4 Hidden Dangers Of Water Damage

Hidden Dangers Of Water Damage
  • Author: Mohsin Khan
  • Posted On: July 12, 2022
  • Updated On: November 22, 2023

Whether you’ve experienced a massive pipe leak at your home or a flood, chances are, there will be stagnant water in hidden areas of your home, which can be detrimental to your assets and your family’s health.

two persons carrying baskets to control water leakage

One of the worst things some homeowners usually do in such cases is to ignore them as they think they can dry out with time. Some believe even patting them with a dry towel would suffice.

But according to restoration company Frisco TX, there are some hidden places that water may have penetrated, and you don’t have any idea about it.

If you’re a positive thinker, you’ll probably focus on the best-case scenario, in which they eventually dry up and won’t leave any damage to your home. But you can’t leave the fact that there’s also an equal chance for the opposite to happen.

It’s essential to be aware of the hidden dangers of water damage so you can act fast when faced with this situation:

Possibility Of Pest Increase

Like people, animals also try to find a suitable habitat to survive. They’re on the lookout for somewhere which has accessibility to food and have a good water resource.

These are enough reasons why pests possibly infiltrate your home after water damage. An increase in household pests can be made possible if you delay repairs and have some cracks or passages available for rodents and bugs to enter.

Hidden Dangers Of Water Damage

Unlike what some homeowners expect, there are a lot of pests that prosper in areas with stagnant water. For instance, mosquitoes multiply by one hundred each time they lay eggs. Eventually, these pests can penetrate your home’s main living space in search of more food and survival needs. Imagine the nuisance this will cause your family.

Not to mention, it comes with health dangers too. Even rodents and mice can squeeze into your house through tiny openings when it comes to pest control.

Rodents, insects, snakes, and other pests can enter your basement if it’s not sealed off from water. Therefore, it’s essential to act fast and hire a water damage company Frisco if you live in the area.

Foundation And Structure Damage

A house’s foundation is most vulnerable to water damage. There’s a possibility that water will seep into the structure and walls from the wet ceiling. You’re surely in for more expenses and renovation costs when this happens. Since your foundation and structure are affected, your home will depreciate significantly.

Before you even think of reselling your property, you must conduct several structural fixes. It’s imperative to rely on professionals who can help you in this dire situation.

Basements are built on top of foundations, which are some of your home’s most important structural elements. This is often where stagnant water is found, so you need to hire experts to remove water from this area.

Since the basement often suffers from different temperatures, there are higher chances for the walls and floors to experience cracks, especially when humidity is present.

It’s also possible for water in and around your basement to erode the soil that supports your foundation, resulting in an uneven angle for the foundation.

The foundation in your home can take quite a while to show signs of damage. However, you shouldn’t wait until gradual symptoms show up and you realize you need to shell out a lot of money to fix the issue. The most immediate solution is to contact a reputable restoration company for your home.

Electrical Damages

One of the apparent dangers for water is when it’s mixed with electrical wirings. Even after the flood, there will be wirings and systems that might have been exposed to water.

This is dangerous for the entire house, especially your family and pets. You might have hidden damage even if you turned off your electrical systems during the flooding, as well as in areas that are part of the same system.

There are several ways in which damage can be caused by water. Aside from damaging some of your appliances and household equipment, fire can be the worst thing that can happen.

Therefore, don’t risk anyone’s life and have your home checked thoroughly for water damage before returning to it. Choose the best electrician to check your connections and never risk doing anything alone.

Mold Growth

Mold grows best in high humidity environments, so if you have standing water in your basement or have a leak, you’ve got the perfect breeding ground. While mold is ugly and eats away at your property, it’s even more dangerous for you and your family’s health.

It’s crucial to learn the symptoms of mold exposure and its risks. There are a lot of illnesses that are caused by mold growth. These include breathing problems, coughing, sneezing, and so on.

The growth of certain types of molds in your basement can damage its structural components and produce some nasty spores. It’s often necessary to seek the help of a specialist when it comes to mold remediation.

Most of the time, prevention is better than eradication when it comes to mold growth. Hence, even if you’re unsure whether there are possibly molds in your home, it’s always better to be sure than sorry.

Conclusion

Leaks and floods can happen at any time, and unfortunately, there are the possibilities of water damage. As explained in this article, there are hidden dangers of water damage, so it’s wise to act fast and have professionals restore your home in no time.

Regular inspections by professionals should be carried out. By doing so, you can keep your home in good shape and prevent pest infestations, mold overgrowth, and structural damage.

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Author: Mohsin Khan

Mohsin has worked as one of the experienced editors with ConstructionHow since 2020 with a total span of 5 years of experience in business PR, boasting a remarkable professional trajectory, he has collaborated with entrepreneurs and startups, and certain publications over the last few years. His unwavering interest lies in the construction industry and related materials. He believes in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings, and homes that fall under the right budget. With a wide range of experience in construction, he also tapped into DIY and home improvement projects based on his extensive set of knowledge in the industry.

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