Where To Look For Water Damage

Water damage can happen at any time without any sort of warning. Unfortunately, it is likely an inescapable inevitability that you will come across at some point in your life. Because of this, it is important to prepare by knowing the common signs of water damage and where to look.

Water Damage Cleanup – Pelham

The signs of water damage may be difficult to pick up on if you have never had to look for them before. Luckily, the most common signs are pretty easy to spot once you know what you are looking for. 

Inside Of The Home

A very noticeable sign that water damage may be occurring in your home is the change in wall and ceiling colors or textures. Watermarks may start appearing. These may appear as darker or yellowing spots as well as water rings. Textures in the walls and ceilings may also change. These changes can include flaking, bubbling, or cracking in the drywall or paint. Additionally, walls may feel soft to the touch. Paint can also begin to sag if it is holding enough water behind it. 

The floors can also show signs of water damage. Tile, laminate, or wood flooring will warp, crack, or split if it has been affected and water can continue to seep through. Be sure to go through your home and check to the floor even if they aren’t visually changed. Remember, they could also feel damp or soft to the touch. 

Make sure to observe and feel your cabinets. Cabinets that are under sinks need to be looked at frequently. If you spot discoloration, watermarks, or warping, it’s more than likely that water has been seeping through without you knowing. You can also feel the cabinet faces or inside of them to find any dampness. 

Your sense of smell can also be a great help in finding any water damage. Mildew has a very distinct smell and is usually recognized quickly. It’s important to trust your sense of smell and track it down to its source. Wherever the smell is coming from is usually where the water damage is occurring. 

In addition to the sense of smell, you can also listen to these signs. During quiet hours of the day, listen for any unfamiliar sounds of dripping or rushing water. These sounds are usually signs of leaking appliances or pipes and should be taken care of immediately. 

Outside Of The Home

There are some maintenance items that need to be kept on in order to ensure that your home is properly waterproofed. This ensures that no water can come from outside of the home to the inside and cause water damage. You can walk outside the exterior of the house and run down a checklist of items you will need to investigate. Gutters and downspouts are a huge aid in keeping water outside of the home, particularly when you are experiencing heavy weather. Be sure that these are always kept clear, sealed, and intact. 

You will also need to inspect the roof for missing or broken shingles. These can lead to leakages in the attic. This needs to be repaired as soon as possible and, most importantly, before a storm hits. Check door and window frames to ensure that everything is sealed properly. Separation, crack, or soft spots are signs that the sealant isn’t as effective as it is meant to be. If you notice any of these, be sure to repair them immediately to avoid water damage. 

If any of these occurrences are happening in your home or something is out of the ordinary, it’s best to get it sorted out as soon as possible. Water damage happens quickly and can be dangerous so it’s important that it is done right. Contact professionals at Restoration 1 to assist you with your water damage cleanup to get the job done right the first time around.