If you don’t take care of water damage, it can lead to some pretty serious consequences. In fact, not repairing water damage can actually lead to multiple problems down the road.
That’s why it’s so important to take care of any water damages as soon as they occur. Below are nine dangers and effects of ignoring water damage:
1. Structural Damage
One of the biggest dangers of neglecting water damage is that it can cause major structural problems in your home. This includes the foundation, walls, ceilings, and more. If left untreated for too long, this could lead to a total collapse of your home.
Ignoring water damage can have serious, long-term consequences for your home and your health.
When water seeps into the foundation of a home, it can cause the walls to shift and crack. The weight of the water can also cause ceilings to collapse.
2. Mold Growth
One of the most common consequences of water damage is mold growth. This can occur within 24-48 hours, and it can cause a whole host of health problems.
These include respiratory issues, skin irritation, headaches, and more. In some cases, mold exposure can even lead to death.
Mold loves damp and humid environments. So, if you have water damage in your home, it’s important to dry the area out as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of mold growth.
3. Health Problems
As we mentioned, mold growth can cause a variety of health problems. But that’s not the only health hazard associated with water damage. If you have standing water in your home, it could become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
This could lead to serious illnesses, such as cholera, dysentery, and more. Skin irritations and allergies are also common when there’s water damage present.
So it’s important to take care of any water damage quickly before it has a chance to cause health problems.
4. Pest Infestation
Water damage can also lead to a pest infestation. This is because pests are attracted to damp and humid environments. So, if you have water damage in your home, you could end up with an infestation of rats, cockroaches, or other pests.
Pest infestations can cause a variety of problems, such as diseases, property damage, and more.
Professionals can help get rid of any pests that have infested your home. But it’s important to take care of the water damage first, otherwise, the pests will just come back.
5. Higher Insurance premiums
If you have water damage in your home and you don’t take care of it, your insurance premiums could go up. This is because water damage is considered a high-risk hazard. And the higher the risk, the higher the insurance premium.
Not to mention the hassle and cost of filing an insurance claim. So it’s important to take care of any water damage as soon as possible to avoid higher insurance premiums.
6. Difficulty Selling Your Home
If you have water damage in your home and you’re trying to sell it, you could have a hard time finding buyers. This is because most people are not willing to take on a home with water damage.
Most people avoid homes with this issue because they don’t want the hassle or risk involved in buying one of these properties when there’s no guarantee that future repairs will fix whatever problems arise again.
7. Emotional Distress
One of the most underrated consequences of water damage is the emotional distress it can cause.
Dealing with water damage is a stressful and overwhelming experience. And if you don’t take care of it quickly, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
8. Electrical Damage
One potential hazard of water damage that is often overlooked is the risk of electrical damage. If water comes into contact with any electrical sockets or wires. In addition, water can destroy insulation, creating a fire hazard.
Water can damage electronics and appliances, causing them to short circuit. As a result, it is important to take precautions to avoid electrical hazards when repairing water damage at home.
9. Financial Burden
Water damage can be a financial burden, especially if you have to replace any damaged belongings or make repairs to your home.
The cost of repairing water damage can quickly add up, especially if you have to replace the flooring, drywall, or other structural components of your home.
And if the water damage is severe enough, you may even have to move out of your home while repairs are being made. This can lead to even more financial burden, as you’ll have to find temporary housing and pay for moving expenses.
Final Thoughts
Ignoring water damage can have serious, long-term consequences for your home and your health. If you suspect that you have a water leak or other form of water damage in your home, be sure to take action as soon as possible.
Our team at QLD Building Repairs are experts in water damage repair and restoration, and we’re here to help you get your home back to its pre-damage condition quickly and safely.
