Water can get in everywhere in your property when your area has been subjected to a storm or a hurricane. Water getting into your property is troublesome and causes damage.
There may be exposed areas in your property that water gets into that you don’t know about resulting in slow damage and decay. The inside of a property should be properly insulated against water because interior materials and water simply don’t mix. Wood decomposes against water and exposed wiring being wet with water is highly dangerous. Make sure that your property is protected from the onslaught of water next time disaster strikes or at least make a safeguard to make sure everything is as safe as you can.
Some Dangers
1. Mold can cause health issues
Mold grows in your home where there is a lot of moisture. It can affect your living space because it can grow on walls, carpets, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Some people have an allergy to molds and can be more sensitive and susceptible to its effects. Some signs that your health is being compromised by molds include nasal stiffness, throat irritation, coughing, and eye irritation. Molds can even lead to asthma. Check for molds and leaky areas in your house and control humidity levels to eradicate molds in your home.
2. The pollution level of the water is important
Water seeps into your home during a disaster and sometimes water enters in a flood. Water that gets into your home may carry pollutants that cause further issues aside from the water itself. Water carries water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A. Household products should be kept from coming in contact with water such as fertilizers, motor-vehicle oil and toilet bowl cleaners since it will further infect the water.
3. Your leaky roof can weaken and damage your floor
Water from a leaking roof, when left unrepaired, will cause it to weaken and collapse destroying your floor and interiors. Water from a leaking roof with wood flooring underneath will cause moisture and softening of the wood gradually destroying it.
4. Water Damage may lead to mold
Molds form from water seepage can spread throughout your house. Molds often occur when there is a leak you failed to notice and at this point, water has accumulated over time. Mold is troublesome because it can go on for so long unnoticed and it affects the structural integrity of your building or home.
Moisture from the leaking areas of your home may have already spread to huge areas forming mold and by then you may have begun to notice moist smells, pealing surfaces, and watermarks. Mold causes more than physical damage, it also carries with it some health issues.
5. A damaged house is quite harder to sell
When you sell a property, you want to make sure you are exhibiting its best features. Buyers are more inclined to buy properties that do not require as many repairs. When you have to sell a damaged house, you will have to sell the house “as is” with all its faults and issues. Although you may be able to eventually sell the property you may not get a good price for it.
Solutions
6. Get rid of damaged wood
Dry rot is a state of wood damage so severe you have to replace wood. Dry rot develops from a fungus that thrives on moisture. In some cases, water damage affects the integrity of the wood material that you have to replace it with a new one. You can test if the wood is rotting by inserting a screwdriver into it. If it feels soft and spongy, it has developed rot and you may have to consider replacing.
7. Try mitigating water damages during daylight hours
If the flood has entered your property mitigating the damages of the flood should be done during the daylight hours. Remove carpets and subfloor thoroughly to dry outside. Upholstered furniture and mattresses that have come in contact with flood must be aired outside. Materials such as solid wood, plastic that have mud and dirt should be hosed and cleaned outside thoroughly and dried in direct sunlight.
8. Different insurance policies for flood damage and water damage
Know the definition of water damage and flood damage by your insurance company. Make sure that your definitions align so there will be no confusion and heartache when disaster strikes. Spelling out the difference can guide you on what insurance you need for your property.
9. Not all water damage is covered by your insurance
Know the water damage coverage of your insurance company. Not all types of water damage will be covered. Water damage types include floods, storm-related water damage, sudden or accidental discharge, and sewer overflow. Gradual water damage from leaks is often not covered by the insurance.
10. You should have a really good restoration company in mind
Scout for a good water damage restoration company. A good one can help you with clean up after the water damage and repair your property against future damage.
Conclusion
Water damage can destroy your home gradually if left unchecked. Make regular inspections of each part of your property especially hidden areas such as ceilings and basements. Check for leaks and moisture at an early stage to avoid the spread of water damage and make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. Having a well-maintained property ensures a healthy environment, a good structure, and a growing investment.
About the Author: Michael Austin is a blogger and home improvement enthusiast at the www.awebtoknow.com
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