Water Damage: Causes, Types, and Meaning

What is Water Damage?

Water damage is a common problem that can affect homes and businesses. It occurs when water gets into a structure and causes damage to the building materials, furnishings, and other contents.

Causes of Water Damage

• Natural Disasters: Floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can cause extensive water damage to buildings.
• Plumbing Leaks: Burst pipes, leaking faucets, and other plumbing problems can also lead to water damage.
• Roof Leaks: Holes or cracks in the roof can allow water to enter the building and cause damage.
• Foundation Leaks: Cracks or leaks in the foundation can allow water to seep into the basement or crawl space.
• Appliance Leaks: Dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances can leak water and cause damage to floors and cabinets.

Types of Water Damage

There are two main types of water damage:

• Clean Water Damage: This type of damage is caused by water that is relatively clean, such as rainwater or water from a burst pipe.
• Dirty Water Damage: This type of damage is caused by water that is contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or other pollutants.

Dirty water damage is more serious than clean water damage because it can pose a health hazard. It is important to have dirty water damage cleaned up by a professional as soon as possible.