How To Spot The Hidden Causes Of Water Damage

Water damage is usually caused by leaks from water pipes, floods or overflowing of water sources. Most people do not know that water damage can also result from hidden causes which have the tendency to be overlooked and result to more water damage.

Here are some hidden causes of water damage:

* Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
If you fail to clean your air conditioning systems properly, it might lead to substandard performance, moisture problems and more expensive operating costs. Moisture problems can inhibit the growth of molds and other organisms.

* Household Appliances
Appliances like water heaters, washing machines and dryers have the tendency to accumulate rust and crack over time leading to water leaks. If these appliances are severely damaged, it can lead to a flood. The hoses from these appliances also deteriorate over time leading it to be brittle and can also result to water leaks. It is dangerous if these appliances are positioned on the upper levels of the house, for example the attic or the second floor. If this is the case, the water which would leak from these appliances can seep through the floor and affect the quality of the structure.

* Weather Systems
Water damage can also be caused by the unpredictable weather like typhoons, hurricanes, storms and blizzards.

* Basements
You should at all costs, prevent your basement from being damp. A damp basement is usually caused by buildup of moisture dripping through the foundation of the house. The moisture will eventually evaporate, increasing the humidity of the house, even if there is no visible presence of water. As an important tip, it is not advisable to have fiberglass finishing for the insulation of your basement walls. Fiberglass will trap and absorb the water and will not allow water to travel through the wall. It is better to use a rigid insulation or a blue board which is semi-permeable and will allow moisture to travel through.

* Attics
If your house is installed with poor insulation and if you are living in an area with a cold climate, there is a huge probability that ice dams can form that can cause the flow of water to return to the house instead of outside the house. Ice dams can be further aggravated when you have an open attic. The common sources of leakage from the attic to the house are: light fixtures which are not airtight and exhaust fans that directly give vent in the attic.

To minimize the dangers of the different hidden causes of water damage, you can inspect and assess your home to determine if there are present causes of water damage. You can also try to get a professional opinion for the assessment. These professionals will have the right tools to measure and minimize the hazards of water damage.

Next time, in checking for possible water damage causes, do not forget to check the possible hidden sources as well in order to minimize the hassle of dealing with water damage. By doing this, you can truly ensure that your home is safe from water damage.

About the Author

Wendi Watson speaks about homeowner issues for commercial water damage and commercial water restoration in Long Island

Author Profile: wwatsy

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