Water has long been a nemesis of homeowners when it uncontrollably invades and seeps into the home’s interiors and causes unwanted damage. It could be a result of a burst or leaking pipe or interior flooding due to waterproofing issues at home. Either way, when this happens, the damage can be severe to your property.
Aside from structural damage, water damage can also lead to mold growth within your home, creating health risks for you and your family. With that in mind, this article outlines tell-tale warnings that your home is suffering from water damage. That way, you can take the necessary measures to address the issue and prevent putting your health and home’s integrity at risk.
- Damaged Floors
When water damage occurs in your wood flooring, you’ll likely see immediate damage. After all, wood hates moisture and water. Essentially, when your home’s wood flooring is exposed to water, moisture can easily be absorbed into the material. And depending on the type of wood flooring you have, signs of water damage on your flooring can appear in several ways. Some floors can expand and break away from your foundation. Others become soft and soggy, and you’ll see affected parts sinking. Most floors would buckle, cup, or rise like a toasty bun.
Staining is also another sign of water damage on your home’s flooring. Light water stains, for instance. It can be an indication of mild damage since they only affect the surface layer of the wood. On the other hand, if you’ve noticed dark water stains, it could be a sign of more significant damage, wherein the water seeped deeper into the material.
Moreover, if you feel like you’re walking on uneven ground, it could be a tell-tale sign that the layers beneath your flooring are trapped in extra moisture. In such a case, consider calling an expert right away to fix the issue before it escalates to a bigger problem and costly repairs.
- Damp And Discolored Carpet
Aside from your wood floors, your carpets and rugs may also show indications of water damage. For example, do your carpets or rugs show signs of damp? Dampness and sogginess are perhaps among the most obvious warning signs that excess water may be accumulating in your flooring.
Although, there may also be instances wherein water damage on your carpets occurs only in some areas. In this case, look for signs of fading and discoloration. If you notice any black, green, or white spots or stains, your home may have water damage.
Wrinkling and warping are also signs of water damage in your flooring and carpet. To assess the extent of the damage, peel back the wrinkled carpet to spot any more signs of damage from underneath. Ensure to also inspect the baseboard around where the wrinkled damage is since the water may have spread or originated there.
In addition, it’s also essential to determine whether or not the water that soaked your rug or carpet is clean. For instance, if you’re dealing with clean water that soaked your rugs or carpet, you may consider having your carpet cleaned and dried by professionals. If your home’s carpet was submerged or soaked by contaminated water, replacing it may be the recommended option.
- Water Puddles
Small pools of water and puddles in and out of your home are one of the most noticeable signs of water damage. This may be due to plumbing issues, such as slow leaks and blockages.
When you first notice water collecting in an area, turn off your water line and electricity right away. Assess the situation and call an expert to inspect your plumbing system and provide the right solutions to prevent the damage from worsening.
- Stained Walls And Ceilings
Ugly stains on your walls and ceilings are usually a sign that your home needs a re-painting job. But besides maintaining your home’s aesthetics, it’s also crucial to know the reason behind this.
In general, this discoloration and stains can occur on surfaces close to pipes, where water may leak and seep through. This leaking water can leave behind mineral deposits which create the infamous stain lines or rings on wall and ceiling surfaces. If your home’s interior has wallpapers, you can expect them to lose their adhesion and peel off or bubble.
If the root cause involves a leaking pipe, re-painting the stains or replacing your wallpaper won’t solve the issue. Unless you fix the pipe, the stain and discoloration on your walls will only keep coming back.
- Presence Of Mold
This is probably the most worrying sign that your home is suffering from water damage. If there’s moisture, especially in dark, hidden places, mold and mildew are likely to form, causing a stale and musty smell.
Mold can cause aesthetic and structural issues to your home while exposing you and your family to health issues such as respiratory infection or aggravating existing conditions such as asthma and allergies. In general, detecting mold growth by sight or smell could point you to water damage.
Takeaway
The term ‘water damage’ can strike fear in the hearts of all homeowners as well as their wallets. Whether due to slow, hidden leaks or flooding, water damage can be proactively resolved if you know what to look for.
When the above-mentioned signs show up one day, don’t delay and start looking for the source to prevent further destruction to your home’s structural elements and personal belongings. Consult an expert to do a thorough inspection to resolve the issue right away.