Causes



Cause of water damage can range from mild leaky pipes to heavy floods. Here's a list of the most common water damage causes.

* Ice dam is one of the causes during winter, especially in cold places. When snow accumulates on the roof, the heat that escapes from inside the house thaws some of the snow. But this water is prevented from flowing down by the remaining ice present on the edges of the roof. This results in water accumulation on the roof and this water eventually seeps into the house. Improper insulation is one of the primary reasons for ice dams.

* Leaking pipes and water-intensive applications like dishwasher, refrigerators and washing machines are another cause. A compromised pipe or hose can sometimes flood the entire house.

* Unbalanced vents and ducts can result in moisture between the walls. This will facilitate the growth of molds.

* Clogged gutters can cause water to accumulate resulting in heavy damage.

* Absence or improper functioning of sump-pumps and rain water gutters contribute to the problem of water damage during rainy season.

* Basement walls that have fiber glass insulation will absorb moisture resulting in water spots and molds.

* Low quality air conditioning system can retain moisture during summer.

* Expansion joint is the material used between the bricks and walls of a building. Low quality expansion joints can cause water damage.

* Floods and storms can result in excess flow of water and this will cause damage to the house.

It is possible to plug water damage by knowing the cause and taking preventive measures.

Costs

The cost of water damage is increasing year after year. A sampling of 63% of home owners in California showed that losses related to water damaged between 1997 and 2001 amounted to $1.7 billion. Another study conducted in 44 states found that the usual causes of water damage are washing machines and water tubs. The average cost of repair is about $5000. Water damage is one of the most common home-insurance claims too.

Apart from damage to structures, it can also affect the health of human beings and animals. Prolonged exposure can result in poor quality of indoor air, growth of bolds and a perfect breeding ground for insects. Effect of molds can range from mild respiratory problems to cancer depending on the species of molds. Poor quality of indoor air can cause many respiratory problems. These health hazards have a profound impact on young children, elderly people, pregnant women and others whose immune system may be weak.

Another cost is emotional trauma. The pain of losing precious things at home to water and the time and effort required to restore them, can take a big toll on the emotional well-being of people.

A few simple steps can be taken to minimize the chances of water damage. Even if water damage occurs, timely detection of the cause and immediate intervention by professional people can reduce the loss.