There can be a lot of misconceptions about the seriousness of water damage. If you have recently experienced some type of water damage in your home, you need to understand it can have serious consequences. Some of the most common water damage side effects include mold infestations, unknown flooding, and structural damage. It’s important to know to look out for these events and to know how to prevent them.
Mold
Mold arrives with most water damage events. It can grow in most warm and moist conditions, and where there has been a lot of water is a great place for it to start and grow. It not only grows on the surface of whatever host it has found but it also spreads down and across any surface. Mold can cause damage to the surface and structure of what it is growing on. Mold also has health risks. Common symptoms for people exposed to mold are sneezing, skin irritations, irritation of the eyes and throat, nasal congestion, coughing, pneumonia, asthma attacks, and migraines.
Flooding
Flooding can be a sneaky or all-at-once type of water damage. A small leak or drip can cause serious damage, just as a sudden rainstorm can instantly flood a place. A major danger of flooding is that you might not know what is in the water. Flood water has the potential of carrying biohazardous materials in it, so it is important to have a professional inspect the situation. Also if the water is not cleaned up correctly or dried well, you run the risk of a mold infestation growing.
Structural Damage
Structural damage is probably the most serious risk of water damage. It can occur in many different ways. Flooding can affect the structure of your home. It can move structure points in the foundation and/or cracks in your foundation. And there is also the risk of mold inflicting damage on the structure if flooding hasn’t. A space that hasn’t been dried out properly is the perfect place for mold to grow. And if it grows and penetrates structural points, it will weaken the structure from the inside. Both of these can go unseen but be highly dangerous to the safety of your home and everyone inside of it.
Water damage is a serious matter. It can affect your home in myriad ways and leave its mark. If you have found water damage in your home, you need to address the matter seriously. The best approach is to call for professional advice. Restoration professionals will have more experience and know how to handle your unique water damage situation. American Fire & Water Restoration can be there to help make your home safe and water damage free. Give us a call, (847) 514-9305.