Small spots, mold, rust and rot can mean the untimely collapse of your
home. Early treatment and prevention of water damage can stop problems
from spiraling out of control.
Do you see spots above you? If so, that could be the first sign of water
damage in your home. It may seem like no big deal. What are a few
stains that a fresh coat of paint can't fix? But ignoring this issue
will only make it worse. Spots lead to mildew, which will lead to rot,
which will lead to decay, and at that rate, there won't even be a roof
over your head. Fixing these problems can be expensive, so it's in your
best interest as a homeowner to act quickly and responsibly.
If you notice spots on your walls, press them to feel if they are damp
to ensure it is moisture that is the culprit. Sometimes you can locate
the source immediately, such as an apparent hole in a surface or a leaky
faucet. If only affected by the moisture for a short period and the
leak is addressed, this degree of water damage can be fixed with a bit
of repair work. Pick up a stain sealer at a hardware or paint store and
paint a coat over the area, allowing it to dry. Once finished, you'll
have the task of choosing a matching paint (if not available, you must
deal with the mismatch or repaint the entire area) and refinishing the
area.
If left unattended, leaks and moisture can cause spots to turn into
mold, a more severe form of water damage. Mold starts as ugly greenish
black splotches that can spread rapidly over a surface. The fungus can
cause health problems as well as make the value of your home drop
greatly. Small areas of mold can be treated using a solution of bleach
and water that is sprayed and scrubbed regularly until all traces have
disappeared. Larger areas of mold will require a professional to treat
or might even need complete replacement of the affected portion.
Mold can progress to another type of water damage, rot. When wood is
constantly exposed to water and mold, the surface will begin to weaken
and crumble apart. This deterioration can lead to even bigger problems
in your home. If vital supportive beams fall apart, the entire house can
collapse. Floorboards can give way under the weight of a person,
causing injury. Rotting wood must be immediately replaced, especially if
the damage is extensive. As with mold or spotting, locating and
eliminating the source of the problem should be your first step before
replacing anything.
Metal and plastic are also susceptible to water damage. Leaks can cause
rusting or strip the laminate off of other materials. While it may take a
while for any rust to pose a threat to the home, even a small amount
can be enough to turn off potential buyers and decrease your home's
worth. Mild rust can be treated with coatings or even a good scrubbing
with steel wool and special cleansers. If the rust has been left too
long; however, it can collapse and cause injury to a person.
