Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems homeowners face. It can strike suddenly and without warning, causing extensive damage to your home and possessions. Aside from the costly property damage that can be caused by water damage, it could also cause health issues for people living in your home. Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs that can help you identify water damage before it becomes a serious problem. When you notice these signs, be sure to reach out to professional Seattle’s trusted water damage restoration company to help fix the issue before it leads to something more serious. Keep reading if you want to know how to identify the signs of water damage
Common Signs Of Water Damage
Water stains on ceilings or walls
Water stains are one of the most common signs of water damage. If you notice water stains on your ceilings or walls, it’s important to have a professional inspect your home for leaks. If your ceiling or walls have these stains, it means there’s water leakage coming from one of the water pipes in your home. Though water leaks can appear small, they could cause severe damage if left unchecked.
The accumulated water from the leaks can remain trapped between surfaces for a long time, and as it evaporates, it leaves behind stains. The longer the water remains trapped between the walls, the more damage it’ll cause. Thankfully, the stains are usually visible within a couple of days of water leakage. Therefore, you still have time to take action before it starts to emit unpleasant odors, mold growth, and serious damage.
Peeling paint
Peeling paint is another common sign of water damage. A buildup of water behind the walls could eventually cause paint and wallpapers to bubble or peel. This typically occurs when the gypsum plaster behind the wall has soaked in too much moisture.
Musty Smell
If you notice a strange smell in your home, it could be an indication of a hidden water problem. Though water doesn’t smell, if it comes in contact with materials on drywall, ceilings, wood, and others, it could produce unpleasant odors. This is because the combination of water and wood, walls, or ceilings materials creates a suitable breeding ground for bacteria. As the mildew and molds grow, it emits musty smells. A musty odor is usually one of the first signs of water damage. So if you notice that your home smells unusually moist and unpleasant, check around for water marks or stains to be sure the odor is caused by water damage. When you notice these signs, you should seek help from professionals.
Mold and Mildew
Mold is a fungus that develops on moist surfaces and dark spaces, which are generally found buried in walls or beneath floors. It’s common to smell molds when they grow, but sometimes it’s possible to see them when they pop up on walls and other surfaces. Mold typically grows in wet environments like restrooms, kitchens, washrooms, and basements. Wherever you find mold growing, it is quite likely that there is a source of moisture behind the walls or ceilings. Mold growth spreads quickly, so it’s important to act swiftly when you notice them. Mold growth can cause extensive damage to your property, and it can also lead to respiratory problems, including allergies, bronchitis, and asthma.
Higher Utility Bills
If there’s a leak in your home, the water can go undetected for months, and eventually, it could get so bad that it will start to cost you hundreds of dollars every month. When you notice a sudden spike in your water bill, be sure to look at your bill and compare it to earlier receipts. Slight variations are normal, but a sharp rise in consumption that you cannot explain signals a concern. Make efforts to consider the circumstances that might lead to the rise in water or sewage bills. If you can’t seem to find any reasonable reason for the spike, then it could be caused by water damage.
Warping floors
If you notice that your floors or walls are starting to warp, it could be an indication of a serious water problem. When the floor absorbs moisture, the hardwood begins to swell, expand, and eventually crack, buckle and roll.
Drooping ceilings and walls
A drooping wall or ceiling is a solid sign that there is water damage in your home. When your wall or ceiling materials swell as a result of water damage, it will alter the appearance of the rest of your walls or ceilings. If left in that condition, there is a greater chance that they will fall off, and it could fall on someone.
Unusual Water Sound
In some cases, you might not see the signs of water damage, but you might hear the sign. If you hear dripping or rushing sounds in unusual places, it might be caused by hidden water damage. When you notice this, make sure to probe further to make sure the water sound is a sign of water damage.
Unusual Dampness and Humidity
Unusual dampness of walls, floors, or ceilings can be due to water leakage happening beneath the surface. The effects of dampness in buildings primarily result in the building’s weak structural integrity, poor functional performance, and unattractive appearance. Dampen walls, floors, and ceilings could give way if left unattended for a long time. Some signs of dampness include; crumbling wall plaster, fading paints, efflorescence on the building exterior, loss of adhesion on tiles which will eventually lead to tile removal, and more.
In conclusion, if you notice any of these signs of water damage in your home, call a professional immediately. Although it’s important to be on the lookout for water damage, you should also take the necessary precautions to prevent it from happening in the first place. Make sure to have your gutters cleaned regularly, fix leaky pipes quickly, and be careful when using water inside your home. If you follow these tips, you’ll greatly reduce the chances of experiencing water damage.
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