How To Spot Water Damage

Typically, a house is the largest investment that will ever be made in a person’s lifetime. To protect such a large investment, it’s important to be vigilant in regards to minor issues. Minor issues can suddenly loom large if they’re not properly dealt with. One dreaded issue is water damage. Left unattended, such damage may be detrimental to the structure of the house as well as cause other damages that may include mold and other health issues. Here are a few methods to detect water damage within a home.

1. Check Floors

Regardless of the flooring, flooring can manifest signs of any water damage. Tile and wood will be buckled, cracked, or warped. The carpeting may show damp spots. There may also be signs of gradual rises, soft areas, mold, and mildew.

2. Check For Stains

There may be water stains in and around such areas as the bathtub, toilets, and the sink areas. There may also be unusual staining. This may be indicative of leaking pipes, drains that aren’t working properly inside of walls, and there may be cracks in drywall. Some areas of walls and flooring may be swollen or soft to touch. This could be signs of serious trouble. When the drywall is damaged, the paint may also loosen.

3. Inspect The Outside

Take a moment to step back and observe the exterior of your home. If you see signs of standing water, this may be indicative of poor drainage in your yard. Gutters that don’t carry water enough distance from the home or even leaking gutters. All of these issues may threaten your house’s foundation. Other commonly seen signs are pools of water on the roof, curling, cracked or missing shingles, and broken flashing.

4. Watch For Rust And Mold

Make sure to inspect the water heater often. Check for any rust or damp areas on the flooring. Rusted tanks may be indicative of slow leaks. Additionally, there may be corrosion around pipe connections and there may also be water seepage. Visual signs of mold may also be indicative of moisture. Microscopic mold spores may hide in nooks and crannies as well. Don’t rely just on what you can see, it’s often what you can’t see that you need to be concerned about.

If you’re seeking water damage restoration services or repairs, give the experts at J&J Restoration a call today and talk to them about your concerns.