8 Common Issues That Occur When You Ignore Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is the leading cause of home insurance claims. To avoid it, you should always look for water damage.

When we talk about water damage, it is not just about leaks and floods. It can also happen when you spill something on a carpet or furniture or when you have a pet who pees in the house. That's why looking for water damage from your home is essential.

If you're like most people, you go about your day without giving much thought to the state of your home. However, many potential hazards could lead to water damage if you don't address them.

One of the most significant risks is the roof. Particularly if the house or cottage was self-built, there could be a high risk of technical errors in the roof construction.  If it leaks or gets damaged in any way, it can cause many problems below. Water damage can be costly and destructive to your home if it goes unchecked for too long. That's why it's essential to take a proactive approach and fix any problems as soon as you notice them.

If you leave water damage unattended in your home, you will see some of the common issues that come with water damage.

1.Mold infestation

Mold is a type of fungus that will propagate in humid environments. You can find it in damp carpets and upholstery, wet clothes or shoes, and even on food.

Mold infestation can happen when you leave water damage in your home for too long. The water will cause the wood to rot and create a moist environment perfect for mold growth. This instance will lead to an unpleasant odor, and eventually, the mold will start to spread through your walls until you have a full-blown infestation on your hands.

If you are experiencing mold infestation, it is vital to act fast before it spreads any further. You should remove all affected materials from your home quickly so that new spores don't have anything to feed on in your home.

2. Structural damage

Water damage is an expensive and disruptive problem that can lead to structural damage. The water will break down the materials in your home, which will then cause the foundation to deteriorate. This instance can lead to various issues, including foundation, wall, and roof leaks.

The best way to avoid water damage is to be proactive about it. Structural damage happens when the foundations of your home get compromised, and water damage can be caused by many different things, like a broken pipe in your home or flooding from a storm.

If you leave the water running amok in your home, it can reach your foundations and lead to irreparable or challenging structural damage.

3. Electrical damage

Electrical damage can happen when you leave water damage in your home. When you have a flood in your house, it is vital to turn off the electricity and call professionals to help clean up. You may be able to use a wet vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up as much water as possible before it damages any electrical devices.

There are a variety of ways in which water damage can cause electrical damage. The following are some examples:

• The water can short-circuit the device if it is left to stand on an appliance.
• If there is a leak in your home and you don't fix it, you may be risking a fire as well as electrical problems.
• If you have a dishwasher that has standing water for more than 30 minutes, this can cause the dishwasher to short circuit and create an electrical hazard.

The first step in preventing electrical damage is immediately fixing any leaks or standing water. It can be dangerous to move around in these water-damaged parts of the house if there is electrical damage.

4. Wall and Ceiling Stains

Water damage can happen in a variety of ways, but the most common type is the result of a leaky roof. When rainwater seeps into your home and pools up on your ceiling, it can cause stains on your walls and ceilings.

The first step to fixing these stains is to remove any excess water from the area. If you still see color after doing this, you will need to wait for the site to dry out. Once it has dried out, you can use an appropriate cleaner and apply it directly to the stain.

Wall and ceiling stains can happen as soon as the water comes in contact with the drywall. The drywall absorbs the water and starts to swell. This instance causes an indentation on the surface of the wall or ceiling.

5. Health issues

One of the most common issues that crop up when you let water damage go awry in your home would be health issues.

The most common health issues from water damage are mold and mildew. These organisms multiply in moist environments, releasing spores that can make people sick. They can also cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks in people who are sensitive to them.

6. Bad smells

The most common sign of water damage is terrible smells from your home. These smells can range from mildew to sewage and musty odors, depending on the type and severity of the water damage in your home.

The smell of mold is identifiable by its earthy, musty odor and comes with a green or black color.

7. Pest infestation

Pests can find their way into your home through small openings or holes. For example, a hole in the roof, windows, doors, or even through cracks in your foundation is an opening. They will look for food and water sources and start breeding if they find them.

A common pest that is attracted to water-damaged homes is silverfish. Silverfish are nocturnal insects usually found in moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms. They feed on paper products such as books and magazines, but when they're hungry enough, they will even eat fabric like wool clothing or carpets.

8. Decreased property value

Property value decreases because the home is no longer desirable to buyers who want to live in a home that is in good condition. If you leave your home with water damage, then, of course, the property value of your home will decrease the more it stays there.

Water damage can cause structural problems in the home, such as rot and mold. This damage will make it undesirable for potential buyers who want to live in a healthy environment.

Conclusion

You can easily avoid these common water damage issues by simply addressing its cause as soon as you notice it. Don't make your home end up with these other issues aside from water damage; it would be even better if you prevent your home from getting water damage.