No matter how diligently we look after our homes, disaster can strike and ruin all of our best laid plans. From weather anomalies, such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and earthquakes, to faulty pipes and plumbing problems, water can find its way into our properties and create extensive damage.

Signs of Water Damage

While it is true that extensive flooding in your home is easy to spot, there are many cases of water damage that may not be so noticeable at first. Oftentimes, people will be living with water damage for an extended period time and be completely unaware of the danger within their homes. It is important to look for water stains around windows and doors, which would indicate that water is able to penetrate these areas. Being aware of your drywall and whether some areas seem soft and swollen. This is an indicator that water has found its way into the walls. Buckling hardwood floors are also a sign of water damage. If your home has just endured a natural weather calamity but seems to be unscathed, it is imperative that you investigate these three areas diligently to make sure there is nothing that you have missed. The sooner you are able to locate potential water problems, the more effective your restoration process can be.

Other areas in your home to remain aware of are in the kitchen, around the sink, refrigerator and dishwasher, and in the bathroom, around the bathtub, shower and toilet. These areas can be vulnerable to pipe leaks and standing water, which can accumulate into water damage.

Why Water Damage is Harmful

Beyond the structural damage that can be caused to a home with water damage, there are also health concerns to consider. A house can be replaced but your and your family’s health can be compromised when there is water damage in the house. Where there is moisture, there is a fertile environment for mold and mildew to grow and thrive. Mold can cause several serious health risks, from infection to respiratory issues and even death. The spores from the mold generally cause some form of allergic reaction in most people and the more spores you inhale, the more you are at risk. In fact, if you or a loved one has compromised lung activity already, the spores can colonize in your lungs and other tissue. This can lead to fatal complications. This is why water damage is important to keep an eye out for.

What to Do if Water Damage is Found

If you do find signs of water damage in your home, it is important to take proactive measures to contain the problem. If you have any standing water visible, you need to remove the excess water and then properly ventilate the area to make sure it dries out thoroughly. If there seems to be water damage within your flooring or walls, you need to have a water damage restoration professional double check your efforts because there may already be mold colonizing within the structure of your home, which is a risk you do not want to live with.