Most people have never experienced a water loss or really understand just how detrimental it can be to your health if it goes untreated. According to indoor air quality experts, water damage is a leading cause of mold in your home. Most of the time, water damage is not that visible to the naked eye. Which is why our team uses thermal cameras or moisture meters to know just where it has traveled. Today we are going to offer you a few tips on where to look for water damage in your home.
Crawlspace
Outside water intrusion is commonly found in a crawlspace. Did you know that as much as 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor of your home, circulates through your crawlspace? Also, the excess moisture coming in from below can cause your floors to buckle and swell. Most importantly excess water can cause mold growth which can be very harmful to your health if left untreated. The best way to mitigate this is to control humidity in the space. Sump pumps and dehumidifiers are common solutions to these issues. In some cases, full encapsulation may be needed.
Pipes
Another common place to find water damage in your home is leaky pipes. Be sure to check the pipes in your kitchen and bathroom, underneath the sinks, behind your dishwasher, refrigerator and washing machine. Over time, these pipes can swell and shift causing slow leaks that are sometimes hard to notice until the problem becomes much larger with deterioration and rot in the surrounding wood.
Attic
Finally, check in your attic. Leaky roofs can cause water spots to appear over time. Roof vent boots wear out over time and are often the first source of leaks. Storm damage can also cause holes to appear in your roof or lift shingles enough to allow water to penetrate. Those small gaps can grow over time if left unaddressed. Under the right conditions mold will begin to form and may circulate through your central air unit. Mold thrives in moist, humid conditions – a leak in a hot summer attic is a prime area for mold growth.
Now it is important to note that not all mold is hazardous to your health. Our team provides free inspections to determine what may be affected and if any further laboratory testing is needed. We will then customize a solution for the needs of your specific space. Our main priority is keeping our community well informed and providing them with solutions when needed. If you think you may have some water damage or a mold issue starting, give us a call for an assessment: 336-829-5345.
