We talk about water damage a lot on this blog but for a good reason! According to waterdamagedefense.com, 14,000 people in the U.S. experience water damage at home or work every single day. In addition, nearly all of us will experience some kind of water damage in our basement sometime in our lives. Here are some other quick stats:
- Water damage and mold claims cost insurance companies $2.5 billion a year (wow!)
- The average water damage insurance claim is just shy of $7,000
- 37% of homeowners claim to have suffered losses from water damage
- The average washing machine supply hose fails at 8.7 years old
- 75% of water heaters fail before they’re 12 years old
Water damage can happen rather easily. Just a 1/8th of an inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water in one day.
Signs of Water Damage
Here are some possible signs of water damage lurking within your walls, ceilings, or other hidden areas:
Unpleasant Odors
I’m sure all of us have walked into a home at one time or another that smelled musty or damp. Those smells are signs of a water issue somewhere in the home. The longer the water sits, the more likely it is that mold is growing in that area – and that bacterial growth can create that unpleasant, earthy smell. Problems like this will not simply go away; it is vitally important to have this problem dealt with by trained professionals like Lamunyon. The longer you wait, the bigger the damage will be, and the more likely it is that water damage will spread and affect other areas of the structure.
Stained Walls or Ceilings
This could be a small or large area of discoloration. When water seeps into empty cavities, it will slowly saturate the drywall or ceiling, creating a water stain or splotches in the affected areas.
Drooping Walls or Ceilings
This goes along with the stained walls or ceilings but is much clear evidence of a problem. Saturated drywall or ceiling materials become very heavy from the added weight of water that is soaked into the surfaces. Eventually, the drywall or ceiling will begin to buckle, droop, or become deformed by the weight. In drastic water damage situations, walls or ceilings, this wet actually poses a safety hazard because they could fall or collapse.
Visible Mold
This is an absolute indicator of a water problem; mold does not grow without some help from a moisture source. In the Georgia heat, mold can grow year-round. It’s also important to realize that if you see mold growth in one area of your home, those mold spores are likely already airborne and can make their way into other nooks and crannies. Even a small, discolored spot on a beam could be more than dirt – it could be mold. If you suspect mold growth, it’s simple to call in a professional to test it.
Contact Lamunyon
If you suspect water damage in your home, don’t wait to act. The longer you wait, the more the damage could spread. Plus, Lamunyon can do a simple inspection to confirm the presence of some unwanted moisture or give you peace of mind that all is well in your Great Bend home.
