No Torontonian could forget the many floods that we have had in recent years.
Because the city’s sewage and water drainage systems are operating above their intended capacity, this flooding is going to keep happening. And, with flooding comes serious water damage.
If your home has suffered from water damage, it is important that you deal with it as soon as possible. Besides being frustrating, water damage is actually very dangerous. It needs to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences.
Plus, there are things you can do immediately to reduce the damage while you wait for professional help.
In this article, we will go through the most dangerous consequences that water damage can cause.
What Causes Water Damage?
Water damage can be caused by a number of different things. Burst pipes or flooding caused by extreme weather are some of the most obvious sources of water damage.
Plumbing leaks and foundation cracks are also common sources. A leak in your roof can also cause water damage.
Leaky appliances or hoses could be pouring our water into your home without you even knowing.
Since water damage can be caused in so many different ways, it is important to have your home inspected.
Water Damage Health Risks: Mould Growth
If your home has undergone water damage, it is now the perfect environment for dangerous mould growth.
Mould thrives in damp, dark, and warm environments, so a flooded basement can quickly become a hot spot for a number of dangerous moulds.
Exposure to mold can have a number of negative and long-lasting health effects. It can also worsen pre-existing conditions, making your symptoms more serious.
The health consequences mould can cause include respiratory problems like asthma and chronic coughing. It can cause joint pain, rashes, and headaches.
Even more seriously, mould exposure can lead to mental health issues, like anxiety, memory loss, and depression.
If the mould problem is bad enough, it can even be deadly.
The good news is that short term mould exposure likely won’t lead to health problems.
What makes mould in your home especially dangerous is that you are being constantly exposed to it. Living in an environment with mould means that you are constantly breathing in spores.
This long term damage is especially dangerous for young children, the eldery, and people who already suffer from existing conditions.
And, the longer that you leave the problem unchecked, the worse it will grow. If you don’t fix water damage quickly, mould will continue to grow, increasing the chances of negative health effects.
Water Damage Health Risks: Bacterial Growth
In addition to dangerous mould growth, some types of water damage can also lead to bacterial growth. Bacterial growth can be linked to the mould growth from water damage, or come from the water itself.
This is especially likely if the water damage was caused by sewage backup coming up through your pipes and toilets. This water may have carried dangerous bacteria with it. This bacteria has now been spread throughout your home, where ever the water travelled.
Like mould, bacteria can cause a number of respitory problems like asthma. It can also cause bacterial-related illnessnes, including tetanus and hepititus.
Any contaminents will soak into organic materials, such as wood or fabric. These will likely need to be thrown out in order to make sure your home is safe.
The damp environment left behind by flooding allows bacteria to thrive and multiply rapidly, so it is important to deal with the flooding damage as quickly as possible.
Structural Damage Caused by Water Damage
In addition to the health risks of water damage, if left untreated it can make your actual house less safe.
Water damage can cause structural damage to your home.
The mould that grows because of water damage can actually eat away at the materials that make up your house. Drywall, wood, insulation — it is all at risk.
If you don’t deal with the problem quickly, the mould will continue to eat away at your home, making repairs more costly the longer you wait.
The foundation of your home is especially at risk when it comes to flooding. Damage to your foundation can make your house less stable. It can also put you at risk for future flooding.
Having your foundation properly repaired will ensure that your house stays safe, and will reduce the problems that you may have from flooding in the future.
Responding to Water Damage
Clearly, the most important thing you can do when your home has become water damaged is to respond quickly. All the problems related to mould, bacteria growth, and structural damage get worse the longer you wait to solve them.
Waiting to fix water damage will lead to more damage and more expense, and leaves you living in a dangerous environment.
This is why it is essential to call an expert as quickly as possible, so you can make your home safe again.
Preventing Water Damage
It will save you a great deal of hassle and difficulty if you take steps to avoid water damage before it occurs. There are a number of ways that you can waterproof your home before flooding occurs, which will lessen or even entirely prevent the effects.
Water damage prevention includes repairing and waterproofing your foundation. Folling and repairing cracks in your home can stop water damage in its tracks.
Plumbing and drain repairs can prevent flooding as well. High quality plumbing will reduce flooding caused by backups.
Wrapping Up
Water damage is dangerous to your home and your health.
Mould thrives in a water damaged environment. Long term exposure can lead to serious health effects. It can also eat away at your home, leading to structural damage.
Plus, bacterial growth from contaminated water can cause serious illness.
The most important thing to remember with water damage is that the consequences will get worse over time. It is essential to react as quickly as possible.
Dealing with water damage now will make your home safer, and will save you money.