Living near the ocean comes with many benefits, but there’s one disadvantage that can cause some long-term problems: a higher chance of experiencing water damage. You don’t just have to worry about water damage from flooding pipes. You also have to worry about flooding from the close-by ocean. This is especially the case for those that work and live in Ocean City since it’s on a barrier island. Read on to learn about the long-term impact of water damage on a home or business.

Clearly Visible Problems

There are many problems that will be easy to spot when a structure has been exposed to water for a long period of time. Some materials, such as wood and other porous materials, will warp with exposure to water. Another thing that will be obvious is that water will cause furniture and walls to become discolored. If you notice any part of the building has started warping or becoming discolored, you may want to get a specialist in to make sure there isn’t any water damaging the material.

Another problem that’s usually noticeable to the naked eye is the erosion of the structure. Water is a highly destructive substance and can eat away at almost any surface. This erosion can become extremely dangerous if it goes untreated for too long. Structures can lose their support and your safety will be compromised. You’ll be able to see the building becoming weaker and weaker over time even if you can’t exactly see any foundation being eroded away.

Mold and mildew on wall

Hidden Problems

The long-term impacts that water damage has aren’t always easily seen. If you have water causing damage in your home or business, then you’ll find there are some types of damage that aren’t as visible. This doesn’t mean that they’re in any way less dangerous. In fact, these hidden problems can be even more hazardous than visible ones. You might notice a strong, foul odor. This won’t necessarily harm you in any way, but it’s an indicator that the hidden problems have progressed and you need to have some water removal done followed by restoration.

Mold is a problem that you may not notice right away. Mold can even grow if water hasn’t been removed properly from the structure. Different kinds of mold can grow in the nooks and crannies of a structure and can go unnoticed for quite a while. The reason that mold is such a bad problem is that it causes many health problems. People with weakened lungs and immune systems will see health problems before healthy people will. People can develop lung problems from mold and will have trouble breathing in an area that’s filled with mold. They may also feel faint or sick to their stomachs. If you’re experiencing unexplained sickness and difficulty breathing, consult with a doctor and have experts check out your building for any mold or water damage that you may not have noticed.

Water damage can cause some serious problems to structures and people, especially when it goes unattended for long periods of time. If you notice any water where it shouldn’t be, make sure to contact someone who does water removal or water damage restoration in Ocean City, MD. Contact United Restoration, Inc., and learn more about what we can do to help your water damage situation.