It is true that water damage is not always easy to detect early on; for example, in the case of damaged or leaking pipes that are hidden behind walls or under floors, it will take a while before you can detect water damage. However, in a few cases, there are some fairly telling signs that should alarm you of the presence of water damage so you can take the necessary damage control measures quickly. Let’s go over some of those obvious signs of water damage.
Changes to Flooring, Ceilings or Walls
The change in the color of your walls, flooring, or ceiling is one of the obvious signals that should alert you to the presence of water damage. Although such colorations may be quite obvious to the naked eye, it’s still often overlooked. The bubbling or peeling of the wall paints is an early sign of the presence of water damage. The walls will become warped or bloated with time if timely action is not taken. If you continue to overlook this change to your walls and ceilings, the walls may even start to feel spongy to the touch.
Similarly, wet or discolored flooring may also go unnoticed, especially when they are found only in the corners or in rooms that are not used frequently. The tiles on the floor may show signs of mold or may crack. Wooden floors will buckle or warp as a result of water damage. If you notice any of these signs in your home, then it’s a sure sign that water is leaking from somewhere has is now starting to damage your property.
Visible Stains
Stains and mold presence is another sign that should alert you of potential water damage. Stains result from a slow and consistent leak while mold will appear when an area has been consistently damp over a period of time. Yellowish or brown water stains will expand into odd shapes from the source of the water damage. You can often find such stains in bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms as there are lots of pipes around these places, and water usage is frequent in these areas. The stains result from a recurring cycle of getting wet, drying, and then getting wet again.
Mold
Mold is a form of airborne fungus that will take root where there is persistent moisture. Material such as drywall, carpeting, wood, and ceilings are most likely to harbor mold if they’ve been exposed to persistent moisture. It can be black, blue, green, or gray in color. It will appear fluffy and grow out in a fragile structure. You are most likely to come across mold damage in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements where excess moisture is not given much attention.
Musty Odors
Another obvious sign of water damage is a musty odor. You’ll notice a musty smell if the area has been humid or damp for a while and has sustained water damage. The musty smell after the winter thaw or after heavy rainfall may indicate water damage to your house’s foundation.
Keep an eye out for the above signs of water damage as they are often easily detectable. It is important to detect early signs of water damage so you can take timely measures to curtail it. If water damage in Fort Worth, Texas, is a scenario that you’re facing, STOP is just a call away. Call 682-222-1009 and acquire our professional water damage restoration services in no time.
