses huge health risks and can make anybody who ingests it severely ill. It is also the most difficult kind of water damage to remediate. Any of your flooring, furniture and other belongings that come in touch with black water will have to be replaced.
Damage to Your Appliances, Electrical Wiring, and Gas Line
Depending on the pressure and strength of the water, how much water there is, and how long it remains in your home, you may need to replace damaged appliances, electrical wiring, and gas lines. In case of water damage, the first thing you should do is turn off the house’s main electrical and gas lines to avoid any electrical shocks or gas leaks. Both of these situations can be extremely dangerous and fatal. If there is damage sustained to the electrical or gas lines, they will have to be replaced, and you will have to live without those utilities for the time that replacement takes.
Your appliances like the fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and furnace can all be damaged beyond repair if there are even a few inches of standing water in your home. All of these appliances would need to be repaired or replaced.
Damage to Your Personal Items and Belongings
Other than damage to the structure of your house and your appliances, water can ruin many of your personal belongings. Important papers and documents can be ruined if they come in contact with water, sentimental items like photographs can be destroyed, electronics can become fried, and furniture can be damaged.
Devaluation of Your Property
Even when restored or remediated, it can be difficult to remove all signs of water damage from your home. Patches on the walls and floors remain despite new coats of paint, and standing water can leave a long-lasting smell of damp. If the house is not restored thoroughly and with new good quality materials, the value of your property can be left substantially lowered. If you plan on selling the house in the future, many buyers would probably be deterred from purchasing it.
Huge Remodeling Costs
Remodeling and remediation following water damage is an extensive and difficult project. It can take months to complete, and the costs can be extremely high. Removing mold, redoing the house’s structural elements, and getting new appliances and furniture are all very expensive and can leave a huge dent in your savings.
Having to Move to A New Home
One of the worst-case scenarios is that the water damage to your property is so extensive that it would be a better idea to leave and move into a new house rather than completely remodel and refurnish the damaged home.
Our Final Thoughts
Water damage is something that you should be taking very seriously. Consider taking measures to prevent the occurrence of water damage in your home and properly waterproofing it. If you are suffering from any of the negative effects of water damage, get in touch with 911 Restoration of Las Vegas for the best water damage restoration services.
