If you've ever experienced water damage, you know how devastating it can be. But what if you didn't even realize it? Ignored or undetected water damage can seriously affect your home and your health.

Read on to learn more about the risks of ignoring water damage.

Higher Mitigation Costs

The most obvious consequence of ignored or undetected water damage is the cost. Repairs to fix the initial issue can become costly, especially if it goes unnoticed for an extended period of time. The longer the issue persists, the more extensive and expensive repairs may become necessary.

For example, if a leaky pipe or roof goes unnoticed, the water can eventually seep into other areas of your home. This can cause wood rot and structural damage, resulting in very costly repairs. You might have to replace entire walls, floors, or stairways.

Not only will you face financial expenses from repairs, but you may also experience additional costs in lost items due to mold and other damages caused by water buildup. In some cases, insurance companies may not even cover costs associated with undetected water damage due to a lack of maintenance or negligence on behalf of the homeowner.

Health Risks

As mentioned earlier, water damage often leads to mold growth, which can cause adverse health effects for residents and their pets alike.

Inhaling mold spores can cause allergies or asthma attacks in people with existing respiratory issues, while others may experience headaches, fatigue, coughing, sneezing, and irritation to their eyes or throat. In extreme cases, mold exposure can result in serious respiratory illnesses like pneumonia.

Other potential health risks include bacteria and other pathogens found in contaminated water, which can cause infections or other illnesses. Most people take a while to realize they're sick, further complicating the issue.

Homeowners have to take measures such as testing for moisture levels regularly and addressing any issues that arise quickly to protect their family's health.

Structural Damage

Aside from health risks associated with water damage, there is also the risk of structural damage due to excessive moisture buildup over a long period of time. This includes but is not limited to walls warping from too much moisture seeping into them, foundation cracks due to soil saturation, and buckling hardwood floors.

Soil saturation can also create the risk of landslides and other hazards, especially during heavy rains or floods. This is why it's important to address water damage as soon as possible to avoid further structural issues and keep your home safe. 

For more information, contact a company like Restore All.