Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Typically, mitigating the effects of water damage to me involves two steps. The first step involves drying out the building and cleaning up the mess from the water. This can take between two to five days. The second step, which is the actual restoration process, can last from a couple of days to several weeks. This part is best done by experts such as the one found at Robinson Restoration. You can learn more about Robinson Restoration here

The total amount of time it will take to complete water damage depends on some key factors such as: 

  • The size of the affected area
  • How long did it take before the leak was mitigated and stopped? 
  • The volume of water that got leaked into the home?  
  • How long did it take to remove the water from the property?
  • Is the water contaminated? 
  • Building materials affected by the water? 

The answer you get to this question will determine how long the repair will take. 

Typically, for one room, you should expect everything to be done within 7-14 days, and for a full house, about a month or two. 

Causes of Water Damage

Leaking pipes

This is the most common source of water damage. Broken pipes or loose-fitting pipes in the walls can cause huge damage to the walls and trigger mold attacks on the wall. 

Natural disasters

Although natural disasters like flooding and hurricanes are not common occurrences. However, a single occurrence can put your property at risk of water damage. The strong winds from a hurricane can damage your roofing, making it easier for heavy downpours to enter your house. Also, heavy rainfalls can lead to flooding, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding. 

Condensation from AC

The condensation produced from your air conditioner unit can also cause water damage. If the drain pan is damaged or the drain passage gets blocked with dirt or dust, your AC system of drainage can stop working. When this happens, the flow of water will be hindered. After a while, the water will start to back up and leak into the home. This water leak can damage your walls and floors and cause your insulation to become soggy. 

Malfunctioning Appliances

When any of your water appliances starts malfunctioning, it can lead to water damage. Appliances like water heaters, coffee makers, washing machines, etc. that make use of water can begin to malfunction due to aging and poor water connections.  

With your appliances malfunctioning, it can cause water to pour out and flood the floor, causing damage. 

Signs of Water Damage 

Common signs of water damage include:

  • Dark or Wet Spots: Watermarks on the walls or ceiling is a prominent sign of leaking water pipes or faulty HVAC systems
  • Flaking wall paints: Excess moisture in the wall can result in your paints peeling or flaking.
  • Musty smell: Common sites of water damage are walls and ceilings. Most times, the effect of the damage leaves a damp or musty smell.

Factors to Consider in Water Damage Repair

Once you’ve noticed water damage to your property, the first thing to do is to call for a repair to avoid further damage. Depending on the damage, the time it takes for a total repair may vary. Factors that affect how long a water damage repair takes include:

  • How much water came into the building?
  • How long does the water stay in the building?
  • Presence of contaminants in the water
  • The  building materials involved in the water damage

Why you Need Water Damage Repair 

When left untreated, the effects of water damage pose a lot of risks and can be disastrous to you and the surrounding environment. Below are some major risks associated with untreated water damage.

Growth of Fungi and Toxic Mold 

Generally, moisture on any surface provides a breeding ground for fungal spores and bacterial infestation. As a result, water damage makes your home more susceptible to a mold attack. Mold spores can attack most surfaces within a short period. Also, some mold types are regarded as toxic because they contain neurotoxins which cause severe respiratory disorders. Because of how harmful this can be to your health, handling mold attacks yourself is not advisable; rather, contact the appropriate authorities to handle it. 

Property Structural Damage

One of the effects of storms, hurricanes, or tsunamis is the flooding of residential homes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that about 85% of flood victims suffer significant damage to both the interior and exterior of their homes. This is a result of destructive elements contained in such water, which affects its structural integrity.

How long the water stays within a building and its penetration depth can also weaken the foundation of the house resulting in further structural damage. 

Health Risks

Exposure to water damage from a contaminated water source such as sewage can put your health at risk of diseases such as dysentery, diarrhea, cholera, scarlet fever, typhoid, leptospirosis, etc. It may also include diseases of the lungs, brain, and kidneys. Also, being exposed to contaminated water can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and other health problems. 

Pest Attack

Water damage makes it easy for pests such as drain flies, cockroaches, beetles, silverfish, moths, earwigs, carpenter ants, rodents, etc., to invade your home. These pests constitute more nuisance and can further endanger your health. 

Risk of Electric Shock

Water damage may affect the electrical wiring in your home, making you prone to electrical injuries. In case of water damage, it’s best to hire a professional electrician to assess your home for any electrical fault and repairs. Never attempt to fix the faulty electrical works yourself, or it could result in electrocution. 

If you notice water damage to your property, first find out the cause and source of the damage. If the fault is within your control, then fix it immediately. For instance, if the water damage is a result of a leaking roof, then you should fix the roof to avoid further and recurring damage. However, if you don’t know the source of the damage or cannot handle it, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a water damage restoration specialist.

By Manali