Water damage can result from several issues in the home. You may have pipes freeze and burst, an appliance like a dishwasher may be leaking, or it may be due to inclement weather like heavy rains or ice melt. Regardless of the cause of water in your home, water can cause significant damage to the structure of your home and your personal belongings. Unfortunately, not all water damage leads to obvious signs like flooding, puddles, and dripping leaks. Sometimes water damage is hidden. Understanding how to recognize hidden signs of water damage is very important for homeowners to protect their investment.
If you have any of these signs in your home, you need to contact a water damage restoration company immediately to inspect your home
1. Cracks In The Walls And Foundation
Water can cause a lot of pressure which can lead to surfaces cracking. The two most common surfaces to crack from water damage are the walls and foundation of your home. If you see cracks in your drywall, especially if there is any discoloration, you probably have water damage. Cracks in drywall can also lead to mold. If you see cracks in your foundation, it is most likely from the exterior. If there is no proper drainage around the area of your home, it can lead to excess groundwater. This water will then add excess pressure to your foundation, causing cracks. In either case, you are looking at pretty serious water damage.
2. Bubbling Paint On Walls, Cabinets, And Furniture
Most of the paints used in household applications are latex or oil. When these paints are exposed to high levels of moisture, it begins to warp, discolor, and bubble. Furthermore, if the moisture is building upon the surface under the paint, then it can cause water to puddle. These puddles eventually become paint bubbles. Bubbling paint can be a result of long-term or short-term water damage. So it is best to have a water damage expert inspect the area to identify the source of the bubbling.
3. A Musty Smell
One of the most common signs is a musty smell. However, it’s often hard to catch a musty smell because you can get used to it after living with it for a while. Make sure to do a regular sniff test in areas prone to water damage like basements, crawl spaces, and attics to help make sure you don’t get used to the smell.
Musty smells always speak to water damage. However, they can also be a sign of problems like mildew, mold, and pests as a result of water damage. If you notice anything that smells damp, musty, or rotten, it’s probably a result of water damage.
Call Us If You Need Water Damage Cleanup
If you notice any of these signs, you likely have pretty extensive water damage in your home. Fortunately, a water damage cleanup and restoration company, like Dry Patrol, can help.
We’ll inspect your home and make a plan to not only clean up the damage, but repair the cause of the damage. Don’t wait on these signs because when water damage goes unchecked, it can lead to expensive and sometimes permanent damage.
