What All Rochester Homeowners Need to Know About Water Damage

If there are two words that no property owner ever wants to hear, these are probably water damage. This is one of the most serious issues that you may ever have to deal with, given the extensive damage that it can do to your home in Rochester. With this in mind, it's clearly a good idea for you to learn as much as you can about this issue, as doing so can give you a great chance to stay safe and keep your property safe as well. Here are some of the things that every single homeowner in Rochester needs to know to give you an easier time in safeguarding your home and your health.

There Are Different Causes of Water Damage

To start with, it's important to note that there are a few things that could lead to water damage in the average Rochester home. One of these is flooding, a common issue since 14.6 million properties in the United States are actually at risk of flooding, according to ABC news. Other natural disasters that can cause water damage are tornadoes, hurricanes, and torrential downpours. It may be a bit hard to safeguard your home fully against these, but there are still steps that you can take to lower the chances of ending up with an issue, such as installing hurricane doors and windows. Other causes of water damage are a leaking roof, burst pipes, and leaky plumbing.

Water Damage Worsens Over Time

As time goes by, water damage is only going to get worse, and this information should motivate you to act as soon as you can if you notice signs of water damage. Within mere minutes of water damage beginning, flooring, furniture, and drywall soak up the water and contamination starts spreading. In hours, humidity levels rise and unpleasant odors start to build up, while mold and fungi start to grow between hours and days, depending on specifics such as temperature.

After weeks, the damage is usually so severe that the home may have to be evacuated for renovation, which may involve gutting and rebuilding it from the inside out. You may be able to safeguard your home against these extremes by getting the right insurance coverage. While getting this, note that flood insurance policies could take at least 30 days to go into effect, according to the National Weather Service. That said, shop for the best coverage so that it can help you when you need it.

A Thorough Inspection Can Save You a Lot of Trouble

If you're looking to buy a home, or you've lived in your current home for a long time, it's best to get a thorough inspection done by an expert. With their help, you may be able to uncover signs of water damage that you may not have found yourself. This is an important step to take when you consider the fact that about 15% of the homes in America have a water leak, according to Gitnux. This makes plumbing repair a significant market across the nation. That said, you should make any repairs that are necessary as soon as you discover them to avoid the significant progression of water damage.

There Are a Number of Tell-Tale Signs of Water Damage

Finally, as a Rochester homeowner, you need to understand that there are many signs of water damage. Knowing these signs can help you avert a possible disaster. They include peeling paint, a damp, moldy, musty smell, dark or wet spots on ceilings or walls, cracked or flaking drywall, warped or bowing wood, and watermarks on the walls. The moment you spot these, you should call a professional to help you out.

These details can help you keep your home safe from water damage. The worse it gets, the costlier it could be for you to fix. The best thing to do is to prevent water damage from occurring in the first place.