Water damage is no joke. It’s one of the most frequent causes of problems in a home. And unfortunately, water damage can have serious long-term impact if it is not addressed quickly. It can result in deterioration, mold growth, and other issues that impede your home’s functionality and impair its beauty.
Fortunately, alert homeowners can stay on top of water damage by knowing what to look for and what to do if you spot problems. Remember, the key to keeping your home and your possessions in great shape is to address water damage right away.
Here are some of the most frequent causes of water damage, signs of trouble, and effective restoration techniques to help keep your Minnesota home in superb condition year-round.
Common Causes of Water Damage
A home can incur damage from moisture, leaks, and mold in many ways. Regularly inspect your home, and stay alert for potential issues like these:
- Wet, stormy weather
- Flooding
- Clogged or broken gutters
- HVAC leaks
- Overflowing appliances
- Sewage backup
- Leaky toilets and sinks
- Old Roofing and Shingles
Signs Your Home Has Water Damage
There are often telltale signals that your home may be suffering from moisture problems. Pay attention to these signs of excess moisture in your home:
- Discoloration and spots on walls, ceilings, tile grout, and fabrics
- Condensation on window glass or metal pipes
- Musty, damp, unpleasant odors
- Pools of water gathering underneath or near plumbing
- Difficulty heating your home and keeping in warmth
- Allergy symptoms that flare up whenever you’re home, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion
- Leaks along ceilings and walls when it rains
- Signs of water damage or puddling around your home’s foundation
What Happens When You Don’t Act Fast to Fix Water Damage
Homeowners who fail to address water damage can suffer a lot of related problems that are both a headache to repair — and costly too. Keep in mind:
- The longer water damage goes unchecked, the worse the damage will be.
- The best way to prevent additional problems is to swiftly address water damage — ideally, within 24-48 hours after you first notice it.
- If excess moisture isn’t dealt with, mold and mildew begin to grow — which can result in ruined carpets, furniture, fabrics, and even your home’s structural components.
- You and your family can suffer illnesses and health risks from exposure to mold, as well as polluted water such as a sewage leak.
What to Do If Your Home Has Water Damage
If you see signs of excess moisture or water damage, act fast by taking the following steps:
- Stay safe. If your home is flooded or otherwise unsafe, get to safety quickly and don’t return until an inspection proves the property is secure again.
- Document everything. Take photos of any damage to your home and personal possessions, and make thorough lists of everything affected by the moisture. It will come in handy as you’re making an insurance claim.
- Remove important valuables. Anything you can’t afford to lose, like legal documents and jewelry, should be moved safely away from areas where moisture might ruin them.
- Protect your health. Moisture damage can expose you to mold, mildew, polluted water, sewage, and other contaminants. If you must handle things, use rubber gloves and wear protective clothing and boots.
- Contact your insurance company. The sooner you make your insurance company aware of the issue, the faster they can help you.
- Act fast to clean up. Remember, water damage only compounds the longer you let it sit. Start needed repairs and cleanup as soon as you can.
For the best results, hire a professional water restoration company.
When your home has suffered serious water damage or is showing signs of mold and mildew growth, it’s time to look for water restoration professionals who can repair the problem right the first time—restoring your home to its normal beauty and functionality.
Iron River Construction provides professional emergency restoration services for any water disaster that may affect your Minnesota home. We’re available 24/7 to clean up and repair damage to your property. Call us anytime at 952-442-1762 for a free consultation and estimate.
