Common Signs of Water Damage

Water damage is a common issue. It can occur in just about any building due to a variety of reasons, such as flood damage from a storm or a bust pipe, a slow leak, or a backed-up sewer line. Unfortunately, water damage can have devastating consequences if left untreated. In addition to the immediate damage, you may also run the risk of serious structural damage, mold growth, and a variety of other problems.

It’s critical to address water damage as soon as possible. The longer you leave it untreated, the more likely you are to develop more extensive and costly damage. For this reason, being able to spot the signs of water damage is a critical skill for any property owner. Identifying water damage in its early stages will help you avoid future problems that can require expensive repairs.

While some signs of water damage are readily visible, others may be harder to detect without knowing where to look. Be on the lookout for the following signs of water damage to ensure these issues are identified and repaired as soon as possible.

Dampness or Humidity

If you experience unexplained dampness or humidity in your home or business, it can be a sign that you have a water leak. Check for wet surfaces, such as counters, walls, floors, or cabinets, where there shouldn’t typically be any moisture. If you detect any wet areas, it’s likely the leak will be nearby.

Water Stains on Walls and Ceilings

If you have rings, stains, or slight discoloration on walls or ceilings, it could be a sign that you have water damage associated with an undetected water leak in your roof or walls. Make sure to carefully inspect the surface of the walls and ceilings surrounding the stain to see if the area is wet. If so, the leak is still occurring.

Never try to paint over these stains. This does not fix the issue. In order to avoid more serious damage from occurring, you’ll need to repair the leak that is causing the water damage. In many instances, these leaks are caused by a hidden plumbing issue that requires immediate attention.

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Mold

Damp conditions provide the optimal breeding ground for mold, which is why mold is one of the most common signs of water damage. While mold on a shower curtain may not necessarily be caused by water damage, if you see it growing anywhere else in your home or business, it should be a cause for concern. Unless there was obvious water damage from a flood or a burst pipe, mold growth most likely indicates you have a hidden leak.

Common places where mold may grow after water damage include walls, ceilings, floors or baseboards. It may also grow in harder to see areas such as behind furniture or underneath sink cabinets.

Anytime you see mold, it must be addressed by a professional mold remediation expert right away. If left untreated, mold can spread to other areas of the property, leading to more serious problems. Mold growth can also cause health issues in individuals with respiratory conditions or mold allergies. A mold remediation specialist is required to sanitize the area to remove all the mold and prevent it from growing back. In addition, mold testing must be conducted to ensure the building is safe.

Musty Smell

Sometimes, water damage isn’t visible, but you can smell it. When building materials such as drywall or wood become saturated with water, they often give off a musty smell. Mold often gives off a musty smell as well.

If you notice a musty smell in your home or business, try to pinpoint the source of the smell. This will likely provide a clue as to where the water damage is coming from.

Soft, Cracked or Warped Walls

Water damage can cause drywall to warp once it becomes saturated. If left untreated, this can result in further damage to your home or business, requiring expensive repairs.

In addition, water damage may cause your walls to develop cracks or soft spots. This is often caused by a leak behind the wall.

Peeling or Flaking Paint

Peeling or flaking paint on walls or ceilings is another common sign of water damage. When drywall becomes saturated, excess moisture will try to escape through the wall or ceiling. This can cause the paint to flake or peel off the surface of the wall.

What to Do if You Spot Signs of Water Damage

If you notice any signs of water damage in your home or business, it’s critical to address the problem immediately. If water damage is allowed to fester for prolonged periods of time, it can result in much more extensive issues that will require very expensive repairs. Due to the serious nature of water damage, you should never try to fix the problem yourself. It’s important to work with a professional water damage restoration company that can make sure the problem is addressed properly.

Cousino Restoration & Environmental has been providing comprehensive water damage restoration services throughout Northwest Ohio and Southwest Michigan for over 45 years. Our team has the experience and training necessary to restore your property to its pre-damaged state.

When you work with Cousino Restoration & Environmental, you’ll have peace of mind that the entire water damage restoration process will be handled properly:

Our team will identify the source of your water damage and fix the issue to prevent future damage.
Then, we’ll use professional grade pumps, fans and other water extraction equipment to remove all water and dry out the building. If furniture and other contents have been damaged, we’ll remove these to dry them and prevent mold growth.
If we detect any signs of mold, we can also perform the necessary mold remediation to eliminate the mold and prevent regrowth.
Finally, we’ll perform all necessary moisture level and mold testing to make sure the building is safe moving forward.