Water exposure can cause damage to a property, resulting in reversible or permanent consequences, depending on factors such as the exposed area, the severity of the water exposure, and the exposure duration.
Water damage that is not addressed promptly can lead to a variety of problems, and much faster than you may think – just 24 hours can be enough to cause irreversible damage, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Building materials, appliances, fixtures and furniture can quickly deteriorate when exposed to water, and hidden or hard-to-reach areas of the property that experience an increase in moisture often create the perfect environment for mold growth.
Signs of permanent water damage
Different types of water exposure pose varying levels of damage risk.
Slow-moving water infiltration through cracks or holes in walls, ceilings, or floors is often regarded as a low to moderate risk, as some instances may be a simple fix, whereas others may be more complicated. Leaking pipes can vary from low to high risk due to the chances of mold growth, structural damage, or burst pipes, some of which are irreversible.
Flooding, such as water entering the property from natural disasters, storms, or sewage backups, often poses a high risk for permanent damage. Alongside causing significant destruction, water that floods a property is most often category 3, meaning germs and bacteria that can lead to health concerns are common.
Mold growth
Mold can present serious health problems for anyone inside the property, but it’s one of the most common and significant signs of water damage. A specialist can remove all traces of the mold, and remediation may be required to ensure it doesn’t return. However, some surfaces of the home may need to be replaced entirely depending on the severity of the mold.
Structural damage
Once major signs of structural damage appear in the property, for example, walls, floors, or ceilings buckling or visually deteriorating, the water damage may be too significant to repair. If the structural integrity has been compromised, it isn’t safe to leave this element of the property in its current state, but it may be difficult, costly, or even impossible, to return it to its original condition.
Electrical systems
It’s common knowledge that water and electricity don’t mix, so if the electrical systems within the property are damaged, these elements will need replacing. It’s both challenging and dangerous to attempt to repair electrics that have suffered water damage – always consult a professional to carry out electrical replacements.
Will water damage go away on its own?
Water damage will not usually go away on its own, and when left untreated, can lead to permanent damage to the property.
Never underestimate the capabilities of a seemingly harmless, small leak. It doesn’t take long for water to spread throughout the property, absorbing into structural elements and furnishings. Any signs of unexpected water exposure should be investigated by a professional as soon as possible to prevent irreversible damage.
How to prevent water damage
Acting fast is key to preventing permanent water damage, and prevention is always better than cure.
Regularly check all pipes and windows in the property for leaks, as well as the roof. If any minor leaks are spotted, immediately repair them to prevent water intrusion. After noticing a minor leak, always assess the surrounding areas for early signs of water damage.
Keep an eye out for any areas with dampness or moisture inside the property. It’s important to dry these areas out thoroughly, removing any materials in the area that have absorbed water and cannot be saved, such as carpets, drywall and insulation. Use AC or dehumidifiers to improve air circulation.
Reach out to a professional for assistance with water damage. Restoration companies are fully equipped to tackle the water source, thoroughly dry the area and prevent the incident from repeating. If the water damage is too severe to be repaired, they will be able to advise on the best next steps to return the property to its original condition.
It’s also important to note that many insurance policies only cover sudden leaks, not gradual ones where the damage may have been preventable. Flooding is also often not covered by standard insurance policies – you may need a standalone policy to protect your property from floods.
Taking immediate action when faced with water damage is the best way to prevent permanent damage and protect the property from further harm. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more difficult and expensive the repair will be.
Always enlist the help of a professional when dealing with water exposure, to ensure the problem is rectified correctly and the damage does not reoccur.