3 Types of Secondary Damage that Can Occur After a Water Loss

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

When a water loss first occurs, your home will most likely experience immediate damage.  This can include loss of important documents, electrical shortages, or wet drywall.  If the water is not removed quickly and the area is not dried properly, there can also be damage that is caused after the flood.  This is called secondary damage.  The best way to prevent this from happening is to hire a professional to remove the water and reverse the effects of the loss.  However, if not attended to immediately, here are a few examples of secondary damage that you should look out for.

1. Mold Growth
   
   
• The first, and most familiar example, is mold growth.  Mold loves moist environments.  This is why it is such a common effect of a water loss.  If left untreated, mold can continue to spread and damage other areas of the house.
2. Warped Hardwood Floors
   
   
• Another familiar cause of water loss is warped hardwood floors.  This is when wood flooring absorbs the moisture sitting on top of it, causing it to disfigure and/or rise off of the foundation.  Warping is why flooring is commonly removed and replaced after a water loss.  Wood furniture can also become disfigured if exposed to moisture.
3. Corrosion
• The third example of secondary water damage is corrosion.  If any pipes, screws, or nails were exposed to moisture during a water loss, they may eventually begin to rust.  This can weaken the metal piece and cause it to eventually break.   

When dealing with a water loss, these examples of secondary damage can be detrimental to your home.  Our team here at SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is trained to look out and resolve these issues BEFORE they occur.  If you are in need of professional mitigation due to a water loss, give us a call at 817-596-8714.