Spot the Signs of Water Damage

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

It's important to spot the signs of water damage.

"Drip, drip drip" – if you see, feel or hear this, it’s a sure sign of impending water damage. By the time a ceiling begins to actively leak, water could have been pooling in the attic making it a mold-risk. Knowing how to spot the signs early will save you money and time. Watch for these signs:

Wall Stains – Any brown, yellow or copper colored stains on walls or ceilings are a sure sign of water damage and could be the start of mold damage as well. Excessive moisture leads to peeling, cracking, or bubbling paint. If you find rust marks under a sink or on water heater, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a current leak issue, but you will want to watch those spots or have them inspected. If you see black spots, it is likely mold and you'll need a licensed specialist to take care of it. SERVPRO of Park Cities has experience with mold testing and mediation.

Buckled Hardwoods – Floor-boards affected by water tend to have structural changes like buckling or cupping. It’s possible that they will feel spongy or soft when you step on a damaged board. These will  need to be replaced and the subfloor will need to dry as well.  

Discolored Linoleum – stains will appear after the floor has been exposed to water for a while. The linoleum will need to be removed, the sub floor will have to completely dry, and then you can replace flooring.

Odor – A musty odor can indicate both mold and a water damage. Mold can grow within 24-48 hours when provided with a source of moisture, so if you see any signs of mold in your home there is a good chance you have had a water damage.

Always check your water bill for changes as well. A sudden increase may indicate a leak somewhere inside or outside the house.

An insurance industry leader revealed that water damage accounts for $1 billion in insured losses annually for homeowners and renters, with claims averaging more than $10,000 each.

Thankfully, the team of experienced professionals at SERVPRO Park Cities can provide professional water damage cleanup, remediation, restoration and reconstruction services. Call us for 24-hour emergency services at 214-522-3000.