Water damage can be a significant concern in any home or business. It can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and other problems. Some would say you shouldn’t worry about it if you don’t see it. However, this idea is detrimental in cases of water damage. While its effects may go unnoticed, they will eventually manifest in various forms.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the dangers of untreated water damage. In this blog post, we’ll go over what happens if you leave water damage unattended and how to avoid it from happening in the first place.
The Risks of Ignored Water Damage
Water damage can be disastrous, so immediately treating the affected area is critical. Resto Clean would like you to consider the following reasons why you shouldn’t leave water damage in your home untreated.
Growth of Toxic Mold and Fungi
Mold build up is almost unavoidable after water damage. It can start to appear within 1-5 days after exposure. Mold spores can then infiltrate nearly any surface. The sooner these newly formed bacteria settle in your environment, the greater the damage.
Some molds contain neurotoxins, which have been linked to severe respiratory disorders. If you notice mold growing around the damaged site, remove it immediately and thoroughly clean up all debris, especially air exchange vents suspected of housing additional airborne threats.
Structural Damage to Property
When mold is exposed to water, bacterial growth can occur. These bacteria will react quickly as the mold grows because their food source has been disrupted. Besides that, the structure’s foundation may deteriorate due to external factors such as water penetration depth and time spent within the building, resulting in additional damages.
Based on FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) research, 85% of flood victims have extensive damage to their buildings. Flood water frequently contains destructive elements like sand, which can sever most materials inside the house, jeopardizing its structural integrity.
Health Hazards
Dealing with contaminated water damage can endanger your health. Exposure to unclean water can lead to diseases such as typhoid or dysentery. It can also include diseases of the brain, lungs, or kidneys.
Polluted water can also disrupt your immune system, which is critical for fighting infections. It can also cause headaches and a persistent fever.
If your drinking water source becomes contaminated, you risk contracting cholera, diarrhea, and vomiting; typhoid fever; scarlet fever, which causes a rash on the body and mouth sores. Finally, there’s also the risk of acquiring leptospirosis, a rare bacterial infection that can cause acute inflammation, fever, and jaundice that can heighten difficulty in breathing.
Bugs & Pests
Pests that prefer moist environments, such as cockroaches, silverfish, carpenter ants, and beetles, can be drawn in by water damage. Rodents might also break into your house. Other bugs, like earwigs and moths, may also invade your home. Additionally, drain flies favor damp surroundings and leave wet messes wherever they go.
You may not notice them, but insects can enter through cracks and gaps in windows that have been broken by flooding or water damage. If this happens, repairs must be made before additional damage can occur.
The Peril of Electric Shock
After your home has suffered water damage, electricity can seep in. Electrical injuries are more likely to occur on wiring damaged by water. Oxidation brought on by water can result in shorted wires or leaks in your pipes if not immediately fixed by a qualified electrician.
A critical reminder: Never attempt to DIY damaged electrical work! You might use the wrong tools and then get electrocuted if you grab an extension cable with bare hands.
How Much Water Damage Will Cost You
A flooded home is terrifying, whether the water is from an overflowing toilet, a burst pipe, or a natural disaster. While this type of damage doesn’t always happen, it helps to be aware of the costs that may be incurred if it does occur.
The primary thing you should do if you have water damage is to get a restoration cost estimate. The best way to determine it is to get an appraisal from a professional water restoration company in Wasilla. Keep in mind, however, that an assessment is not the final, exact cost. The amount varies according to the extent of the damage and the type of repairs required.
According to HomeAdvisor, the national average water damage restoration cost is $3,291. These fees only cover the costs of drying and restoring the property to its pre-loss condition. It is yet to include remodeling, painting, repairing water-damaged drywall, or installing new flooring.
Some or all of the costs related to water damage may be covered by insurance. However, checking with your insurance company before filing any claims is best.
Important tip: The best way to avoid water damage is to take precautions to protect your home or business. Inspect your roof, pipes, and other areas regularly for signs of water damage. Make sure that any leaks or cracks are repaired as soon as possible. Also, check your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are debris-free.
Conclusion
Addressing water damage immediately is critical to minimize and prevent further problems Contact a professional restoration company for assistance, and keep detailed records so you can file an insurance claim if necessary.
Improper clean-up following a large water disaster can result in mold and mildew growth and contamination concerns and can even compromise the structural integrity of your home over time. For these reasons, it is best to leave this work to professionals.
With Resto Clean, you can be confident that our team will properly clean up and restore your place to its former glory.
