Sometimes water damage is difficult to notice until it is too late. Water damage can happen under sinks, in attics, and in other hard-to-spot places in your home. This can lead to costly damages and repairs to your floors, carpeting, and walls. However, there are many signs that you can look for in and around your property that indicates your home is suffering from water damage. Water damage will cause a change in texture, smell, and color to elements of your home. Catching these indicators early will help reduce the chances of expensive accidents and will protect your home.
Cupped, Buckled, Warped, or Loose Flooring
When water seeps into the floorboards of your home, it leads to changes in texture. The floor will begin to appear warped, buckled, cupped, or loose. Water can seep into the floor in many ways, such as a burst pipe or overflowed sink or bathtub. Keep an eye out for these signs of water damage to your floors:
- Warping: Gaps between the floorboard or the edges appear to be curving
- Buckling: Wood flooring detaches from the substrate and faces upwards
- Cupping: Wood and laminate flooring will expand and morph
- Loose or Soft Flooring: Wood will become soft and spongy or will loosen
Discoloration or Peeling of Walls and Ceilings
Water damage can lead to yellow or brown stains on your ceilings and walls. This will often occur due to a leaky pipe inside the wall or a leak on the roof. When moisture comes in contact with paint, it can also lead to bubbling and peeling on the walls. Check on your ceilings and walls to be sure you do not have any stains, they can be both wet or dry. Don't forget to check the walls and ceilings in your attic for any discoloration or stains.
Mold Growth
Mold and mildew usually begin to grow in areas where moisture has been accumulating for a while. Common places where mold growth occurs are dark, damp places, including under floorboards, kitchen cabinets, and walls that are not exposed to sunlight. Mold will look like dark green, grey, or black spots and can be a potential safety risk. It is important to catch water damage before mold begins to grow to prevent irreversible damage.
Musty Odor
Some mold is not easily noticeable because it is located in dark, small areas that are hard to access. A distinct musty smell usually accompanies water damage, mold, and mildew. If you notice a musty odor coming from your walls, flooring, basement, attic, or cabinets, this is usually a sign that water damage has accumulated due to moisture in your home.
Increased Water Bill
If you notice that your monthly water bill is exceptionally high, it could indicate that you have a water leak. There are many causes of an increased water bill, including a running/leaky toilet, a leaky pipe or faucet, a malfunctioning irrigation system, or a leak in your septic system. No matter the leak's source, it will likely lead to unknown water damage to your foundation, walls, or flooring. Check all sources of water in your home to be sure you are not suffering from water damage. If you do notice one of these signs of water damage, immediately contact Mr. Restore. The sooner the water damage is identified, the less likely mold will grow and cause additional damage to your home. Mr. Restore's professional technicians have over 50 years of experience in assessing and restoring homes with water damage. We will be sure to get your home back to normal fast!
