Like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the various types of water damage caused by weather. After all, who wants to contemplate water entering their home or causing damage to their property? However, whether you like it or not, Mother Nature can be a fickle mistress, and her moods can wreak havoc on your living space. Water can damage your home in various ways, from flooding caused by heavy rain to leaks caused by melting snow. So, let’s dive in (pun intended) and explore the different types of water damage caused by weather.
Soggy Situation
One of the most common causes of water damage is flooding, which can happen because of too much rain, melting snow, hurricanes, and storm surges. Here are some reasons flood can cause water damage:
- Rising water levels can cause floodwater to enter homes and businesses.
- Damaging buildings, destroying possessions, and encouraging the growth of toxic mold and bacteria are just some of the many adverse outcomes of a flood.
- Potentially harmful contaminants in floodwater include human waste, chemicals, and debris.
- Floodwater is a structural threat to buildings and an electrical hazard.
- Flood-damaged structures can create an ideal environment for mold and bacteria growth. Improperly cleaning and drying can lead to potential health hazards and further property damage.
- Flooding can cause long-lasting damage to homes and businesses, even after the floodwaters recede.
Hail Hath No Fury
Hail is a type of precipitation that can occur during thunderstorms. In places where hail is likely, the damage can be terrible. A partial list of the problems that hail can cause water damage follows.
- Hail damage to roofing and other exterior surfaces of buildings is a common cause of water damage.
- Hailstones can damage roofs, siding, and windows, from small pellets to golf ball-sized chunks.
- When roofing materials sustain damage, water seeps into the building and wreaks havoc on the interior.
- Hail can damage roofing materials like tiles and metal sheets. It can make the roof vulnerable to water damage from rain or other weather events.
- Various conditions can still cause hail, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, making it a common cause of water damage.
- Hail can damage other building parts, such as air conditioners, outdoor lighting, and vents, which could lead to more property damage.
Blown Away
Wind damage can occur during thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. It can cause water damage by disrupting the building’s protective envelope. In addition, strong winds can create areas of low pressure that can cause water to enter the building through tiny openings. The water can cause infiltration and subsequent water damage to the interior of the building. Here are some problems that can happen when the wind is strong.
- High winds can cause roofing materials to loosen, crack, or dislodge, leading to water penetration and potential damage.
- Strong winds can also damage siding, allowing water to enter the building’s interior and cause water damage.
- Wind can break windows and allow water to enter the building, causing water damage.
- It is essential to check for and fix any wind damage to prevent or lessen water damage and keep the building and its people safe.
- If not appropriately addressed, wind damage can lead to further property damage and hazards, such as electrical hazards, mold growth, and compromised structural integrity.
When Ice Attacks
Freezing temperatures can cause water damage by altering the state of the water. When temperatures drop below freezing, water molecules slow down and begin to form ice crystals. As these crystals grow, pressure builds inside pipes, which can cause cracks or bursts. It can result in water leakage and other water damage to surrounding areas.
Furthermore, ice can melt and transform into liquid as temperatures warm up. This transformation process can cause additional damage. These are some of the problems that come with freezing temperatures.
- Pipes can burst due to the pressure created by frozen water expanding when it freezes.
- Burst pipes can release large amounts of water. Consequently, it can cause significant water damage to buildings, personal possessions, and furnishings.
- Frozen pipes can also prevent water from flowing, leading to potential damage from backed-up water and contamination.
- Freezing temperatures can also damage roofing materials. It can let water into the building and damage the inside with moisture.
- When snow accumulates on rooftops, freezing temperatures can cause the snow to melt and refreeze, creating ice dams that can cause water to seep into the building and cause water damage.
- Cold weather can also wreak havoc on exterior features like gutters and downspouts, causing water to pool and potentially causing structural damage.
- Taking precautions like insulating pipes and sealing windows and doors during freezing temperatures is essential to prevent or lessen the water damage.
Weathering the Damage
Understanding the types of water damage caused by weather hazards can help you take the necessary steps to prevent or mitigate damage to your property. If you ever need emergency water damage services in Kansas City, contact a water damage specialist for help. Cleanup after water damage is fast and thorough with this service. Remember always to prioritize safety and take proactive measures to prevent water damage in the first place. With the help of our water damage service in Kansas City, you can be confident that your property is in good hands.