Water damage is one of the leading cause of home insurance claims. In fact, it costs the industry over $2.5 billion every year!
Left untreated, it can lead to various problems, some of which can directly impact your wellbeing. That’s why it’s so important to fix it as soon as possible.
Want to know what some of the most common causes are? What you should do if there’s a problem? If so, you’re on the right page.
We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about the topic below—so be sure to read the rest of the post!
The Most Common Causes of Water Damage
A number of things can cause water damage inside your property. Here are some of the most common scenarios.
Clogged Gutters: Blocked gutters can cause water to spill over the sides and down your walls. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that they’re free of debris such as twigs and leaves.
Severe Weather Conditions: Severe weather such as strong winds or rainstorms can damage your roof. If that happens, water can easily enter the house.
Leaky Pipes: Leaky pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage. As it is, it can be due to a number of things such as broken seals, corrosion, or excess water pressure.
Faulty Appliances: Certain appliances such as washing machines and hot water heaters can cause water damage. If anything, that’s why it’s so important to perform routine maintenance.
Potential Complications
Water damage can cause various complications. Here’s what you need to know.
Mold Growth
Water damage from leaks or flooding can cause mold growth. Over time, this can irritate the nose, lungs, and throat. In some cases, it can also lead to difficulty breathing.
Not only that, but it can trigger various conditions such as pneumonitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Structural Damage
Water damage can affect the structural integrity of your property. For example, it can cause the wooden structure inside your floors and walls to rot.
Not only that, but it can cause cracks in the foundation.
Electrical Damage
Your electrical wiring and outlets can pose a serious safety risk if they’re exposed to water. For one thing, it can lead to fires.
Given that, you want to clean up the water damage as soon as possible. If necessary, hire a professional to examine the house’s electrical components.
What to Do If You Have Water Damage
First things first, you want to turn off the electricity. Once you’ve done that, you can contact your insurance company and start your cleanup.
To avoid mold issues, it’s crucial that you keep the flooded area as dry as possible. The last thing that you want to deal with is toxic mold!
Dealing With Water Damage
As you can see, a number of things can cause water damage in homes. Given the potential consequences, it’s important to treat the issue as soon as possible!
Do you have faulty pipes? Need some help fixing them? Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment!