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3 Reasons Water Damage Is Never Just Surface Deep

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Water damage is insidious and costly, but it's not just the result of flooding or inclement weather. Your home may suffer water damage following a plumbing issue, appliance repair problem, or even as a result of severe humidity after an HVAC failure. Anything that allows water or moisture to become trapped in your home can cause significant and costly problems.

Unfortunately, it's rarely enough to dry up the water and hope for the best. In nearly all cases, excess water or moisture will create more than just surface deep problems. These three reasons may help to explain why you should contact a water damage restoration specialist after any incident involving large amounts of water or moisture.

1. Drywall is Porous

Drywall is a surprisingly simple material. Drywall sheets contain gypsum powder between what are essentially little more than two layers of paper. The outer paper casing is typically organic, providing a food source for mold that takes up residence on its surface. Even worse, the porous nature of drywall allows moisture to penetrate through to the other side.

Drying the surface of your wall may not be enough to solve the problem. Mold spores and moisture may remain inside the drywall boards or even behind them on your home's studs or insulation. These remnants can lead to long-term issues with mold if you only address the issue visible on the surface.

2. Your Floors Aren't Watertight

Any water that pools on your floors will inevitably find its way into the lower rooms of the house. Water will travel along the path of least resistance, which may mean following slopes under walls or simply dripping through gaps in the subfloor. In either case, water can reach unexpected areas, even after a seemingly minor plumbing issue.

At a minimum, you'll need to inspect your whole home for any signs of water infiltration. Restoration experts can help you with this process to ensure that you don't miss any significant problems.

3. Humidity Can Make the Problem Worse

Drying up the initial damage isn't always the end of the story. Professionals can use high-powered fans and other equipment to keep surfaces dry and reduce humidity. If your home is too humid, water in hidden locations may not dry properly, providing an opportunity for rot and mold to take hold. A standard residential HVAC system may not be truly sufficient to keep humidity under control.

Addressing any issue involving water requires careful evaluation, thorough drying, and the ability to distinguish between what you can restore and what you must replace. A professional water damage restoration team can help you with this process, ensuring that you do more than just address the surface-level symptoms of a much deeper problem. For more info, reach out to a local water damage service.


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