You can think of a home and its residents as a symbiotic relationship. The house protects you from the outside elements and also helps you feel comfortable. In return, people who live in the home have to take care of it, do repairs, and make sure that it remains in tiptop condition.
Homes are meant to withstand terrible weather and elements. However, you must help your home last a long time and endure any harmful situations. One of these dangerous situations is water damage. It can be caused by leaking pipes, damaged roofing, and issues with your appliances.
Most water damage sources can be difficult to determine, especially if it’s in your walls or within crawlspaces. In this case, it’s easy to leave the leaks for some time, which may lead to all kinds of effects and signs of water damage. Once you see signs of water damage, you must act quickly. You should repair the issues within your capacity or contact experts over the phone or through websites such as trtexas.com. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to deal with the following issues:
- Mold And Mildew Infestation
The moisture in your home caused by water leaks makes it perfect for mold and mildew to grow. Mold and mildew can cause some allergies and difficulty in breathing. Black mold or Stachybotrys is one of the deadliest types of molds that can grow in your home. It can cause severe respiratory issues, memory loss, headaches, symptoms of flu, and diarrhea. If you have children in your home, they can suffer more from the effects of black mold.
- Structural Deterioration
You’ll also have to be wary of structural deterioration. Wooden beams, ceilings, and walls are bound to rot when left to absorb moisture for an extended period. Metal pieces might last a little longer, but they’ll rust eventually. Another serious issue is when the water damage starts to affect the foundation of your home. Damaged sewer lines usually set this in motion, so make sure your sewer lines have no leaks or clogs.
- High Water Bills
Leaky pipes are also a huge waste of money. Even if you’re mindful about turning off your faucets tightly, water is still going to pass through cracks or any damages in the pipes or fittings. Aside from being a cause of water damage neglect, it’s also a sign to look out for. If you’re doing your best to manage your water bill, but you’re still getting costly bills, then you should get your pipelines inspected for leaks.
- Wall And Ceiling Stains
Water stains are unmistakable. They’re ugly and hard to get rid of. You’ll need to find the leak source as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse. These stains will later lead to bulging or deformation. Later on, the affected panels or ceilings will fall off.
- Bad Odors
Sewage can go back up your drains, or seep through cracks or damaged piping. These will definitely stink up your home since the water is contaminated. You can even get a rodent infestation from busted sewer pipes.
- Electrical Damage
Leaks and water trickling down and through your walls is a recipe for electrical damage. This will be a massive headache, and it’s also dangerous as sparks could lead to fires and electric shocks.
- Reduced Home Value
Any damage can reduce the value of your home. However, water damage can set back its overall price. Water damage is one of the things that buyers and realtors look for immediately. This is also why many property owners make it a point to fix any water damage and its sources before selling. To take care of your home and keep it in the best condition for selling, you’ll need to prevent water damage by maintaining pipelines, roofing, and appliances.
- Expensive Repairs
The most serious problem that water damage can cause is a lot of money wasted on repairs. You might have to do a considerable overhaul in your home if the water damage is so extensive that it’s beyond repair. This will be so expensive, in comparison to just doing the minor repairs you can do while the water damage is fresh.
Conclusion
In many situations, patience truly is a virtue, but not for leaks or water damage. Once you identify any leaks or see any signs of water damage, you need to act quickly and not waste any time. The water damage could have been there for an extended period without you noticing it. And, who knows? The interior of your walls could be rotting at this moment. Keeping your home in its best form requires awareness and quick response.
Recent Comments