Water damage can be one of those elusive things that many homeowners don't recognize unless it's the result of a severe pipe breach or flooding situation. The truth is that many water damage issues actually result from minor leaks and hidden problems, so it's in your best interest to know the more subtle signs that you have a water damage problem in your home. Here's a look at some of the things that you should be attentive to in order to recognize and address water damage issues in your home.
Dark Or Discolored Areas
When water seeps into drywall or other structural elements of your home, it leaves behind water stains. These stains appear like darkened spots or discolored areas, typically yellowish or brown in color.
You may overlook things like this if they are small or if they are in areas that aren't frequented a lot in your home. However, overlooking smaller water spots may leave your home vulnerable to more significant water damage because you haven't dealt with the cause. Don't ignore these visible indications that there's a water damage problem in your home.
Mildew-Like Or Damp Odor
Persistent moisture can lead to mildew growth, which creates a musty, damp smell anywhere that it develops. Left unaddressed, that smell will worsen and may even spread further throughout your home.
You should monitor all areas of your home, including the attic and the basement or crawlspace, for signs of damp odors. That means periodically going through the entire house to ensure that everything is dry and you can't smell any kind of musty odor. If you do notice a musty odor in any area, a water damage repair professional can help you address the problem and get rid of the smell.
Water Sounds
In addition to what you can see and smell, you may also hear signs of a water damage problem in your home. Depending on the nature of the water penetration and the location of it, you could actually hear it. If you hear dripping or trickling water in your home somewhere that the water isn't running, that's often an indication that there's a pipe behind the wall that's leaking.
You may not be able to see the water damage yet, but if you address it as soon as you hear it, it's far less restoration work for your water damage contractors. That means it will be less expensive for you as well.
If you have any reason to suspect water damage in your home, reach out to a restoration professional as soon as possible.
When you have a fire in your home, or when flood waters seep in and saturate your building materials, you of course feel overwhelmed and saddened. It's terrible to see the home you love — a home that was once comforting and caring — be destroyed by natural or unnatural disaster. But rest assured; the home can be restored. Repair and restoration professionals are capable of making some pretty substantial changes and bringing your home back to its former glory. We've seen it ourselves, and it was a very good feeling! We hope this blog raises your awareness of the work these teams can really do.