How Water Damage Affects Building Materials

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a kitchen.

How Water Damage Affects Building Materials

From swelling wood to crumbling drywall, water damage can have different effects on various building materials. Composition is an important consideration, as some substances are ruined by becoming wet and will need to be torn out and replaced. Other materials may be dried and restored. Find out more about the effects of water damage on building materials at a home in Comanche, MT.

Porous Materials May Be Ruined
Absorbent or porous materials soak up water, and the level of contamination in this water will determine whether materials can be dried or require disinfection. Here are the three categories of water damage:

• Category One damage involves clean water
• Category Two damage involves contaminated water
• Category Three damage involves grossly contaminated water
  

Some porous materials, such as carpet soaked by water from a broken supply line, may be quickly dried. Water pipe repair may be all that is necessary to resolve the cause of damage. Appliance leaks, roof leaks or flooded showers or toilets may expose contents to chemicals or microbes. This Category Two damage requires disinfection. Category Three damage caused by a sewer backup requires disinfection or disposal of materials that are difficult to disinfect.

Wood Becomes Likely To Swell
Wood swells and becomes distorted after exposure to water. Cupping occurs when more moisture is absorbed by the unfinished underside of swelling wood, which expands more than the top. It may be possible to dry and refinish or replace flooring or fixtures.

Metal May Corrode Over Time
Some types of metal undergo a chemical reaction when exposed to water and air that could undermine the integrity of structural materials. It may be necessary to replace damaged components.
It is always important to mitigate water damage as quickly as possible. Start by extracting any standing water at a residence in Comanche, MT. Restoration specialists can recommend the best treatment for swelling wood.