Water damage is a serious issue that not only affects your living experience but also weakens your home’s structural integrity. That’s why, after a heavy rainfall or finding any plumbing issues, you should start looking for water damage in your home. Early treatment helps you avoid potential damage and expensive repairs. If you found significant water damage in several areas of your home, opting for a professional water damage restoration service is a great decision.
This blog will elaborate on how to inspect your home for water damage before it’s too late.
Exploring How to Inspect Your Home for Water Damage
- Check Common Problem Areas First: Whether it is rain or plumbing issues, start your search with common spots such as under sinks, around plumbing, behind or under appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, fridge), bathroom caulking, grout lines, and attic.
- Look for Visual Clues: Finding water damage is much easier as the affected areas show themselves before you feel it. Keep an eye out for water stains on ceilings or walls, bubbling or peeling paint, warped or buckling floors, and cracks forming in drywall.
- Use Your Nose to Detect Musty Odors: A damp, musty smell, especially in basements, closets, or near HVAC vents, can be an early sign of water damage or mold. Early detection of issues can help you avoid potential damage and significant expenses.
- Monitor Humidity Levels: Use a hygrometer to check humidity, especially in basements and bathrooms. Anything consistently over 60% could indicate hidden moisture issues.
- Inspect Your Attic and Roof: Your roof is a vital part of your home that safeguards your family and other structures from critical weather conditions. You should look for water stains on the roof decking, check for missing or damaged shingles, and inspect flashing around chimneys and vents.
- Examine the Foundation & Basement: When inspecting your home for water damage, don’t forget to check the foundation and basement. Look for efflorescence (white powdery substance), cracks in the walls or flooring, and damp spots or pooling water after rain.
When to Opt for a Professional Water Damage Restoration Service
While minor damage can be repaired with DIY solutions, extensive damage requires professionals. Here are the signs that help you understand when to opt for a professional service:
- Extensive Water Intrusion: If large areas of your home or multiple rooms are affected, our restoration experts have the tools and manpower to remove water efficiently and prevent further damage.
- Contaminated Water: Water damage from toilets, sewage, or floods can carry harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other pathogens. Our professionals have the training and protective equipment to handle and disinfect contaminated areas safely.
- Hidden or Ongoing Leaks: If water damage is hidden behind walls, under floors, or in ceilings, it is hard to repair with DIY methods. Our water damage restoration experts use specialized equipment to detect and address these issues effectively.
- Structural Concerns: If your floors feel soft, walls are sagging, or ceilings show signs of bulging or staining, water may have compromised the structural integrity. A restoration team can assess and stabilize these areas safely.
In a Nutshell
Water damage can significantly harm the living experience and lifespan of your home. That’s why it is essential to detect the issues and address them as soon as possible. You can contact us directly to hire our professionals for the restoration work.
