There are few types of damage to the home that can cause such stress as water damage. Even the slightest appearance of water damage is often enough to put homeowners in a tailspin, frantically trying to figure out where it’s coming from, how to stop it, and then deal with the clean-up. Ideally, you want to spot the signs before the damage becomes too extensive, since that will most likely result in a very expensive fix.
With that said, it’s always wise to be prepared and know what the top signs of water damage are to be on the lookout for. Here are five signs you won’t want to ignore.
Wet Spots on the Ceiling, Walls, or Floor
The most obvious sign is of course a wet spot, puddling, dripping, or rising damp on the walls, floor, or ceiling. If it’s a smaller leak, or one that isn’t continuous, the spot may feel damp rather than soaking wet as this means there is either less water or it’s just not happening all the time. Both scenarios are cause for alarm though, and mean you need to take action.
Keep in mind that wet spots often look like a stain and can cause discoloration. This is good in a sense that they aren’t easy to miss. Ideally, you want to find a local company to come in and take a look if you have any doubts at all, according to this Lake Mary Water Damage Restoration development company. The professionals can quickly determine whether the leak is active or not.
Paint that is Bubbling, Cracking, or Flaking
If you notice an area of the walls or ceiling where the paint is bubbling, cracking, or flaking, this can be another big sign that you have water damage. There’s a good chance that water may be inside the drywall, causing the issues with the paint to lift.
A Funny Smell in the House or Room
Another tell-tale sign is odor. If you smell something in the house that is moldy, musty, or damp, then it could point to water damage. Visual signs may not always present themselves, so it’s important to be aware of any strange or new smells that you can’t trace.
Signs of Mold
While the first sign may be smell, if it has gotten to the point where mold is actually growing on the walls, floor, or ceiling, then the problem is more serious than you may have originally thought. Mold is extremely dangerous to your health and should be remedied right away.
You Can Hear Water Dripping or Running
If the water damage is happening inside the walls, then you may not see any leaks, but you may hear water running or dripping. Keep in mind that these sounds don’t automatically mean you have a leak, but again, if it’s new or the sound has gotten louder, it’s worth investigating further.
Be Aware and Act Swiftly
By being aware of the top signs of water damage in the home, you’ll be able to act swiftly and hopefully keep the damage to a minimum.