What happens if you leave water damage?

Left unattended, water damage can worsen over time; how quickly it happens varies depending on the amount of water present, in what areas, and the age of the home or business. Floodwaters can contain harmful bacteria and microbes that can make you sick and keep your belongings. Toxins, chemicals and contaminants remain in water-damaged furniture long after it has dried. Leave water in your house for too long and mold, insects, and mildew will accumulate.

They can worsen allergies, cause respiratory infections, and aggravate many other health problems. If water damage is not treated, a number of problems can result. One of the most serious problems that can occur is the weakening of the structural integrity of your home. Once the wood in your house absorbs water, it can rot and possibly collapse.

Damage caused by untreated water can also ruin electrical systems, corrode pipes, destroy ceilings and walls, and cause mold to form. A less serious but unpleasant consequence is soil deformation. If you don't repair water damage and it gets worse, it could cause structural damage to your property. In fact, you may have already had structural consequences in your home.

The only thing you don't want to see are cracks in your property's walls or in the foundation, as that's not a good sign. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and be honest about the magnitude of the water damage and the original cause. If you leave water damage for too long, your insurance may not cover it and the cost of water damage to your home may be high. Common sources of leaks include rusted and corroded pipes, high-pressure water, extreme temperatures, broken water connections, and more.

One of the problems with ignoring water damage is that it can get worse and can happen faster than you think. If the water damage comes from a clogged sewer network, or if the water is gray or black, wait for professionals before touching or treating the water in any way, as this is a serious biological hazard.

Repairing water damage

involves a lot of work, such as drying and replacing floors, drywall and insulation. Once you determine that it is safe to re-enter the house, the sooner the cleaning and repair of water damage is carried out, the better.

First, there is the damage caused by water itself, which damages building materials, appliances, accessories, and furniture when they settle and accumulate, and electronic devices are especially susceptible to damage. Hardwood floors, for example, deteriorate when any amount of water accumulates and is left to sit for about a day, causing the boards to bend and other repair problems. In serious cases, water damage can compromise the structural integrity of the home or foundation, so it's best to address it head-on. In the case of minor damage caused by water, dry the house above your home, but if it is a larger damage, you need to have professionals.

If you have any signs of water damage to your property, you can contact Streamside Property Restoration for assistance. The longer you wait to start cleaning up water damage, the more the ceiling and wall paint will discolor and the plaster will bulge. However, if water damage is near the switch box, appliances, or electrical outlets, call an experienced professional to ensure safety. Some odors are directly related to the water source that flooded the property, while others are residual due to the proliferation of bacteria and fungi that often accompany water damage.