Water damage may occur in any part of your home. However, one area that is particularly concerning is the wall. The damage caused by water that seeps through your walls is not only dangerous to your home’s structural integrity but can also be harmful to your health. In this article, we’ll examine the dangers of water leaking into your walls.
How Does Water Get Into Your Walls?
Water can penetrate your walls via several routes. Some of these are the most common.
- Broken or Leaking Pipes: Burst pipes and leaking pipelines behind your walls are a common problem. Over time, pipes can crack or burst due to pressure. The water could be undetected for weeks or days if the pipes are hidden beneath floors or behind drywall.
- The Roof Leaks: If your roof is damaged, water can drip down the walls. This happens when there are holes in the roof or missing shingles. It is most common after heavy downpours or melting snow.
- Water Leaks: When it rains or when the snow is heavy, damaged or poorly sealed window frames can leak water. This water can then seep inside the walls, causing a slow but steady amount of damage.
- Flash Flood: A severe flood caused by heavy rains or plumbing issues can quickly inundate your lower walls and spread into the interior structure.
No matter the cause, water damage to your walls is a serious problem if not treated immediately.
Consequences Of Water In Your Walls
If you find water inside your walls, you mustn’t ignore it. The following are some of the primary consequences that can occur when water seeps into a home’s walls.
1. Structural Damage
Water can be a powerful force that slowly breaks down the materials of your walls. Drywall, wood studding, and insulation all absorb water, weakening the structural integrity of your home. Water will seep into the wall and cause it to warp, soften, or collapse.
- Rot of Wood: Water-soaked lumber can rot. It loses its strength, and the walls are less able to support and carry the weight.
- Cracked Drywall: If drywall absorbs enough water, it will soften and become crumbly.
- Paint Damage: Watermarks on walls can indicate moisture damage. Over time, these stains could worsen, causing paint bubbles or peeling.
2. Mildew And Mold Growth
Mold and mildew are two of the worst consequences of water on your walls. Mold loves moist and dark environments. That’s why walls are the ideal breeding grounds. Mold can appear within 24 to 48 hrs of being exposed to water.
- Health Risques: Mould can cause serious health problems, including allergies, respiratory issues, and asthma. People with weakened immunity, infants, and older individuals are particularly vulnerable to mold-related problems.
- Mold Growth and Persistent Odors: Mold growth can often be accompanied by an unpleasant, musty smell. Even after the mold growth has been removed, if you don’t dry and treat the affected areas properly, it can still linger.
To prevent further damage, contact a certified water restoration technician as soon as you suspect mold.
3. Electrical Safety
Water infiltration into walls can present electrical hazards. Electrical circuits are often located in the walls of many homes, and when water is exposed to them, it can lead to sparks, shorts, or fires.
- Circuit Shorts: Water can cause a short circuit, leading to an electrical failure or a spark that could ignite. It’s especially dangerous when it reaches the areas around outlets and junction boxes.
- The Fire Risk: In extreme cases, when water reaches the exposed wiring, it can spark and cause a house fire.
If you suspect water damage to electrical components or equipment, you should immediately turn off all power.
4. Higher Repair Costs
The longer water is allowed to sit in your walls and cause damage, the worse it will be. The cost of structural repair, mold remediation, and replacement of insulation or drywall is likely to increase quickly. In addition, if you have a mold problem, the cost to remediate it can be significantly higher due to the need for chemicals and specialized equipment.
Conclusion
The presence of water within your walls should not be overlooked. Ignoring the problem can have serious consequences, from structural damage to potential health hazards. It is better to take immediate action by contacting a restoration firm. This will save both time and money. You can protect your home by taking action as soon as you notice any signs of damage.