Did you know that more than 10,000 gallons of water is wasted each year due to leaks in homes? Or that it leads to rotting wood, rusted metal, delamination of plywood, mold growth and more? You may think of immediate water damage caused by a serious flood, but frequently it is a slow process that may go unnoticed and leads to severe consequences for your property and finances.

How water damage starts

It may start small – a tree that hovers over your house or a vent cap that loses it seal. Other times it is a broken water line or toilet seal, or leaks from a washing machine or dishwasher. Another cause of slow water damage is cracks in pipes. You may not notice the problem until it has become severe.

How water seeps in

Over time with freezing and expansion, the water finds its way in through a crack, and you notice a leak in your ceiling, bubbling under the laminate floor, damp carpeting or raised paint on the wall. In basements or crawl spaces, you may see damp wood, cement or ground.

How water damage progresses to destruction

As the leak continues, it begins to cause damage to the surrounding materials including roof, plywood, insulation, drywall, flooring, supports, and joints. It can even cause cracking in concrete surfaces. As you can tell, there are some serious consequences. Water damage can potentially leave your home unlivable.

What you can do

Be aware of your surroundings. Take a review of your home every quarter to check potential areas for water collection and damage including your roof, vent pipes, water lines, doors, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, utility sinks, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines and basements. As soon as you notice areas of concern, seal or repair it, or contact a handyman to help.

What to do after water damage

RCS can help you to clean, repair and reconstruct your home or business after water damage. We offer services for mold prevention, mold removal, water extraction, crawlspace cleanup, and reconstruction services. Contact us to discuss how we can help you to get control over water damage.