Is water damage a big deal?

Ignoring water damage can be dangerous. If you don't fix it as soon as possible, there's a chance that it could lead to electrical damage in your home. Water damage from flooding in your basement could lead to a disaster, so you need to be extra cautious about the consequences.

How serious is water damage?

If you do not deal with water damage immediately, you or your employees could develop health issues. A small leak could lead to mold which can cause an array of other problems like allergies, chronic migraines, and respiratory issues.

Is it worth buying a house with water damage?

You can present these estimates to the homeowner, and they can opt to pay for the repairs, or you may be able to use the estimates in your negotiations to try and get a lower price. Either way, you should never purchase a home that has not been repaired if there's still water damage present.

How much water damage is too much?

More than three feet of flooding can cause severe damage to a home's infrastructure, including its foundation and framework. This level of flooding can cause damage too severe to repair. Outside, water can cause lasting damage to water wells as well as sewage and plumbing systems.

Can water damage be expensive?

The average cost of water damage restoration is between $1,304 and $5,514: it's not a cheap service, but it's critical in order to spare your home in the event of water damage. Below, we'll take a look at low, average and high costs to repair water damage.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Water Damage Restoration

What is the biggest concern with water damage?

The biggest concern when dealing with any type of water damage is the risk of mold growth. Mold can begin to form if the wet areas are not dried completely. Mold can impact the health of anyone who breathes it in but it can really take a toll on those who have allergies, asthma, and/or a weakened immune system.

Does water damage get worse over time?

If left unattended, water damage can get worse over time; how quickly that happens varies, depending on how much water is present, in what areas, and the age of the home or business.

Should I be worried about water damage?

Ignoring water damage can be dangerous. If you don't fix it as soon as possible, there's a chance that it could lead to electrical damage in your home. Water damage from flooding in your basement could lead to a disaster, so you need to be extra cautious about the consequences.

When should I worry about water damage?

Early warning signs of water damage are peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper. Over time, they will become bloated or warp. In severe cases, walls and ceilings may feel spongy to the touch. Wet flooring can go unnoticed too, especially if it's only wet in the corners or in rooms that are used infrequently.

Will water damage go away on its own?

Will water damage dry on its own? In many cases, water damage will dry on its own within a few weeks. However, just because the water dries out doesn't mean you should ignore it. If you don't address water damage immediately, it can lead to mold growth and other problems with your home.

Does water damage affect appraisal?

Water damage also affects the appraisal value of your home, so if you're thinking about getting the equity you've earned on your property, you may want to learn more about leaks.

Can you sell a property with water damage?

In most states, sellers must disclose any known problems with their properties before selling them. It includes any known water damage issues or mold problems in your home. If you do not disclose this information, you could face legal repercussions later on if something goes wrong after the sale takes place.

Does insurance pay out for water damage?

Water damage to your property is usually covered as a standard feature in your buildings insurance policy. Often referred to as 'escape of water' by insurers, it can be caused by several issues, from burst pipes due to freezing temperatures, to a leaking dishwasher or an overflowing blocked toilet.

What does mild water damage look like?

Peeling, bubbling, or flaking paint. Small hairline cracks or a larger, spiderwebbed pattern of cracks. Water rings, usually a light brown color. Mold growth, especially in corners where walls and ceilings meet, and often in humid rooms or locations such as basements.

How common is water damage?

Water damage affects around 14,000 people in the U.S. every single day. Said another way, about 1 in 60 insured homes make a claim for water or freezing damage each year. On a percentage basis, this translates to 1.6% of homes nationwide that will experience water damage in any given year.

How long does it take for water damage to go away?

Generally, it takes around 72 hours for any affected area to dry up completely, but this only applies on a room-to-room basis. Larger areas impacted by water damage take longer to dry. Regardless of what caused the water damage, you need to follow specific protocols to reinstate your house to its pre-damage state.

What does long term water damage look like?

Look for: Permanent water stains and unsightly mold water damage markings on ceilings, walls and floors. Erosion of drywall, often causing it to be warped or changed in texture (TIP: newer water spots will feel firm to the touch, while older water damage will create a spongy, mushy feeling) Bubbled paint.

What should I do immediately after water damage?

What should I check after water damage?

Identify Places of Potential Mold Growth

Mold forms easily in standing water, often within only 24 hours. Be on the lookout for signs of mold growth on walls, floors and ceilings. Look specifically by the source of the leak for more growth, and use cleaners like bleach and soap for small amounts of mold.

Does drywall need to be replaced after water damage?

Water Damage

A big question homeowners often ask is “does wet drywall always need to be replaced?” and the answer is almost always yes. Water stains, discoloration, bubbling, peeling paint,. and softened areas are all signs of water damage and are not nice to look at.

How long does it take to dry out walls from water damage?

It depends on several factors, but in general, you can expect areas in your home exposed to water or moisture to dry in about five days. Sometimes it takes as little as two days to dry an area and other times it could take several weeks.

What is considered sudden water damage?

What is sudden and accidental water damage? Sudden and accidental water damage covers discharge or overflow of water or steam from within a plumbing, heating, or air conditioning system, or household appliance.

Does water damage spread?

Maybe you are just dealing a burst pipe, or worse yet you have a flooded basement. Regardless of how bad the initial damage is, you cannot afford to wait to start the water cleanup process. Water spreads very quickly and will get absorbed into the floors, the walls, your furniture and other areas in your home.

What is the most common cause of water damage?

Should I make a water damage claim?

We recommend that if your claim is under $3,000, or under $10,000 for water damage, you shouldn't file a claim unless your immediate finances give you no choice. With water damage, you may risk your home insurance company not renewing your policy out of concern for potential mold damage.