Roughly one-third of U.S. homeowners say they’ve suffered losses from water damage. Water damage ruins precious items as well as the structural integrity of your home. Plus, it happens in a variety of ways. Many times, it is Mother Nature’s fault, especially in the cases of hurricanes, severe flooding, and rainstorms. Sewage backups, malfunctioning appliances, and pipe leaks can also be responsible.

Let’s investigate what can happen when water damage occurs and how water damage restoration services can help you.

Health Effects

Mold and mildew can appear in just one day when such events occur. It’s easy to spot if leaks are obvious, like from your basement or plumbing. But, when water damage happens underneath the flooring and behind walls, it takes a long time to figure it out. In the meantime, the air quality in your home gets worse and worse. Allergy-like symptoms appear. These can include irritated skin, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, sinus headaches, congestion, coughing a sore throat, and sneezing.

Black mold causes serious harm to the body. Some consequences of inhaling these toxic fungi are mental impairment, damaged internal organs, cancer, and even death.

How Do I Know There’s Hidden Mold in My Home?

Your senses are powerful. There are a couple of ways to detect mold’s presence in your home without seeing it for yourself. One is by smell. If you notice a persistent musty odor in your home, chances are mold is present. Keep in mind certain types of mold have a scent. Some do not. This technique isn’t foolproof, but it helps.

You may also see water stains, like discoloration on your walls or floors, which are tell-tale indicators. The same holds for cracking, bubbling, or peeling wallpaper or paint.

What to Do If There Are Signs of Mold Growth

A reduction in the air quality in your home is a sure sign you’re dealing with a mold problem. Damaged wallpaper and paint are another. Don’t tarry. Call a professional water damage restoration service and have them check it out.

Use the following tips to get the water damage restoration process started. First, turn on your ventilation system. Then, open doors and windows. Then, leave tacked down carpeting alone.

Mold is frustrating, especially if it hides under floors and behind walls. You can’t simply remove your floors and walls. Only water damage restoration professionals can remove the mold from its hiding places. With their help, your health, air quality, and quality of life will drastically improve.