Water is a life saviour and quite harmless or so it seems. But water can wreck havoc and cause extensive water damage. Even small things such as a clogged drain or a trap left open or the leaking washing machine has all the potential for water damage. The best way to avoid the water damage is to look for signs and prevention. Before the water damage disaster actually happens, it leaves enough signs. Know the signs so that you can effectively counter and protect yourself from the water damage.
Water damage may even happen to the structure
If you see standing water in the house somewhere, that's a sure sign of something wrong and water damage may already have been done. On the other hand, when there are water stains inn places that they shouldn't be in; you know that you can protect your home from water damage. If there are water stains that are forming on the outside walls or near the windows and the doors, it's a sure sign that water from outside is seeping in and causing water damage to the structure of the house.
Looking at water stains in the attic
If you see water stains at the joints where the ceiling and an exterior wall are joined, then it's a sign that your roof might be leaking or it can be an ice dam problem. Ice dams are usually common problems for homeowners in the colder climates when the snow accumulates on the slanted roof. This happens if there is inadequate insulation or the attic ventilation is extremely poor. It can lead to extensive water damage and can lead to rotting timber, peeling of the paint, cracks in the plaster and so on.
If you have water lines running in the attic, then it may be ok, else it can mean that water damage has begun in the structure. It's not necessary that the water stain should be the exact spot where water damage has been done. In fact water can travel through the structure and the stains may appear at other places too.
When there is water stain under the sink or in the adjoining cabinets of the sink, this can mean that water damage has been done due to a leaking sink. Check the sink to see what's wrong, before extensive water damage is done. If the floor of the home is made from wood and there is buckling of the wood, it can mean that there has water damage due to the seepage of water. Sometimes it can become quite hard to detect it especially if the floor has been covered with carpets.
Water damage incidence is high in bathrooms and kitchens
Kitchens and bathrooms are the highest risk areas where water damage can happen. Check continuously for water damage around the dishwasher area and the refrigerator area (especially if you have an ice maker). These appliances have a water supply line as well as a drain pipe. In bathrooms, check for the sinks and the bathtubs as well as traps in the shower area for possible water damage.
Signs Of Water Breaking
Water damage is dangerous to one's health and affects the surroundings too, specifically home or workplace. It results to dampness and humidity that may actually lead to the growth of mold and mildew. These mold and mildew could trigger immune and pathogenic diseases, especially to those who are allergic to them. Common allergic reactions include dizziness, diarrhea, asthma, headaches, nausea, rashes, and the like. Moreover, floodwaters, resulting from water damage, are conducive breeding ground for termites and disease-carrying insects.
Water damage may also lead to structural hazards. It could cause wallboard and concrete disintegration. It could also lead to wood swelling and rotting. Structures such as floors, roofs, and stairs could also collapse due to this. This could also cause electrical systems to malfunction or short out. It could also cause damage to other parts of a building or a house such as wall coverings, floor tiles, carpets, furniture, etc. To avoid such occurrence, visible and invisible causes should be identified before they further worsen.
One of the most visible causes of water damage is roof leaks. When rain water accumulates and there are leaks in your roof, the water will have an easy way of penetrating your house or building. Worse, if these leaks are not properly fixed, it could also lead to the collapse of your roof. Other than roofs, water could also find its way through your house or building if there are leaks in the attic, windows, and doors. Clogged gutters may also cause rain water to overflow. If the gutters can not support the volume of water anymore, water might be forced to find other ways and places where it could flow freely. You might see water running down your interior walls if such thing happens.
Identifying evidence of water damage is a good step in preventing anything disastrous event from happening. Water stains are the most visible evidence. If you see water stains on your doors and windows, it just means that the water was able to previously penetrate from the outside. If there are roof leaks, you can also see water stains on your ceiling and walls. Cabinets and other furniture are also not safe from water stains. If there are water stains on top of a cabinet, it just means that water was able to penetrate the interior of your house. Your house's flooring also serves as an indication of water damage. Wood floors absorb water. If there is buckling of your floor, it is possible that water has been trapped inside your wood flooring.
Always remember that it is definitely better to prevent water from damaging your house and your furniture than to make repairs. If you do not want to spend a lot of money for serious structural and appliance repairs in your house, it is better to inspect them regularly. Repair and replace them if necessary. Small repairs will prevent any big-scale repairs in the future. There is no better solution to water damage than early prevention.
Both Gayelord Nash & Osmund Aft are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Gayelord Nash has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Health and Online Business. Gayelord Nash is a house issue disaster writer for and. Gayelord Nash's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Osmund Aft has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Home and Spyware. Osmund Aft is a house issue disaster writer for and. Osmund Aft's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
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