When your house floods due to a leaky or burst pipe, it is vital to locate and fix the root problem. Flood damage can destroy your home in minutes. So, you want to make sure to seek professional help within 24-48 hours. A little delay could give mold a window to grow. Not to mention water can also damage your walls and weaken your house. Below we explore how bad is water damage to a house in West Palm Beach, FL.

What causes water damage?

Several issues can cause water damage. Some can happen randomly while others over time. They include:

• Flooding due to heavy rains.
• Blocked gutters can affect drains over time, causing water damage.
• Faulty household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines can cause water damage.
• Any leak, especially the ones that can go unnoticed behind the walls of your house. They include leaks from corroded or faulty pipes, leaking roofs, and high water pressure leading to water damage.
• Leaking water heater.
• Severe weather is caused by natural disasters.
• Condensation from your ac.
• Malfunctioning sprinkler systems.
• Sewage rises from pipes and flows out through water systems.

How severe is water damage?

Water damage is destructive and leads to painful consequences. It destroys building materials, electronics and appliances, and furniture. Moreover, it creates a suitable environment for mold to grow and leaves moisture on walls.

It can also pose a health risk to you due to the poisonous contaminants in flooded stagnant water. The following are some of the effects it can bring to your house.

Mold growth

Within 24 hours, when pipe leaks or floods start damaging your house, mold will start growing. You will begin noticing them after a week; by then, it will have increased rapidly, and mold removal will become challenging. Some of the items on your property that mold can destroy include:

• Carpet
• Sofa sets
• Drywall
• Wooden furniture such as tables and chairs
• Ceiling
• Wallpaper

Furthermore, mold can also spread on your items, leaving behind odors, and making them unpleasant with many stains. It can also pose health concerns to you, such as respiratory issues.

 

 

Colors on walls and floors

Typically, the root cause of stains is easy to spot and can emerge from your house’s plumbing system or ceilings if you leave the water damage in the home unattended. For instance, water leaks from pipes will leave behind stains. Stain is often caused by mineral deposits which, when dry, will leave patterns of discoloration that sometimes have a musty smell. In addition, stains will lower the value of your house rapidly.

Structural damage

Water damage can cause serious structural problems. For instance, a heavy downpour or flooded basement can weaken the foundation and render the home unsafe. If the water damage is left unattended for a long time, the damage could get worsen and result in costly structural repairs.

Damage appliances, gas lines, and wiring systems

Leaking pipes or flooding in your property will cause havoc on many household items and systems such as appliances, gas lines, and wiring. When your house is flooding, and you forget to switch off your electrical appliances or gas, your house will be eminent to an explosion which can cause severe damage. In addition, water damage will force you to rewire the entire house, which can be very costly.

Damaged roofing

Water is going to damage the roof of your house in several ways. For instance, moisture will be trapped under the arc when your house floods, making your roof collapse. Moreover, the water in the house shingles can lead to the nails’ rust, causing further damage and weakening the structure.

How fast does water damage escalate in your house?

Water can quickly spread to houses and cause damage in the following timeframe.

During the first 24 hours

During this time frame, as burst pipes leak or a flood starts to spread, it will soak every item in the house. Your belongings, such as shelves of books or pictures, will instantly get soaked and can be wrecked.

In addition, your wooden floors, drywall, wallpaper, and electrical appliances will get damaged. The damage can be very severe if the water leak comes from your roof.

During the first week

The damage will worsen if water damage is left unattended during this period. Mold growth will increase, and your property will become a biohazard. Moreover, wood materials in the house will start rotting, and metal items will rust. The damage will worsen if water damage is left unattended during this period.

 

 

More than one-week

When water damage is left for more than a week, the damage caused will be extensive and can make your house or property be written off. The home’s structural integrity will weaken, and restoration costs will increase rapidly.

Looking for Water Damage Restoration in West Palm Beach? Contact us today

Water damage in your house can have numerous causes, which can be severe. It can be due to plumbing issues or natural phenomena such as floods. However, no matter the cause of the water damage, it is vital to be vigilant of the signs, act quickly and ensure you do not ignore them as soon as you notice them.

Ignoring the water damage can worsen the situation and cause more problems to your house, family, and yourself. Moreover, hiring or getting professional help near you for water damage repair is vital and will help advise you on actions to take, such as flood insurance.

At Titan Restoration Construction, we pride ourselves on providing the best service to our clients. No matter the root of your water issues, we have the skills to extract, eradicate and clean up any water damage. We will speed up the restoration process while helping your insurance company claim. Our professionals are fully certified, trained, and qualified with tools and equipment for flood cleanup. In addition, we provide 24/7 emergency service. Call 561-462-4983 today and restore your residential or commercial property.