Water damage is a common problem in the US, affecting nearly 14,000 homeowners every day. Homes in coastal cities like Orlando are particularly vulnerable. The city’s hot and muggy climate, in combination with heavy rainfalls and occasional hurricanes, creates an ideal breeding ground for water damage over time. 

However, it’s not just the weather that’s to blame. A variety of issues, such as leaks, cracks, clogged pipes, and sewage backups, can cause mild to severe water damage. Although the visible signs of water damage are easy to spot and fix, the real danger lies in the hidden damage that goes unnoticed. 

Water leaks and spills often remain out of sight and slowly seep deep into the walls and floors, causing water damage over time. These water damage issues can cause a variety of health problems and slowly eat away your home’s structural integrity. Keep reading to explore some hidden dangers of water damage and how to prevent and detect these issues before they cause major problems.

How to Detect a Water Damage?

Orlando’s hot climate tends to quickly dry up the outer surface of a wall, and it becomes difficult to identify water damage. It’s important to call in water damage restoration specialists as soon as possible to inspect your home thoroughly and identify areas damaged by water seepage. After the inspector discovers the water-damaged areas, an experienced team of professionals will fix the root cause and repair the damaged area. 

If you detect and fix water damage early, you not only keep your home safe from structural damage, but also help avoid costly repairs. However, the total Orlando water damage restoration cost depends on the severity of the damage and the underlying cause. Besides regular inspections, keep an eye on the following most common signs of water damage in your home:

• Water accumulation, wet walls, and leaking ceiling.
• Water stains on walls and ceiling.
• A peculiar odor coming from the wall, floor, or room. 
• Damp carpets or flooring are a sign of water seepage into the flooring material. You may also notice your carpets rotting unexpectedly. 
• Discolored or warped walls and ceiling.
• Bubbling or peeling paint on walls and ceiling. 
• An unexplained increase in your water bill could also be a sign of hidden leaks. 
• Pest infestation

The Hidden Dangers of Water Damage

Water damage issues pose serious risks. Here’s how:

Weakened Structural Integrity

As we discussed earlier, water damage can put your home’s structural integrity at stake. A sudden inundation may damage your belongings but may not cause a serious threat. However, a problem as minor as water dipping into your home’s framing, support beams, and foundation can seriously compromise your home’s structural integrity. 

A constantly leaking pipe, faulty plumbing system, and minor cracks in the floor cause water to penetrate deep into the structure and ultimately weaken your home’s supporting structure. Homes made of wood or other porous materials are at a higher risk of collapsing. If the structure deteriorates, it can quickly become a safety hazard for you and your loved ones. Keep in mind that water damage insurance doesn’t cover mistakes or carelessness, and you may end up paying a significant amount for repairs.

Mold and Mildew Growth

A damp surface combined with warmer temperatures in Orlando creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Both mold and mildew are harmful fungi that can cause a variety of health issues. They can produce spores that remain suspended in the air and cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other health issues. People who already have chronic respiratory problems like asthma may trigger an attack. 

Apart from their adverse effect on health, both mold and mildew can damage your home’s walls, ceiling, and furnishings. If you try cleaning mold with a dry cloth, it may result in spreading spores to other areas of the house. Therefore, it’s always best to hire a water damage restoration company to get rid of mold and mildew. 

Electrical Hazards

Water damage can cause life-threatening situations, and electrical hazards are among them. Electrical issues typically occur when water seeps into your home’s electrical system and comes into contact with open circuits or wires. Such a scenario can even result in short circuits and house fires. Short circuits can also lead to power failure and appliance damage. 

In some cases, water accumulated around a circuit can cause electrocution. If you suspect water damage around your electrical system or there’s standing water in your home, the first thing to do is to turn off the main power supply. Call a qualified electrician immediately to check the electrical system and take necessary measures to ensure safety. 

Pest Infestation

Pests love damp areas and humidity. If your home is water-damaged, you may notice an increased or persistent pest infestation, especially termites, roaches, ants, and rodents. When pests like termites and roaches invade your home, they can cause more destruction to your already damaged walls and foundations. This not only worsens the water damage issue but also adds more repairs to the list. Moreover, pest infestation can cause some serious health issues. 

Eroding Foundation

Water damage can seep into the ground underneath and around your home and cause soil erosion. This can gradually weaken your foundation. Moreover, this erosion can push the foundation out of alignment, which can cause wide cracks. Over time, these cracks and misalignments can compromise your home’s stability, and the entire structure of your home becomes vulnerable. In extreme cases, you may need costly foundation repairs that are not covered by the insurance. It’s important to detect such issues early on and take immediate action to prevent long-term consequences. 

How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

Now that you know the severity of the situation, it’s also important to take steps to prevent water damage from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to prevent water damage:

• Regular inspection is a must. Arrange regular home inspections to identify any hidden water leakage or damage. Pay close attention to areas with concealed pipes, such as under sinks and behind appliances.
• Check your roof often for any signs of damage, such as cracks around the joints and missing or loose shingles. 
• Install moisture detectors in areas that are prone to water damage, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.
• Never ignore a water leak. Fix it immediately before it turns into a bigger problem. 
• Keep your gutters and downspouts unclogged and ensure that they’re directing water away from your home.

Final Thoughts

Water damage can be fatal for your house if you don’t address the issue promptly. The best way to protect your home from these serious issues is to adopt a more proactive approach. Last but not least, many water damage restoration companies provide 24/7 services, so never hesitate to call an experienced professional any time of the day to address any leaks or water damage issues.