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The Impact of Water Damage on Wooden Building Materials

By January 28, 2025No Comments

Wood is an essential component of just about every residential home. It is used for structural elements, furniture, flooring and other decorative pieces. Although wood is known for being durable and long-lasting, wood is highly susceptible to water. If you are suffering from water damage in Burlington, it is essential that you call in professionals for immediate restoration, as this will help minimize damage to wooden elements. Serve Kings offers fast and reliable restoration services and mold removal in Burlington to ensure that your home remains safe after water damage. Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment.

How Water Affects Wood

water damage burlingtonWood does not interact well with water. If you were to suffer from water damage, you may notice the following happen to your wood:

  • Absorption and Swelling: Wood is a porous material and absorbs water relatively quickly. So when water makes contact with wood, it can cause it to swell, expand and weaken.
  • Warping: As wood absorbs water, it slowly begins to warp and change shape. It can twist, buckle or even crack.
  • Structural Weakening: Water exposure makes wood much weaker and more fragile. This compromises its structural integrity and can even result in the wood crumbling.

Common Sources of Water Damage

Water damage is a common phenomenon, so knowing its most common causes will help significantly with prevention. Plumbing issues tend to be the number one cause of water damage. Plumbing leaks, burst pipes and overflowing toilets can all cause a catastrophic amount of water to enter your home, impacting your floors, counters and structural wooden support beams.

Roof leaks and poor weather conditions are also culprits of water infiltration. If you have cracks in your roof or some loose shingles, the structural components of your home are at greater risk of deterioration. Poor weather conditions, such as intense rain or blizzard conditions, can also result in water leaking into your home.

Risks of Ignoring Water Damage in Wood

Failing to address water damage can have serious consequences, especially food and wooden elements in your home. Ignoring the problem can cause:

  • Mold Growth: Moisture is the major culprit behind mold growth. If your wood remains wet for too long, mold can begin growing in as little as 48 hours. This will not only damage your wood, it will also compromise the health of those living in your house.
  • Wood Rot: As mentioned previously, wood absorbs water very easily. Without prompt treatment, wood can begin to weaken and root after exposure. This will destroy wooden furniture and flooring.
  • Collapse: Rotting wood can compromise the structural integrity of your home, leaving it more susceptible to collapse.

Protect Wooden Building Materials with Serve Kings

For the sake of your wooden belongings and wooden support beams in your home, you should address water damage as soon as possible. Although wood is durable, it is simply not waterproof. Failing to address water damage to your wooden elements can cause them to be permanently damaged, so from a financial standpoint, it is always more effective to call in professionals as soon as possible. If you are struggling with water damage in Burlington, contact Serve Kings. Our team will ensure your place is restored back to its original glory. Call now for mold removal in Burlington!

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