The Long-Term Effects of Water Damage on Your Home

With the coming winter season, many New Zealand homes will be at higher risk of water damage. As a company that specialises in flood restoration services, we at EcoSan understand that water damage can seriously damage your home if unaddressed. From the deterioration of your home’s structure to the onset of mould, as well as the discolouration of walls and carpets, water damage can lead to a laundry list of issues. Let’s look at the long-term effects of water damage so you can understand how it affects your property and how to deal with an emergency.

Flood waters that seep into your home create a perfect breeding ground for mould, which flourishes in moist, warm places. An untreated home is prone to mould contamination within 48 hours of a flood. Mould will become easier to spot as it advances on carpets, ceilings, tiles, drywall, and floorboards. However, mould can also flourish totally out of sight. Those with respiratory problems will become more sensitive to the strong smell and may experience respiratory difficulties.

Flooded homes may cause unpleasant odours that can linger long after the floodwater is gone. The strong, musty odour is caused by dirty wastewater absorbed by walls, carpets, and furniture, where it stagnates and rots. An air freshener alone will not be enough to mask the smell. Consider consulting with professional home carpet cleaners who can deep clean your carpet to help rid your home of the smell permanently.

Discolouration is a common symptom of water damage. It’s a noticeable problem that can ruin your interior’ aesthetic. Excess moisture and visible water stains can affect the colour of your walls, stain your wallpaper, and ruin your carpet when left untreated.

Standing water may cause insects and other pests to enter your home. This poses a whole new set of problems in the wake of water damage. Stagnating water becomes a petri dish of bacteria and algae that insects need to thrive. Insecticides will rid of you of the insects in your home now, but they won’t address the moist conditions that make your home so attractive to pests.

Electrical outlets and wires that have been submerged in water can be dangerous. Even after floodwater is cleaned up, it may be necessary to hire an electrician to check outlets and take the necessary steps to ensure that your home is safe for all family members.

The first sign your home may be suffering from structural problems is the loss of your wallpaper or bubbled paint. Though wallpaper and paint is easy to replace, the real problem likely stems from the underlying drywall, which can become spongy and warped when wet. This is an indicator there is moisture trapped inside the wall cavity, without professional attention this moisture may be present for months after the occurrence of flooding. Professional water damage restorers have tools to measure water content hidden inside wall framing.

Water damage can warp wood as well, causing floorboards to separate and support beams to bow. A warped frame can quickly create a domino effect that causes wall cracks, creaks, and unsafe structural support as your home settles unevenly. Water can be trapped under laid laminate flooring or other composite materials, these often require specialised equipment to extract the moisture and preserve the integrity of the flooring.

Water damage should always be considered an emergency. The longer water sits, the worse the damage will be. At EcoSan, we can respond to water damage problems promptly and be on site within one to two hours to deliver our expert water damage restoration services. We can minimise secondary damage caused by excessive water and help resolve existing issues. Take immediate action to preserve the integrity of your home. Call EcoSan Solutions today to get started!