Have you ever had any water damage in or around your home? Even if you only experience minimal water damage, it can be very frustrating and expensive to deal with. Here are a few different kinds of water damage that you should be looking out for in your home.
Wood Rot
First of all, one type of water damage is wood rot. Wood rot occurs when wood is exposed to water and warps, changes, and rots over time. Many homes have wood framing and other wood construction elements in the interior. If there is water damage that weakens and rots that wood, the structural integrity of your home could be seriously threatened. If you suspect that your home might have some rotten wood, make sure that you look out for signs of wood damage. These signs might be discolored, splintered, softened, warped, cracked, or darkened wood. If wood sustains prolonged water exposure and damage, it could even crumble apart.
Foundation Issues
Another possible concern that you should be looking for is water damage done to your foundation. Even though a cement home foundation might seem invincible, even water can do some serious damage to your foundation over time. Especially if you live in a cold area where freezing occurs, water can seep into the tiny cracks in your foundation and expand them as the water freezes. This can cause larger cracks and erosion. Foundation repairs can be costly to make, especially when there is extensive water damage.
Mold
Don’t forget one of the most common types of water damage, mold. Even though mold might not seem like a super serious issue, it can cause some significant damage in and around your home. Mold that grows due to water leakage can not only cause decay and damage to your home, but also can cause allergies and sickness to those living in your home. Some types of mold are even toxic, and could be very dangerous to the health of those who are young or immunocompromised. Make sure that you know how to spot mold so you can repair the water leaks causing it.
So, whether or not you’ve spotted any signs of water leakage in your home, make sure that you’re aware of the possible damage that could occur. Know how to spot wood rot, foundation issues, and mold so you can resolve those issues before they become too serious. This will help you to preserve the integrity of your home and keep your family healthy and safe.
Check out this article to learn when it’s time to consider remodeling your home!