Well, no one can argue water is life. In fact, a major sign that a faraway planet can maintain possible alien life forms is the presence of water. Think about it. You can count by the finger in your hands those life processes on Earth that don’t involve chemical reactions with water.
Unfortunately, life-sustaining water can take a destructive form. While, for the most part, we can put water in containers to serve our purpose, there are times when the water gets beyond our immediate control. And it is in those times that we suffer the most. Take note that water that has a life all its own can kill us. It’s the very reason scuba divers take oxygen tanks with them when they do a deep-sea dive. Without breathable air, it only takes roughly 40 seconds for an adult to drown underwater. For a child, it can take but 20 seconds.
As you may have guessed by now, water can take a toll on your precious abode too. And don’t be surprised if we tell you how mighty water could damage your home may be happening in your property as we speak. Check out the list below to get a better bird’s eye view.
Damaged Pipes
If you think water damage is not pervasive, think again. Survey says about 40% of American homeowners experience loss directly attributed to water damage. That’s a lot. Worse, you could be under attack by wayward water from within your home and not realize it.
For one, plumbing systems are susceptible to the ravages of time. This is especially true if you live in an older home. To counter such a sneaky attack on your personal space, regular checks on your pipes and water passages should do the trick. Be on the lookout for pipes in those areas where water usually collects. We’re talking about cabinets, attics, and crawl spaces.
A good way to know is to follow the moisture trail. Usually, when moisture is ‘eternally present,’ it’s a sign of ongoing water damage. So check for stains, bulges, and cracks in your ceilings or floors. The worst-case scenario comes during winter. Pipes could freeze in sub-zero environments and rupture. A classic example is the recent Texas winter when pipes burst to cause gallons of water to get wasted.
Natural Disasters
Then, there’s the case for unforeseen weather events. When hurricanes come, as they sometimes will, they wreak havoc like no other. The same holds true for breaking dams. Put in the mix snowstorms, and you can have a flood right on your doorstep in no time. Take note a sudden rush of large volume water can’t be absorbed by the land, causing a flood to materialize and force its way to your precious abode.
An early-warning device, such as a flood alarm, could help you save lives and salvage property. Moreover, if you’re prone to flooding or have been flooded before, getting flood insurance coverage for your property is wise. It can go a long way to protect you from the huge expense that’s bound to trouble you. In any case, flooding desecrates your home.
Erosion
Another sinister water damage is erosion. It might not be so obvious. Generally, it’s a slow killer. Meaning, you won’t notice it until it’s grown big enough to explode right on your face. When a home’s exposed to water but has not been specifically designed to handle it, erosion could happen. Gradually, water can undermine its foundations.
For one, clogged drains and poorly-designed downspouts could be the main culprits. A good way to prevent erosion is to have professionals look into your home’s structural integrity. Also, you should ensure your drains are free of dirt and water can pass through as designed.
Salt Damage
When you’re living near the coastline, you could be under attack by salt damage but don’t even know it. Know that salt weathering can structurally weaken the concrete and other building materials, eating them away in the process. It happens when salt gets deposited and clings to the exterior of your property.
It sure takes time. But salt damage, if unchecked for years, can cause your precious abode to collapse. The formula is simple. Once the salt and underground water mix, the risks multiply. Salty water can easily go under your property, destroying its foundations without you noticing it. The structure might even collapse without a hint.
Of course, it’s not a hopeless situation. The way to protect your precious abode is to use certain chemicals to counter the damage. For instance, lithium silicate, a water-repellent sealer, can act as a protective layer against salty water. That should tell you that water damage can be kept at bay so long as you’re vigilant.