Ways Homeowners Can Deal With Water Damage and Prevent Future Events

Water damage can be one of the most damaging things to a home. It can not only damage the affected area but also spread to nearby areas. For example, a damaged line in a wall or roof can destroy an entire area, costing thousands of dollars to repair.

It’s not too far-fetched either, as about 14,000 US citizens suffer from one sort of water damage to their home. So, what exactly is water damage and how can it happen? Additionally, what are some of the best ways to deal with the issues it leaves behind?

That’s what we’re here to find out, so let’s get started!

What is water damage? 6 possible types of water damage

Water damage is the result of leaks, water infiltration from outside sources, or the accumulation of moisture in one way or another. In most cases, water damage is associated with sewer leaks, plumbing issues, or culvert/gutter issues.

But here are the top six reasons that cause water damage in homes:

1. Extensive water infiltration from external sources causing extensive property damage;
2. Water damage due to burst or leaking pipes in the home;
3. Leakage through damaged roofing leads to interior water damage;
4. Water damage from faulty appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines or refrigerators;
5. Accumulation of water in the basement, often due to poor drainage or heavy rain;
6. And contaminated water entering the house from sewage system failures

And if you suspect your home may have any of the above issues, contact MidSouth Construction today. Our experts will find out what potential water damage you may have and repair it. Then we will also ensure preventive measures for the future. 

How to assess and repair water damage? 4 key steps to take

Now it’s a pretty simple process to repair water damage. But we have made it even easier for you. And you have two options:

• Get help from professionals like MidSouth Construction;
• Or do a little DIY project with our help.

So if you’re leaning towards the latter, here are four key steps to help you assess and repair water damage:

1: Identify damaged areas

There are easy ways to find out if there is water damage around you. One of the first indicators of water damage in any home is a rancid or musty smell around the house. The stronger the smell, the closer you are to identifying the damage.

However, here are 5 tips to help you quickly find and assess damaged areas:

• Check for discoloration on walls and ceilings.
• Check for musty odors that indicate mold growth.
• Look for peeling or bubbling paint.
• Examine warped or sagging floors.
• And examine water stains on surfaces or materials.

These are quick ways to identify and locate water-damaged areas in the home. Or you can call the experts at MidSouth Construction to find it for you.

2: Remove and Replace

The next stage is to remove and replace what is causing the problem. This stage completely depends on the damaged area and the type of water damage. For example, a damaged pipe would require replacement of pipes, fittings, etc.

However, here are four steps to identify, repair, and replace the problem:

1. Extract water with pumps and dehumidify to prevent mold.
2. Remove damaged materials such as drywall, insulation, or flooring.
3. Treat affected areas with antimicrobial solutions to prevent fungus.
4. Replace damaged materials and ensure proper ventilation for prevention.

Then you’ll have to clean up, but the job isn’t done yet. So go to the next step.

3: Repair of structural elements

This step will focus on repairing the surrounding water damaged areas. For example, the roof may require new shingles and sealants. While walls may require replacement of wood or other structural elements. Here are three tips on how to do it:

• Assess structural integrity to identify and address potential weaknesses;
• Reinforce damaged areas with appropriate construction materials and techniques;
• And ensure proper sealing and waterproofing to prevent future water damage.

This should ensure that none of the other elements are affected by water damage.

4: Prevent Future Leaks

The last thing you need to do is ensure that there is no future water damage. Remember that water leaks or damage to water appliances are not the only cause. So here are some precautions:

• Maintain proper ventilation and air flow;
• Inspect and maintain gutters regularly;
• Seal windows and doors effectively;
• Monitor and repair pipeline leaks immediately;
• And if necessary, install a sump pump.

So you’re done, or you can call us at MidSouth Construction to discuss the future.

Wrap Up

These are some of the key things to understand about water damage in the home and how homeowners can fix it. Focusing on these areas and using these repair techniques will surely help you solve the problem. But if you’re not sure where to start, contact MidSouth Construction today and we will take care of it for you.