How Water Weakens Your Home

Water damage from a leak or a broken pipe does a lot more than leave a mess. This is how water weakens building materials like wood, drywall, and concrete:

1. Wood:
   • Wood is a porous material that readily absorbs water.
   • When exposed to moisture, wood can swell, causing it to expand and lose its structural integrity.
   • Prolonged exposure to water can lead to wood rot, a process where fungi break down the cellulose and lignin in wood fibers, weakening the material.
   • Additionally, water can attract pests like termites and carpenter ants, which further damage the wood by burrowing into it.
2. Drywall:
   • Drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, consists of gypsum sandwiched between paper layers.
   • The paper covering of drywall is particularly susceptible to water damage, as it absorbs moisture easily.
   • When drywall gets wet, the gypsum core can disintegrate, causing the material to become soft, crumble, or lose its structural integrity.
   • Water-damaged drywall can also promote mold growth, posing health risks to occupants and further compromising indoor air quality.
3. Concrete:
   • Concrete is a durable building material composed of cement, aggregate (such as sand or gravel), and water.
   • While concrete is inherently porous, properly mixed and cured concrete is relatively impermeable to water.
   • However, cracks, gaps, and deteriorating seals can allow water to penetrate concrete structures.
   • When water infiltrates concrete, it can corrode reinforcing steel (rebar) embedded within the concrete, leading to structural weakening and potential collapse.
   • Freeze-thaw cycles can exacerbate concrete damage, as water trapped within the material expands when it freezes, causing cracks and flaking of the surface.

Overall, water weakens building materials like wood, drywall, and concrete by compromising their structural integrity, promoting decay and deterioration, and facilitating the growth of mold and other harmful organisms. Call ServiceMaster of Buncombe County to restore your home after a water loss, fire damage, or mold damage.