Five Signs that Water Damage Has Affected Your Home

Dark spots, water stains and peeling paint are the most obvious signs of water damage. It’s difficult to see the signs of water damage early if there’s a lot of it. Hidden water leaks may lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors. But, flooding, major leaks and catastrophic plumbing failures could cause structural damage. This article explains what water damage looks and tells you if it is old or new.

What Are The Signs Of Water Damage In Your Home?

Knowing what to look out for is the first step in preventing damage. Check your home for these signs every few months to avoid water damage. These signs are common and should be addressed immediately to avoid further structural damage.

1. Water Stains or dark spots
Are you seeing dark water spots or yellowish water stains on your skin? These are signs that water leaks may be present. These are usually caused by slow plumbing leaks. They might drip only after you flush your toilet or when you use the faucet. Check for water spots and dark spots on walls, ceilings or carpeting. The damage is freshest if there are dark water spots. Yellowish, brown or chalky stains can indicate older damage.

2. Bubbling, peeling, or cracking walls & ceilings
Are your ceilings or walls cracking or bubbling? These are all signs that there is excess moisture. If the paint is peeling or bubbling, it usually indicates that the walls are wet. Cracks can occur when the wall is repeatedly wet or dried out. While humidity and condensation can cause bubbling paint, it is usually caused by leaks. You should look for water leaks in the plumbing, siding, and roof, as well as any other unusual sources of water.

3. Mold Growth
Are you concerned about mold growth on your ceiling, walls, flooring, and cabinets? Mold can grow almost anywhere there is water. It can appear as a blotchy, powdery stain or become fuzzy with time. You can clean mold using bleach but it will come back until you fix your water problem. Black mold is the most common, but mold can also be found in other colors. All molds pose the same health risk, despite sensational stories about some molds. The biggest concern is that molds are eating away at your house.

4. Damp or musty smells
Are you smelling damp or moldy? Another sign of water damage is musty odors. Water damage can have an unpleasant odor similar to cardboard or newspaper. The area most affected is where the odor is strongest. Is it a stench after it rains. It is possible that there is an exterior problem. Check your roof, siding, foundation and foundation. If the smell persists, it is likely that there are plumbing leaks.

5. Higher water bills
While water bills can vary from month-to-month, an increase in your bill could be a sign of a problem. A sudden increase in water bills can cause severe damage. You should look for an unexplained, steady increase. Plumbing leaks are usually small in the beginning and worsen over time. Consider looking at bills for three to six months at a stretch. They will fluctuate but you should look for an upward trend that is not explained by them. Consider things such as kids returning to college, party or gatherings, holiday guests and watering your lawn. Look out for other signs of damage if you are unable to account for the increase.

How Do You Check For Water Damage?

It is easy to find water damage. Although you might think you need to have special tools, you really only need your eyes, hands and some time. Look around your home for signs of water damage. Touch the area to check for water damage if you notice dark spots or stains. The surface may be damp or spongy. It is often more difficult to find the source of the problem. If you are unable to find the cause, call a water restoration company. They are equipped with the right equipment and training to locate the problem and restore your home.

What Does Water Damage Look Like?

Water damage can look like dark spots or yellowish-brown marks in most cases. This is especially true for ceilings and walls. Paint and wallpaper can eventually peel off walls and drywall can crack and crumble. When wet, carpeting and fabric tend to be darker than when dry. It may appear lighter or have a white stain, but it will still be darker when wet. Sometimes, carpeting and fabric can begin to wear down or even fall apart. Wet wood and composite materials, such as cabinets or flooring, can cause warping or swelling. Depending on the circumstance, stains may appear light or dark. Also, finished woods can lose their luster and shine. Here are some things to watch out for when you check for damage.

• Ceilings and walls with yellow or brown spots
• Walls that are bowed, cracked or warped
• Hard spots on cabinets, floors, and walls
• Paint bubbling or peeling
• Visible mold
• Unexpectedly damp areas
• Discolored spots

How do you tell if water damage is new or old?
The size and extent of the damage can usually tell you if the damage is old or new. The older damage is usually darker and yellowish-brown in color, while the newer issues are more darkened.

What is the time it takes for water damage to show?
Water damage can take anywhere from 1 to 24 hours to manifest. It is easy to overlook water damage. This is especially true for damage to walls, cabinets, and dark corners.

What should I do if I see signs of water damage?
Water damage restoration must be started immediately. Any water problem, no matter how small or large, can cause serious problems if it is not addressed immediately. The more time you wait to address a water problem, the higher the chance of mold, smells and structural problems. It is best to get started immediately to prevent costly repairs. It’s natural to be concerned about the cost of repairs. However, it will only make things worse. The cost of water damage repairs depends on many factors, including the location and size of the leak, the material involved, and the extent of the damage.

Get Reliable And Fast Water Restoration Services

Contact 911 Restoration of Mesa immediately if you see any of these signs. Our technicians are available for water removal, drying, or repair services. We offer emergency service 24 hours a day. We understand how crucial it is to ensure your family’s safety and protection during a flood or a leak. We offer affordable pricing and a 45-minute response time. Call (602) 899-6888 now for a free visual inspection from our water damage restoration experts.