05 Apr Learn How Water Damage Can Actually Weaken Your Home
Water damage is one consequence of flooding and leakage. Water damage is a major cause of home insurance claims. It can cause toxic mold growth which can pose a danger to your personal items. This is the biggest threat to your house’s foundation and structure. Failure to act quickly on water damage will result in significant structural damage and a decrease in the property’s value. This guide will explain how water damage to your home can be prevented.
How water damages foundations
Foundation damage can be caused by moisture in many different ways. Foundation damage can come in many forms. If water exposure is extended and severe, structural damage may occur. Increased water exposure can cause a home to shift. The structure often sinks into the ground further and loses its vertical stability. As they weaken, basement walls may begin to move inwards. Non-structural water is when water seeps between basement wall joints or cracks in foundation.
The former is clearly more dangerous than that of the latter, which can be caused by severe storms, tornadoes or water leakages not detected for prolonged periods.
How water can damage your walls
Walls are crucial in water-led structural problems. The amount of water that can penetrate drywall depends on its complexity. This can lead to structural problems within. Water can absorb walls at a rate up to 1 inch per hour. That is alarming. If water damage isn’t dealt with within a few days, it can grow up to 2 feet.
Water damage can also cause drywall to crack or warp. This is the worst type of water damage. Gypsum is the main ingredient in drywall. It absorbs water easily, and then becomes heavier.
Drywall can burst due to excess moisture. Ceilings made of drywall can also be prone to collapse due to their own weight.
How water damages wood panels
Wood paneling can be safer than drywall. Wood paneling can sustain damage but is not susceptible for buckling. This is particularly true if the wood was not treated to prevent it rotting. Many people prefer decorative lumber. Untreated lumber looks more attractive from an aesthetic standpoint that treated lumber.
Lumber is also susceptible for appearance issues such as discoloration. The appearance of a wet wood wall may be worse than that of a structural one. They can be just the same cost to repair as drywall.
How water damages flooring
More than just stains and warping, floor moisture damage can also cause damage to the flooring. Untreated water damage may cause more problems than just warping or stains, no matter what kind of flooring you have. Let’s examine how water damage affects the most common types of flooring in homes.
CARPETED FLOORS
In areas that are prone to flooding, carpeted floors should not be used. Carpet absorbs water quickly, and can be a breeding ground for mold. Carpets that have been damaged from water can only be repaired in rare cases. If they aren’t dried promptly, they must be replaced. You can also replace carpet padding but not carpet.
HARDWOOD FLOORING
Hardwood flooring is a great way to add value to your house. It is best not to place hardwood floors in moist areas. Hardwood floors can’t be used in bathrooms and kitchens as it doesn’t like to be wet.
Water can damage hardwood flooring. There will be soft spots, bulging or splitting, cracking or warping. Water stains may cause the hardwood to turn darker. These stains may be very difficult to remove.
TILES
Although water damage doesn’t cause direct damage to the tiles it can remove the grout which holds them together. This can lead tiles to lift, allowing water to seep under them, which can open the door for mold infestation.
Here is the crucial factor: The material of the tile. Ceramic is stronger than ceramic and has a higher resistance to water. The first is more expensive.
A rating system is used in order to assess the water resistance properties of tile materials. The material is divided into four groups based upon their ability to absorb water.
- Impervious High water resistance. Can absorb up 0.5% water
- Vitreous Very resistant to water. It can absorb 0.5% to 3% of water.
- Semi-vitreous Water can be absorbed from 3% to 7 %
- Non-vitreous. Less water-resistant. It absorbs more than 7% water.
If there is a flood risk, it can be dangerous to use non-vitreous and/or semi-vitreous materials. You can protect your home from moisture damage by using impervious tiles, or vitreous tiles.
SUMMARY
Water damage is more complicated than you might think. Water damage is a complex problem that can lead to many problems. This guide explains how moisture can damage the structure of your home. This guide will help you understand how water damage affects your house.