How To Identify Water Damage And Flooding?
Water damage can occur as a result of flooding, plumbing leaks, or burst pipes. So what are some common signs of water damage? Read on to learn more!
Water Damage Cleanup in Rutland
When water is left on a surface for an extended period of time, it can cause all sorts of problems. Very often, these problems are not visible until the damage has already been done. If you think you have water damage, I suggest taking a closer look before things get worse. The following are some of the most common signs of water damage and what to look for.
Stains and Discoloration
You’re walking through your basement and you notice a circular dark stain on the wall. How do you know it’s water damage? Well, it’s pretty obvious, right? But how can you be absolutely sure that something more serious is going on here than just a stain?
Stains are often the first sign of water damage and may be the only sign if the water damage is not severe or widespread. Stains and discoloration are the easiest signs to spot. However, there are other clues to look for.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
One of the most obvious signs that your home has suffered, or is suffering, from water damage is peeling paint or wallpaper. You might notice peeling, bubbling, or buckling of wallpaper near the ceiling or on a wall, and you might also notice paint beginning to peel away from walls near the ceiling. If you notice these issues in your home, it’s likely a sign that water has leaked into your walls and caused moisture to build up inside the drywall.
The good news is that this type of damage is usually pretty easy to repair if caught early. If you have wallpaper in your home and notice peeling or bubbling around the edges where it meets the ceiling or on any wall, all you need to do is remove that damaged piece and replace it with new wallpaper. Just make sure you find out where the leak came from so that you can get it fixed before putting up new wallpaper.
Water Rings and Spots
Water rings and spots are a sign of damage to the ceiling caused by water leaking from the roof, pipe, or appliance. It could also be damage caused by condensation forming on cold surfaces due to high humidity inside the home.
In case you notice water rings or spots in your ceiling, it is time to inspect the area above for leaks and have them repaired immediately before they cause serious damage.
Softened Walls and Floors
If you have carpeted floors, you may notice that they feel mushy or spongy to the touch when walked on. This is a sign of water damage and can be caused by flooding or a leak that has gone unnoticed for some time. If the water damage is left untreated, it can lead to mold, mildew and buckling floors as well as other structural issues.
Warped Materials
You may have wood flooring that has started to buckle and warp, carpeting that is rippled, tile that is cracked and chipped, or concrete floors that are starting to crack. All of these situations can be indications of water damage in your home. If you live anywhere near a body of water where flooding is common, you’ll want to keep an eye out for these signs.
If you notice any of these signs in your home, it’s important to contact a professional immediately to come inspect the area. It may be an indication that there has been some kind of leak, hidden mold problem within your walls, or beneath the floors which could easily spread further if left untreated.
Water Drips
If you have a leaky faucet or suspect a potential plumbing issue, have it repaired immediately. Water drips can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year, which is vast and wasteful. Clean up any water spills immediately. Do not leave standing water for long periods of time on hardwood floors, carpet floors, etc. Dry wet areas immediately by placing fans in the area and opening windows if it’s humid outside. Remove wet furniture from the room for drying. Do not use a wet vacuum on wet carpets because this can cause irreversible damage to your carpet and padding underneath. Remove all area rugs from the floor in case they become saturated with water and cause damage to the floor beneath it.
Contact the Professionals
Water can destroy your property and structure quickly depending on the amount of water and how fast it seeps into the building. The important thing is to control the damage from occurring and try to remove as much water as possible to minimize any damage to your property. Water removal and cleanup takes time so you need to call a professional company that offers 24/7/365 water damage restoration services, techniques, and tools. Call GW Savage for a FREE estimate on Water damage cleanup in Rutland today!
