subject: Water Damage: The Lurking Bogeyman [print this page] Water Damage: The Lurking Bogeyman Water Damage: The Lurking Bogeyman
There are many causes of water damage, some are more obvious than others. Whatever the cause, water damage repairs can be reduced and even entirely avoided if the problem is detected early enough. Here is a list of some obvious and not so obvious causes of water damage.
Obvious causes...
Leaking roofs, windows, doors, foundation cracks and plumbing leaks are generally thought of when describing water damage. Because they occur in obvious places they are usually easy to spot and solve before extensive water damage repairs are necessary.
Other causes of water damage include...
Humidity
Water damage regularly occurs in properties in humid climates. Ever been to a chalet or a lodge on holiday that smells a bit musty? That would probably be rotting wood or mildewed material. However, humidity can also be the cause of water damage in steamy bathrooms. If you do not have a sufficient extractor fan, or keep your bathroom well ventilated, or if your bathroom is fitted with the wrong materials, then it is likely your property will have incurred water damage as a result of humidity.
Air Conditioning Unit
Ironically, air conditioning units are often used to counteract humidity, but if they are not fitted correctly then they too can cause water damage in a number of ways. If your air conditioning unit is much larger than required, the resultant cold surfaces can cause water molecules in the air to condense. Over a period of time these droplets can accumulate and cause surprising water damage.
Basement Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is not suitable for the basement. It can absorb water so effectively that it will not pass through the wall and allow it to dry. Rigid insulation, or blue board, is really the only effective way to prevent the need for water damage repairs.
Attics
The difference in temperature between the rooms in your home and your attic can be astonishing. Gaps between the levels, and poor ceiling insulation can cause year round problems. In the winter, the cold air can for ice dams, and in the summer, humidity can build up and damage your house.
Water Damage Repairs
Water may seem harmless, and you may be tempted to fix the problem yourself. But this can be very counterproductive. Although you may sufficiently be able to deal with surface problems, water damage repairs specialists will do a much more thorough job using specialist equipment to ensure that your property is completely restored and to prevent reoccurring water damage.
