When water damage is left untreated for a long time, the damage gets worse and costlier to fix. However, the price isn’t the only thing affected when you delay a water damage restoration. In this article, we will discuss why you should never ignore signs of water damage in your home. In the meantime, if your home has been affected by water damage, take quick steps towards restoring the damage by reaching out to leaders in water damage restoration in the Seattle area. You will learn why this is important as you read further.
The consequences of not treating water damage in your home include;
It Damages the Structural Components of Your Home
The first sign of water damage you’re likely to notice is structural damage. At the onset of the damage, you may notice watermarks in various structures of your home. Ignoring these initial signs will only worsen the damage to those structural components. For instance, the wooden components of your home, such as hardwood floors, furniture, and cabinets, may begin to rot and disintegrate after absorbing water for a long time. The drywalls may experience warping and discoloration and could become brittle. Also, water damage can affect your home’s foundation, increasing the chances of the entire structure collapsing.
It Fosters Mold and Mildew Growth
The increased moisture in the structural component of your home fosters the growth of mold and mildew. When you ignore a small leak in your home or choose not to take the proper steps after experiencing flooding in your home, you could be leaving your home susceptible to bacterial and fungal growth. This can make your home unfit for you and your family to live in, as the slightest exposure to mold spores can lead to serious health issues. Asides from the health risks involved, a mold-infested house doesn’t exactly look like the kind of home you would love to live in.
It Causes Electrical Damage
Water damage goes as far as affecting the electrical connections in your home, and everyone knows – water and electricity never get along well. If your walls or ceilings have been damaged by water, it’s also likely that the electrical wiring in those areas will be damaged. This alone poses a serious danger to your home, and it’s best not to find out what the outcome will be. Regardless of how minor the damage looks, hire an electrical professional to examine the electrical components of your home. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
It Can Result in Health Issues
Water damage puts you at risk of developing several health issues. First, the increased moisture makes you prone to developing respiratory difficulties. Depending on the source of the water damage, you may also be exposed to toxic contaminants and microbes that can cause certain ailments. Lastly, you may suffer mold poisoning from inhaling mold spores. Some mold-related health issues you may suffer from include difficulty breathing, chronic fatigue, constant headaches, skin irritation, brain fog, and more. Not everyone would develop health issues from mold growth; however, you’re more likely to if you’re allergic to mold spores or have a weakened immune system.
It Reduces the Sale Value of Your Home
Sometimes, homeowners who are dealing with extreme water damage may choose to sell off their homes rather than face exhaustion from restoring them to their former state. The only disadvantage here is that it will take a longer time to find a buyer, and when they find one, they end up selling the house at a much lower price than its actual worth. Although this may look like a fair deal when compared to the cost of restoration, it may still turn out to be a loss to the homeowner.
It Creates Room For Pest Infestations
Pests that live in moist environments may find their way into your home after water damage due to the increased moisture. These pests include cockroaches, beetles, silverfish, earwigs, moths, drain flies, and even rodents. Pest infestations can also worsen the state of your home, further making it inhabitable for you and your family.
The best way to avoid the negative effects of water damage is to contact a water damage restoration the moment you start noticing the damage. Suppose you notice a leaky faucet, burst pipes, or clogged drains on time; you don’t have to wait till more damage is caused. You can contact the appropriate authorities to fix the issue right away.
