What Happens if you Ignore Water Damage?

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

What Happens if you Ignore Water Damage?

Around 70% of all property damage is the result of water damage. From flooding and broken pipes to natural disasters, there are a number of scenarios where water can compromise your property, leading to serious problems if left unaddressed. Within minutes’ water can cause extensive damage to building structures, interior furnishings and important personal belongings.  In a short time, water damage has the potential of even posing a hazard to human health.  Here are some of the most frequent problems that can result from untreated water damage:

Stains

Stains on ceilings, walls and drywall are the most common indicators of water damage taking place. The longer you wait to locate the source of water and fix the damage, the more moisture the building materials will retain. Since weakened and rotten building materials are more likely to increase costs of repair, it is important to act as soon as you detect stains or any traces of water spoiling the appearance of surfaces.

Mold

The chances of finding mold after stains will considerably increase the more you postpone taking care of water damage.  Mold can begin to grow after 48 hours and despite being difficult to spot at first glance, it can cause health effects. Severe mold infestations can weaken your home’s structure and ruin a wide range of building materials.    

Musty Smell

Sooner or later, untreated mold and mildew will emit an unpleasant odor that will become trapped inside the building, no matter how hard you try to cover it up. This odor will not only spread itself all around through the air, but will be absorbed by different porous materials such as wood and fabric. Only by addressing the source of the damage and repairing compromised surfaces, will you get rid of the smell.

Structural Issues

Wooden floors and the framework of your property can become compromised quickly, leading to expensive repairs if left unattended.  Metal pieces in reinforcements, plumbing or the sewer line will rust over time when there is water damage, making your property even more vulnerable to cracks and leaks.

Bugs

Another common problem is bugs such as cockroaches, beetles, fleas and mosquitoes, which proliferate in humid environments helping, additionally, the spread of bacteria. Humid and rotten materials will welcome all kinds of infestations, making your property ideal for all sorts of habitation, except human.

At SERVPRO, we are water removal and cleanup specialists and are ready to help you whenever water damage strikes your home. Our highly trained technicians will quickly dry and restore your property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques. We monitor and document the drying process so that you know your property is back to normal.

Trust SERVPRO^® of Martin County with your water emergency! We proudly serve residents in Palm City, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Hutchinson Island, Saint Lucie County, Hobe Sound, and Port Saint Lucie.

Have a Water Damage Emergency?

Call (772) 334-8762