Springtime Water Damage in Oklahoma

Tornadoes, strong winds, and storms can cause serious damage to a person’s property. One of the most severe types of damage, however, is caused by water. Severe thunderstorms are common during the spring months in Oklahoma. Many of these storms lead to major floods, which pose a serious risk to properties in the state, especially in urban areas where development and removal of local vegetations has increased runoff.

Water damage can occur quickly. In fact, within minutes, flooding can lead to water being absorbed into the walls, floors, and upholstery. After a day, drywall begins to swell, furniture beings to crack, and a musty odor will start to spread. After 48 hours of flooding, mold and mildew will begin to grow, while doors and windows will swell and warp. Paint may also begin to blister and wood floors may start to lift away from the subfloor.

Flooding can also lead to foundation failure. This is especially common in Oklahoma, as the local dirt is often full of clay and so tends to shift, expand, and contract during heavy rains. When the ground settles unevenly beneath the house’s concrete slab, the foundation may begin to crack or buckle. For this reason, it is a good idea for homeowners to keep an eye out for some telltale signs of foundation failure, such as:

• Cracks in the sheetrock in the walls and ceiling;
• Gaps appearing between the ceiling and the walls or the walls and the floor;
• Cracked or uneven floors;
• Windows that are difficult to open;
• Doors that drag or stick;
• Cracks in the brickwork on the exterior of the house; and
• Sagging rooflines.

These signs are good indicators that flooding has led to the deterioration of a house’s foundation and that immediate steps should be taken to forestall additional damage.