That reddish-brown discoloration creeping across metal foundation surfaces under or in your home is not only an eyesore, but also evidence of a chemical reaction that could threaten both the safety and value of your property. When iron or steel comes into contact with oxygen and moisture, it produces iron oxide through a process known as oxidation. This is what people often refer to as rust formation. And as a Kansas City property owner, you want to be proactive about any rust detection by applying some prevention!
This silent destroyer can occur in many parts of your home or business: metal support beams, plumbing systems, foundation reinforcements, electrical panels, and HVAC equipment. The impact of rust goes far beyond cosmetic, surface-level issues. Corrosion costs U.S. businesses and homeowners billions annually to repair the damage caused by it.
The structural integrity of your property, the health of your family, and your business operations could all be compromised. We at Level Up Foundation Repair have seen firsthand how unchecked corrosion leads to severe foundation problems and expensive repairs.
Understanding Rust and Corrosion
Rust is a product of the natural chemical reaction of oxidation. It occurs when metal surfaces come into contact with water and oxygen, whereby electrons are transferred from one material to another, forming iron oxide—the reddish-brown substance known as rust. It’s for this reason that this reaction is said to be assisted in the presence of salt, acid rain, or high humidity. Iron and steel are most prone to rusting; a protective oxide layer forms with aluminum, a green patina on copper, while stainless steel has chromium added to protect.
How Rust Damages Buildings
The structural damage caused by the rusting of buildings can become severe. Every day, the metal components of your house are exposed to dampness and air, leading to weak support beams, weakened foundation reinforcements, weakened metal fasteners and joints, damaged plumbing, and corroded electrical connections.
In commercial buildings, the forms of critical infrastructure that could be at risk from rusting include load-supporting steel frames, metal roofing material, HVAC systems, fire suppression equipment, and security installations. The deterioration is infinitely small—it could start as a small speck of rust on exposed metal—but can rapidly enlarge underneath surfaces. Regular inspection helps track down these early stages of corrosion before they balloon up into huge structural problems. This protects not just your property but also the value invested in it.
The Health Risks of Rust
Rust not only ruins your property but also puts you, your family, and your staff at very serious health risks. The presence of rust particles in the air can make breathing difficult—from causing mild irritation to provoking an allergic reaction of great severity. Such microscopic particles settle inside your lungs and could cause lifelong breathing problems.
Direct Contact Risks with Rust
Direct contact with rusty surfaces poses risks to your skin. Cuts from corroded metal increase the possibility of developing tetanus, a serious bacterial infection requiring immediate medical attention. Your eyes are also at risk: rust particles can cause irritation, redness, and possible corneal damage if they come into contact with them.
Hazards in Water Systems
In residential and commercial settings, rust contamination in water systems poses additional hazards:
- Brown or reddish water discoloration
- Metallic taste in drinking water
- Staining on fixtures and clothing
- Potential contamination of food preparation areas
Hidden Dangers of Rust
The hidden rust in the walls or ceilings can send out spores into your indoor air, making for quite an unhealthy environment to be in! Combined with other allergens, those spores will further exacerbate conditions like asthma and allergies. Regular inspection and timely remediation can provide great protection for your health and a safe place to either live or work.
Economic Impact of Rust on Homes and Businesses
Rust has a staggering financial effect on the U.S. economy, estimated at $437 billion yearly, roughly 3% of its GDP. That being said, if rust eats away at the structural parts and appearance of your property, it could lower its value significantly.
Repair and Replacement Costs
Approximate costs associated with the repair and replacement of some common systems made by rust include:
- Water heaters: $500-$2,000
- Plumbing systems: $1,500-$15,000
- HVAC components: $2,000-$12,000
- Industrial equipment: $10,000+
Property Value Impact
Visible rust damage can negatively impact the value of your property. It can be demonstrated in the following ways:
- Visible Rust Damage lowers 10-15% of the property value
- More serious cases of structural rust could make it plummet by as much as 25%
- Buyers often demand deep price discounts
Rust damage needs immediate attention, and we are here to help homeowners in the Kansas City area. That small rust spot today just might translate into extensive repairs tomorrow. Professional inspection and early intervention can help safeguard your investment and the market value of your property.
Choose Level Up Foundation Repair
Choose our team of professionals here at Level Up Foundation Repair and Excavation to help. Regular maintenance and rust prevention strategies prove far less expensive than major structural repairs or complete system replacements. Give us a call today at (816) 230-0101 to schedule an inspection of your property and start the ball rolling on protecting the value of your home and those inside.
