Water Damage Signs And How To Stop Them

Homes should be checked regularly for water damage and any necessary repairs be made immediately to avoid more serious problems. Leaving a leak can result in extensive harm to important structural elements within the home, which in turn can cause be a health and safety hazard for anyone living within. Here are some ways to identify possible damages and how to address them.

Stains
If you want to find out where a leak originates from, take note of stains or spots on the interior of your home. These are the first signs of water damage and can indicate how liquid is flowing into the home. Stains near windows and doors can mean exterior problems. You'll want to check seals and look for any gaps that may be allowing moisture indoors. If most of the spots are above your head on the ceiling, the attic or roof might need patching up. Stains on cabinets and other walls can be due to a leak in a pipe or a problem with the plumbing system.

Floors
Hard surfaces such as wood and concrete will absorb the water and then may expand and swell, causing abnormalities on the surface and weakening the material. Warped surfaces are a good indication of a persistent leak. Tiles and linoleum will also buckle or loosen over time. Carpeting can become soggy and eventually will develop mold. A strong, unpleasant odor coming from beneath any rugs or carpets is another sign of water damage. These leaks may be coming from outside, underneath, or could be caused by appliances dripping such as the refrigerator or toilet.

Mold
Visible mold and discoloration on walls, floors, ceilings, and carpeting is a strong indicator of water damage if not excessive moisture. Mold often looks brown or green in color and may start off as just small, dark spots on the surface. They will quickly multiply and deepen in color. Mold is dangerous and can cause adverse health effects such as nausea, headache, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. If you do have a mold problem, don't just treat the area but also try to find the source of the moisture and eliminate it to prevent further colonization.

Drywall
When drywall gets waterlogged, it may weaken and start to crumble. Discoloration and swelling also signify excessive moisture in the area. Drywall placed in ceilings may drip near the studs and bubbling of the paint are additional signs. Minor problems can be fixed with relative ease, but it is crucial to stop the leak quickly to prevent a potential safety hazard whereby the drywall can collapse and cause injury.

If caught early, many homeowners can fix these problems without professional help and for a minimal investment. Opening windows, fans, or a dehumidifier should dry anything that is damp. If mold is present, it should be scrubbed thoroughly with a bleach solution to kill all active spores. Anything that has rotted or developed a bad odor should be disposed of and replaced with fresh material.