How Indoor Floods Affect Your Home’s Structure
When we think of floods, images of rushing water and rising rivers tend to come to mind. However, it is also possible to experience a surge indoors, especially during the rainy season when homes are more prone to leakages and poorly constructed roofs fail to keep out the rain. If you live in an area with rainfall that lasts throughout the year, staying vigilant and taking preventative measures can help reduce the risk of indoor flooding. Here are ways indoor floods can affect your home’s structure:
1. Flooding can Cause Rot and Rust
If your home has been flooded, you may notice that your floorboards have started to rot. If a burst pipe caused your flood, the water might have seeped into the wooden flooring, and then once it dries, the boards may begin to smell moldy and rotten. This is because water attracts and holds onto mold spores, which can then start to grow once the water has dried. If your wooden floorboards are already rotten, it would be wise to have them replaced. Rotting floorboards can pose a serious risk to your home’s structure.
2. Flooding can Destroy Drywall and Flooring
Drywall is an extremely sensitive material that can be severely damaged by flooding. Drywall is used to build interior walls in homes; however, it can only handle a limited amount of moisture before it begins to rot. If your home floods and the drywall inside the walls becomes wet, the paper fibers within the drywall will start to break down, creating a spongy texture.
Drywall is also highly flammable, so if it is damaged, you should remove it as soon as possible. Flooding can also destroy your floors. Carpet, hardwood, and tiles are susceptible to water and can be badly damaged if they are not thoroughly dried after a flood. If your carpet has become waterlogged, it will need to be replaced. Flooding can destroy not just the inside of your home but can also damage the structure of your home.
3. Flooding can Cause Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew are two of the most significant health risks from flooding. If your home floods and the water is not removed from the air, mold spores will start to grow. Not only is mold unsightly, but it can also be toxic, especially for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma. Mold can cause rashes and sores on the skin and trigger several other health issues if ingested.
If you live in an area that experiences a lot of flooding, you should have your home’s structure inspected annually to check for signs of mold growth. You should also make sure you are using an air filtration system to remove harmful toxins from the air and keep the spores away from your family.
4. Flooding can Weaken Your Home’s Structure
If your home floods, the water will be heavy and can cause a lot of damage to your roof and walls. If water comes in contact with the wooden beams that support your roof, it can cause the wood to swell, damaging your home’s structure. If water seeps into your walls and is left there, it can weaken the design of your home by breaking down the mortar that holds the bricks together. If the walls are not repaired once the floodwaters have subsided, they can become unstable, leading to the collapse of your home’s structure. You can always contact Restoration Contractors in Denver, or your current location if your home floods to discuss the best way to protect your home’s structure.
Conclusion
If you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, it is important to stay vigilant and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of indoor flooding. You can buy flood alarms that will go off once they detect water in your home, and you can fit your home with a sump pump to keep water out.
You should also make sure your roof and gutters are in good condition to prevent water from getting inside your home in the first place. If your home does flood, you should remove the water, take care of the damage as soon as possible and repair any weakened areas to reduce the risk of your home’s structure collapsing.
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