Aahh, water! With all its innumerable life-giving benefits, water can be destructive if it invades your home uncontrollably. In fact, water damage can be one of the costliest and most devastating disasters your house can experience. The good news is that regular inspections and preventive measures can protect your house and save you money on potential repairs. Moreover, if you notice signs of water damage, take action immediately to mitigate the risk- call our restoration experts at J & E Restorations!

Key Takeaways:

• Water damage in your home can be a costly and preventable issue for many homeowners. 
• Protecting your house from water damage is an essential step in maintaining your home’s value and ensuring your loved ones’ safety. 
• Signs of water damage can range from a puddle on the floor to mold and mysterious musty odors. 

What Causes Water Damage?

Water damage refers to all possible damages caused by water. That can include flooding, steel and wood materials rusting, and mold growth. The damage can be catastrophic and sudden or slow and unnoticeable. Typically, the causes of water damage can include:

Faulty Appliances

Broken or faulty appliances, such as dishwashers, heaters, and washing machines, can burst and flood rooms if not well-maintained. So, ensure you keep an eye on the appliances and have them checked if they start malfunctioning.

Clogged Gutters

Your gutter system prevents water damage by diverting rainwater from your house. But when gutters become compromised or blocked, rainwater won’t be able to flow properly away and can result in edge overflows. As a result, water can run down the side of your home, causing water damage on floors, walls, and ceilings.

Leaks

Leaks are a common cause of water damage. For instance, leaky pipes can cause significant issues if left untreated. Moreover, if you have a leaky roof, water can seep into the roof structures, down into your insulation, and then into the ceiling. Plumbing pipes are also known to get damaged for various reasons, leaking water through structural elements and causing damage. 

Severe Weather

Hurricanes, hailstorms, floods, thunderstorms, and other natural disasters can cause all kinds of damage to your home. For example, strong winds and heavy downpours can damage your roof, causing water to fall right into your house. 

What are the Signs of Water Damage?

Signs of water damage aren’t always obvious. Nonetheless, here are a few signs that you have water damage:

Sagging Walls and Ceilings

A severe leak can soak parts of a wall or ceiling with so much water that the extra weight causes the surface to sag or bulge. Typically, the leak will affect a small area, but the damage will grow if neglected.

Funky Odor

Damping building material and standing water are rich breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and rot. While you may not see these issues, you’ll notice a musty, earthy smell similar to damp leaves in the fall. And if a sewage pipe is leaking, you’ll smell sewage. 

Visible Mold Growth

Mold thrives in damp conditions. As such, if you find it growing, it means there’s excess moisture in your home. Household mold often takes the form of flat botches of gray, black, orange, green, or brown, but a variety of colors and textures are possible. 

What Should You Do If You Notice Water Damage?

If you experience water damage, taking immediate action is crucial to prevent further damage and minimize health risks. First, you should turn off the electricity and gas supply if you can; next, contact your insurance provider to report the damage and file a claim. Then, hire our professional water damage restoration company to assess the damage and restore your house.

Water damage restoration entails a comprehensive process to remove water, dry the area, and restore your home to its pre-damaged state. Here are the steps our restoration experts follow to restore your home:

• Assessment: Your professional restoration pros will assess the extent and severity of water damage and develop a restoration strategy.
• Water Removal: Using specialized up-to-date equipment, the restoration team will remove any standing water and excess moisture from your house.
• Drying: Our restoration team will use dehumidifiers, fans, and other equipment to dry out the affected areas and prevent mildew or mold growth.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing: We’ll clean and sanitize your house to prevent mold growth and eliminate any harmful contaminants.
• Restoration: We’ll repair or replace damaged materials, including flooring or drywall, and restore your house to its pre-damage condition. 

Ways to Avoid Water Damage

Many people feel regret for not having done something to prevent water damage from occurring. Don’t wait for the water to damage your home, so ensure you’re well prepared to keep water damage at bay. Here are a few ways to avoid water damage:

Don’t let water get in your basement: If you ever dealt with basement water, you most likely didn’t see it coming. There are several ways your home basement can flood, so ensure you take a few precautions. For instance, install a sump pump, check for shifts in the soil around your home, and frequently check for cracks in the foundation. 

Prevent sewage spills: You should prevent the smelly catastrophe from happening in your home. Practice proper waste disposal and don’t allow trees to grow near the sewage pipes. Moreover, work with your local government to keep the sewage lines defect-free. 

Facing Water Damage in Your Home? Consult Us!

Water damage can be devastating, and no one wants to have to deal with it in their houses. Water damage can harm your possessions and your home, Whether due to a leak, humidity, or an outright flood. At J & E Restoration, we strive to help you in all home maintenance and restoration areas. If you’ve noticed any sign of water damage in your home, consult our restoration experts. We have the skills, expertise, and up-to-date equipment to help restore your home and help prevent any future water damage to your home! Call us today for all your restoration needs!

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