19 May Getting A Better Idea Of How Water Damage Can Actually Weaken Your Home
Leakage and flooding can lead to water damage. Home insurance claims are often made due to water damage. It can lead to toxic mold growth, which can be dangerous for your personal belongings. This is the greatest threat to your home’s foundation and structure. You can cause significant structural damage to your property and decrease its value if you don’t act fast. This guide will show you how to prevent water damage from your home.
How water can damage foundations
Moisture can cause foundation damage in many ways. There are many types of foundation damage. Structural damage can occur if water exposure is prolonged and severe. A home can shift if it is exposed to more water.
The structure can sink further into the ground and lose its vertical stability. Basement walls can begin to move inwards as they weaken. Non-structural water refers to water that seeps between foundation cracks or joints and basement wall joints. The latter is more dangerous than the former, which can be caused either by severe storms, tornadoes, or water leakages that are not detected for long periods.
How water can cause damage to your walls
In water-driven structural problems, walls are critical. It depends on the complexity of the drywall. This can cause structural problems. Water can absorb walls at speeds of up to 1 inch an hour. This is quite alarming. Water damage can quickly grow to 2 feet if it isn’t addressed within days.
Water damage can cause drywall cracking or warping. This is the most severe type of water damage. Gypsum is the main ingredient of drywall. It is very absorbent and becomes heavier when it is wet.
Excess moisture can cause drywall to burst. Due to their weight, ceilings made from drywall may also collapse.
How water can damage wood panels
Wood paneling is safer than drywall. Wood paneling is more resistant to damage than drywall, but it can also sustain damage. This is especially true if the wood has not been treated to prevent it from rotting. Many people prefer decorative lumber. From an aesthetic perspective, untreated lumber is more appealing than treated lumber.
Lumber can also be affected by appearance issues like discoloration. A wet wood wall can look worse than a structural one. They are often just as expensive to repair than drywall.
How water can damage flooring
Floor moisture damage can cause more damage than just warping and stains. No matter what type of flooring you have, untreated water damage can cause more problems than warping and stains.
Let’s look at how water damage affects most flooring types in homes.
CARPETED FLOORS
Carpeted floors shouldn’t be used in areas where there is a risk of flooding. Carpet can quickly absorb water and become a breeding ground of mold.
Water damage to carpets can only be repaired in very rare circumstances. They must be replaced if they aren’t dried quickly. Carpet padding can be replaced, but not carpet.
HARDWOOD FLOORING
Hardwood flooring can add great value to your home. Hardwood floors should not be placed in damp areas. Hardwood floors are not suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms because it is sensitive to moisture.
Water can damage hardwood flooring. Hardwood flooring can be damaged by water. There may be soft spots, splitting or bulging, cracking, warping, or splitting. The hardwood may turn darker from water stains. These stains can be difficult to remove.
TILES
Water damage can cause damage to tiles but not direct. However, it can strip the grout that holds them together. This can cause tiles to lift and allow water to seep underneath them. This could lead to mold infestation.
Here’s the key factor: the material of the tile. Ceramic is stronger than ceramic, and it has a greater resistance to water. The first one is more costly.
To assess the water resistance of tile materials, a rating system is used. Based on their ability to absorb water, the material is divided into four categories.
- Water resistance is excellent Absorbs up to 0.5% water
- Vitreous is very resistant to water. It can absorb between 0.5% and 3% water.
- Semi-vitreous water can be absorbed at 3% to 7%
- Non-vitreous. It is less water-resistant. It can absorb more than 7 percent water.
It is possible to use semi-vitreous or non-vitreous materials if there is a flood threat. Use impervious tiles or vitreous tiles to protect your home against moisture damage.
SUMMARY
Water damage can be more complex than you think. Water damage can cause many problems and is a complicated problem. This guide will explain how moisture can cause damage to your home’s structure. This guide will explain how water damage can affect your home.