This can happen with other materials as well and, if left untreated for too long, can compromise the structural integrity of the home. When drywall starts to absorb water from a leaky pipe or other forms of water damage, it begins to warp and swell. In fact, these obvious symptoms will be the first signal for most that they have a leak in the house.
The most obvious and immediate effects of water damage are aesthetic – staining, discoloration, and streaks along the walls. This damage is more structural, and can be just as expensive, if not more so, than the medical expenses that mold can incur. However, there are other potential hazards to be aware of that a water leak could create. The health hazards of mold growth that can be spurred on by water damage would be enough for most. For infants, growing up in a mold infested household increases the likelihood of developing asthma. These effects are bad enough, but if you have a pre-existing condition or a compromised immune system, the impact is even more severe with the possibility of mold growing within them – creating even greater health complications. In the presence of water, mold spores can proliferate, filling the affected area with unsightly and unhealthy mold growth and producing additional spores that begin to pollute the air.įor the average person, mold spores in the air can range from irritating to catastrophic, with most common symptoms of mold exposure including nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, coughing, and sneezing fits. When spores come into contact with water, however, that is when their growth is triggered. When left in dry areas, spores can lay dormant for decades, never causing a problem or harming anybody. It is almost an inevitability, even with new construction. Most homes have mold spores of some sort within the nooks and crannies of their home. These organisms produce spores that pollute the air and can prove hazardous to your long-term health. One of the biggest consequences of water damage for your health is the growth of molds and fungi within the home. Taking care of water leaks right away will prevent that damage from occurring and help to maintain the value of your home. This can compromise your bargaining position should you decide to sell your home in the future, and will drive down the final selling price. This is because, even after you believe you have fixed the damage, lingering effects may remain. It should go without saying, but a history of water damage drives down the value of your home. In order to help you understand the dangers of even a small amount of water damage and the risks it poses to your health and home, here are just a few of the consequences of even a simple water leak. Unfortunately, a water leak can play havoc with your health and with your home just as surely as a full-scale flood would. However, what if your problem is not catastrophic flooding or a burst pipe, what if the issue is a simple leak? Surely a leak cannot be so devastating, right? We all know that when serious flooding occurs, that can also be catastrophic for your home and lead to tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs. Simeone of Simeone & Miller in Washington, DC.The effects of water damage on the resale value of a home and its appearance is well documented. But you can purchase a separate flood policy.įlood insurance premiums are pricey, however, and depend on the risk of flooding in the area where your house is located as well as the value of the home and its contents, says Thomas J. That’s because the damage is due to neglect that could have been prevented through proper home maintenance. Damage caused by manufacturing defects in your roofing material or installation errors are also not covered.Īnother type of water damage homeowners insurance policies specifically exclude is that from flooding caused by a natural disaster (e.g., a hurricane). “This type of claim, known as seepage, is a maintenance issue and often isn’t covered under your home insurance policy,” says Vahey. With nowhere to go, water flows down the sides of your home and pools around the foundation, causing interior water damage. Say your rain gutters are clogged because you haven’t cleaned them. Water damage due to sewage and drain backups generally requires additional insurance coverage beyond a standard policy, says Joe Vahey, vice president and product manager at Erie Insurance. Claim your home to stay up-to-date of your home‘s value and equity.
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