Force 1 Restoration Services - What are the long-term effects of water damage in a home?

Long-term effects of water damage

Flooding caused by burst pipes, erratic sewage system, or storms - all lead to water damage. There are three categories of water damage:

Clean water: This emerges from sanitary sources, like pipes, and is still fresh and clean.
Grey water: This water enters from outside the home. Examples include groundwater that has seeped into the basement and post-use water from home appliances.
Black water: This is toxic water from unsanitary sources such as rivers and lakes or any water containing sewage.

Clean water and grey water, in large quantities, should be remediated by a water damage restoration company. This will ensure the structure is properly dried preventing secondary damage such as mold.

Black water is a red flag and should always be mitigated by a professional water damage restoration company like Force 1 Restoration Services. This water can be unsafe to even touch or breathe around, and everything it touches must be sanitized as soon as possible.

Force 1 Restoration Services shares below the long-term effects of water damage to a home:

1. Mold damage

Mold spores are one of the most common dangers of water damage. They multiply in as little as 24 hours after the water damage occurs. Mold can have serious health effects besides compromising the structure and contents of the home. Mold removal must be handled by a professional mold remediation company like Force 1 Restoration, at the earliest.

2. Ceiling damage

A ceiling that has been damaged by a water event is a potential hazard as it can collapse. A burst pipe, poor waterproofing in a bathroom, or a roof leak needs immediate redressal. The chances are high that by the time the ceiling damage is noticed, the water damage has been occurring for a long time.

3. Drywall Damage

A minor amount of water damage to a drywall can threaten the structural integrity of a home over time. If the drywall feels wet or spongy to touch, action must be taken.

This is an area of a home that is often neglected, especially when the water damage to other areas is massive. The water damage to drywall can instigate the growth of mold, which must be cut out and replaced.

4. Wood damage

Wood is highly susceptible to water damage considering its porous nature. Homes with wooden floors, baseboards, and furnishings, as well as load-bearing elements such as posts and beams, must be vigilant about widespread water damage to wood. Wood absorbs moisture immediately and swells as time passes. Mold growth in wood can cause wood warping, which is not only an aesthetic concern but a threat to structural stability.

5. Carpet damage

Carpets can be severely damaged during a flooding event. If there is mold or other contaminants present, it must be professionally cleaned. The drying process can be extensive depending on the damage and may even be pointless if the drying is delayed for too long.

6. Electricity and Plumbing damage

Water damage can be dangerous when it comes to exposed wires, outlets, or fuse boxes. The electricity must be turned off after flooding. Any electronic appliance must be used after it has been inspected by a professional.

Additionally, pipes are created to handle tap water only. Any exposure to flood waters corrodes the pipes over time. The plumbing system must be checked for such damages and leaks.

7. Foundation damage

Concrete or bricks that have cracks or have been eroded due to water damage can eventually damage the foundation. These cracks may be caused by floodwater that freezes and expands during winters, leading to structural issues. This needs to be addressed by a professional restoration company urgently lest the foundation collapses leading to unimaginable damage.

8. Financial damage

If water damage restoration is not done at the right time, it becomes really difficult to sell a home. Telltale signs of long-term damage cannot be hidden from home inspectors. The value of the house would be reduced considering the very valid safety and health concerns. A restoration in time would ensure the value of the home remains intact.

Why Force 1 Restoration Services?

The professionals at Force 1 Restoration Services can quickly arrive at the damaged residence with the personnel, equipment, and training to begin the water removal, drying, and restoration process. The team of professionals can handle the claims process and total restoration project from beginning to end for its clients.