Spotting Water Damage

It may seem like common sense to look for water damage after a major event, such as a leaky roof or flood. But what about those leaks that you may not immediately see behind the walls or ceilings? What about those that don’t seem like that big of a deal, like a leaky faucet or pipe? All of these scenarios can cause large amounts of damage and should be taken care of immediately. Unfortunately, water damage is almost an inevitability, so it is important to prepare by knowing the common signs and where to look.

Billings Water Damage Cleanup

The signs of water damage may be difficult to pick up on if you have never had to look for them before. Luckily, the most common signs are pretty easy to spot. 

Outside

Keeping an eye out for problems outside of the home can ensure that you are protected when bad weather hits. Damage can hit hard, and water damage cleanup can be costly, so it’s important to try and prevent it as much as possible. 

A leaking roof can lead to water damage in the ceiling and attic. It can go unnoticed for a time. You will need to inspect the roof for missing or broken shingles to avoid these leakages. This needs to be repaired as soon as possible and, most importantly, before a storm.

Check door frames and window frames to ensure that everything is sealed properly. Separation, cracks, or soft spots are signs that the sealant isn’t as effective as it is meant to be. If you notice any of these, be sure to repair them immediately to avoid water damage. 

Gutters will also need to be regularly cleaned out, as clogs can lead to water damage both to the roof and the house’s foundation. Make sure that before a storm hits that the gutters are completely free of blockage. Additionally, it is important that the downspouts are faced in the right direction, steering the water away from your home.

Indoors

Luckily, the signs of water damage indoors are a little more obvious, as many of these signs can appear in places you see every day. One of the first signs that water damage is occurring is that the walls and ceilings will begin to change drastically. The colors will begin to change; watermarks grow wherever the wall is soaking up water, causing the walls to darken or yellow. Additionally, the paint or wallpaper will peel, bubble, or flake away from the wall. The more water that is absorbed in these walls can actually cause them to feel soft or spongy to the touch, affecting their overall integrity. 

The floors can also show signs of water damage. Tile, laminate, or wood flooring will warp, crack, or split if it has been affected, and water will continue to seep through. Be sure to go through your home and check the flooring, even if they aren’t visually changed, as it could also feel damp or soft. 

Water damage can happen at any time without any sort of warning. These signs can come about even when you have done everything you can to prevent water damage. Sometimes, it is completely out of your control. It may make you feel a little better to know that water damage happens to everyone and that there are professionals out there to assist you with the cleanup. Professionals at Faithful Cleaning are readily available to begin the water damage cleanup process and bring your home back as soon as possible.