The Parts Of Your Home Affected By Water Damage And Cleanup Issues

Water damage can have devastating consequences for your entire home. However, it affects different parts of your home differently. Below are five parts of a home that are most affected by water damage and what you should do to restore them, according to our cleanup professionals at Restoration 1 of St Augustine.

Water Damage Cleanup In St Augustine

Ceiling

Water damage in your ceiling is one of the most concerning types of damage because it makes your roof vulnerable to collapsing. Ceiling water damage is also tricky because it’s not always apparent where the damage is coming from. It could be caused by a burst pipe, a leaky toilet, or a leaky roof. Either way, water damage in your ceiling should be addressed with urgency. Make sure you call for help immediately if you notice water damage in your ceiling.

Wood

While wood may look tough on the surface, it is actually quite porous and vulnerable to water damage. Prolonged exposure to water can significantly weaken the wood and potentially threaten the structural integrity of your home. The first few hours after a flood is the most serious. Wood will begin absorbing the moisture immediately and within a matter of hours, the wood will begin to swell, possibly permanently warping it. 

Carpet

The carpet is very porous and therefore highly susceptible to water damage. It may need to be replaced, depending on the type of water that caused the flooding and the time that has passed. If mold or other contaminants are present in the carpeting, it will need to be professionally cleaned, and any padding should be discarded and replaced. The drying process is extensive but can be done if the carpet is deemed salvageable. Because of mold growth, this is one area of the home where water damage should not be delayed.

Foundation

Water damage from your foundation can develop in many different ways. For instance, if the bricks or concrete in your foundation develop tiny cracks or holes water can seep through them into your basement. The problem gets even worse over the winter when water fills the cracks and then freezes causing the cracks to expand. If you notice water damage in your basement with no obvious explanation, it is possible that the damage is caused by water seeping through your foundation and into your basement.

Drywall

It’s easy to forget about drywall. However, drywall is extremely susceptible to water damage. Even small amounts of water on your drywall can cause it to deteriorate and lose its structural integrity, threatening the entire structural integrity of your home over time. You can tell if your drywall has been affected by water damage if it feels spongy to the test. 

Each of these different parts of your home requires specialized attention to ensure they are properly taken care of after a water damage disaster. Give us a call at Restoration 1 of St Augustine for help dealing with water damage and the cleanup aftermath if it ever affects your home.