You might think that detecting a leak or a broken pipe would be easy, but water damage is not always easy to find. Sometimes, signs of water damage are hidden behind walls, under floorboards, or even on the exterior of a house. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to detect water damage so that you can remedy the situation as soon as possible.
Here’s What to Look For
Water damage is sneaky, as it can take on different colours, textures and even odours depending on the type of damage and where it’s located. Ceiling damage is often easier to detect than water damage in other areas of a house, such as in the basement. You’ll see signs of water damage on a ceiling right away, but you may not realize that the funky smell emanating from your basement is a symptom of water damage. Poor lighting in a basement or room can also make it more difficult to find the source of the damage.
The Usual Suspects
The most obvious signs of water damage are areas of standing or pooling water. If you’ve got puddles of water in your home, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out you’ve got water damage, whether it’s from a busted pipe, malfunctioning appliances, a leaking roof, or improper drainage.You’ll also want to look for any water spots or stains. An area may appear dry, but it may be stained yellow, brown, or some other unwanted color. Discoloration can often be a sign of water damage. Look for any changes in texture as well. Your walls might be bubbling, crackling, or peeling paint or wallpaper because of water damage.Another sign of water damage is smell. Odours that are caused by mold and mildew can be a good indicator that there is water damage in your basement, walls or other areas. Some drywall materials can function as a sponge and absorb a lot of water, especially when there is low or minimal air circulation. These conditions create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to flourish. Eventually, this will lead to visual discolouration, usually in the form of unsightly dark or black spots, and a smelly, dank odour.
From Ceiling to Floor
Practically any area of your home can suffer water damage, from your ceilings to your floors, your walls to your appliances, and even the exterior or foundations of your home. When it comes to detecting water damage, however, you’ll want to try and find the source of the damage as soon as possible so that you can repair it and avoid further damage to your home. Repairing water damage can be a costly endeavour, so the sooner you identify the source, the better.It’s not always easy to detect water damage, but if you keep your eyes (and nose) open, you’ll be able to see signs of water damage right away so that you can deal with it quickly and effectively.If you do discover mold or water damage it is suggested that you call the experts for both a diagnosis and for clean up.