Water Damage: Severity and Impact

Severity of Water Damage

Water damage can range in severity from minor to catastrophic. Factors that determine the severity include:

• Source of the water (e.g., clean water, sewage)
• Duration of exposure
• Extent of damage (e.g., affected areas, depth of water)

How Serious is Water Damage?

Water damage can be extremely serious and can have a significant impact on both the structure and health of a building and its occupants.

Structural Damage:

* Rot and decay of building materials (e.g., wood, drywall) * Weakened structural integrity * Electrical hazards (e.g., short circuits, electrocution risk)

Health Risks:

* Mold growth and resulting allergies and respiratory issues * Bacterial contamination leading to infections * Aggravation of existing health conditions (e.g., asthma, allergies)

Additional Impacts:

* Damage to personal belongings * Business disruptions * Increased insurance costs * Loss of property value