5 Issues That Untreated Water Damage Can Cause

When a pipe bursts or water leaks in through the roof, water damage can quickly cause serious problems in your home. That's why it's important to act quickly. If you don't address water damage immediately and take steps to mitigate the issue, some terrible things can happen.

1) Structural Damage

As water seeps into walls, floors, and other parts of your home's structure, it can cause wood rot, weaken building materials, and even compromise your home's structural integrity. Such damage can be expensive to repair, and in extreme cases, the damage may even require demolition of part of the structure. That's why it's crucial that you address water damage right away before issues worsen.

2) Health Risks

Untreated water damage can lead to a range of harmful bacteria and mold growth. Inhaling or touching these toxins can be dangerous for your health. If your home was damaged by a flood, you may also be at risk for chemical or sewage contamination from containers that were carried through flood water. It's important to have a professional treat water damage with chemicals that will kill any bacteria and remove the risk of mold growth so you can keep your family healthy.

3) Fire Hazard

Standing water can be dangerous even after you've dried up the area. Any moisture left in walls or other areas can increase the risk of electrical fire when outlets or wiring are exposed to water. After a flood, you should also inspect your fire extinguishers and replace them if they were submerged in the water. Otherwise, you may wind up in a dangerous situation if a fire breaks out and you can't stop the flames.

4) Odors

Mold and mildew can cause musty odors that linger long after the water damage is gone. To prevent these odors, an experienced water damage contractor can use deodorizing agents that will remove any unwanted smells. You can also have a contractor paint the walls with mold-killing primer to help prevent future damage.

5) Infestations

Standing water can attract a variety of pests to your home, including mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rodents. If you have an infestation, it's important to take steps to remove the pests before they spread further into your home. Otherwise, you may end up with an even bigger problem to deal with.

Water damage can cause a lot of problems, but thankfully there are steps you can take to prevent more extensive and costly damage from occurring. Make sure to have your water damage treated by a professional and use the proper remediation techniques to keep yourself and your family safe.

For more information on water damage, contact a professional near you.