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The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is damage in their home that costs both time and money to fix. However, as a home begins to age, there are a variety of items that can degrade which need to undergo maintenance in order to restore them. One of the biggest issues that can emerge in a home is water damage and learning how to fix the issue should be a top priority for all homeowners.
Water damage can cost a homeowner as much as $3.75 to $7.00 per square foot to fix, depending on the type of water and damage that has occurred. Given this high cost, take the time to learn everything there is to know about water damage in a home.
What is Water Damage?
For those unfamiliar with this type of issue, water damage is any form of physical damage inside of a home or residency that results from direct or indirect contact with water. This can lead to weakened interior structures over time, the growth of mold and bacteria, poor indoor air quality, and much more. This type of damage tends to occur over time, however, and the short-term problems associated with water damage tend to be far less serious, though no less important to resolve.
What Are the Leading Causes of Water Damage?
There are a variety of problems that can occur from water damage, as outlined above, which makes learning the common causes of this issue so important. The most prominent reasons for water damage occurring in a home include:
- Leaking or burst pipes resulting from an issue with the water pressure in a home
- Faulty household appliances that cause water to leak
- Condensation accumulating due to the HVAC units in a home
- Gutters that have become clogged over time
- Backups in the sewage of a home
- Overflows in the toilets of a home
- Severe weather conditions that lead to the damage
The Health Consequences of Water Damage
Beyond causing potential structural issues in a home, water damage can cause a variety of health issues in humans that make solving the problem all the more important. In particular, water damage can lead to health problems stemming from the accumulation of bacteria, viruses, and mold that grow in standing water. This can then be inhaled by a person in the space, leading to potentially greater risks for diseases of the brain, lungs, and even kidneys.
Key Indicators of Water Damage in a Home
To stop water damage from getting worse once it has initially occurred, a person must learn what the key signs of water damage actually are. The below five indicators are the most important items that a person should keep an eye out for when they suspect damage may have occurred:
1. Bubbling or flaking drywall
When the drywall in a home has been exposed to moisture, it can cause the material to bubble up or begin to flake. This is why it is one of the leading signs that water damage has occurred, though it is also one of the least common. This is due to the fact that for this to occur, water damage must be within the wall.
2. Discolored spots randomly appearing
Another major sign of water damage in a home is discolored spots appearing on the walls, ceilings, or floors of a home. This sign of damage may be harder to see as it will typically occur in darker places. Therefore, it’s important to look closer at the walls in your home whenever you suspect that damage may have occurred. Keep in mind, however, that there can be a variety of reasons for why spots may appear on a wall, so look into other causes as well if something different may be to blame.
3. Odd smells seemingly coming from within the walls
An unfortunate side effect of water damage is intense musty smells emanating from spaces in a home. This sign of water damage takes a longer amount of time to emerge as it requires a fair amount of water to accumulate. However, it is also one of the most indicative of water damage, so take immediate action if you notice this smell along with other signs on this list.
4. Apparent humidity within a space
As water begins to evaporate over time once it has accumulated in a space, the water vapor that is formed once the water evaporates will be added into the air. This increase in water vapor results in an increase in humidity in a space. Therefore, should you notice the humidity in a space within your home rapidly change, it may be worth looking into whether or not damage has occurred.
5. Odd dripping noises that are hard to locate
For water damage that is caused by leaking or burst pipes, one of the key indicators that damage is present will be an odd dripping noise that doesn’t seem to stop. This should be an immediate sign to contact water damage restoration Castle Rock CO services to fix the issue before it becomes worse. Do your best to locate where the source of the dripping is coming from, and put your ears to the wall if you believe it is coming from inside one of the walls.
The Bottom Line
As mentioned, finding out there is extensive water damage inside your home can be a frustrating and expensive experience. By keeping an eye out for the above key indicators that water damage is present, however, a homeowner can stop the problem early on and save themselves money. Additionally, this will help a homeowner keep their abode in the best condition possible so that they can enjoy their space for years to come without any structural integrity problems or health issues. Take action and contact a water damage specialist to fix what has happened as soon as possible if the problem is beyond your control.
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