Leaky pipes and standing water aren’t the only signs of water damage. Sometimes it’s not that obvious. The best way to limit damage is to catch it as soon as possible. Spring showers have only just begun. Make sure to check your home in Westchester or Fairfield Counties periodically for the many common signs of water damage.
What to Look For
Water Buildup:
If you see puddles of water where it doesn’t belong you probably know something is off. However, the source can be unknown. Hidden pipes, appliances and roof damage can all be less obvious sources of water buildup.
Stains:
Stains on your ceiling are a sure sign of water damage. They’re usually caused by a leaky pipe or roof. Be sure to locate the water source and fix the underlying damage before you repair the stain.
Flooring changes:
Changes in your flooring can be a sure sign of water damage. Look out for any abnormal signs.
- When water is in contact with your flooring, it can become warped, cracked or distorted.
- Wood flooring is very porous. The planks absorb moisture causing them to expand and shrink.
- If your carpets are wet and don’t have the opportunity to dry, they can develop mold. Examine your carpet fibers and schedule a professional carpet cleaning if needed.
- Tile is durable, but the presence of excess water often causes cracks and distortion.
Odors:
Mold and mildew are often accompanied by odor. A persistent musty smell could mean that you have a mold problem. Mold needs moisture to grow. Chances are if mold exists, so does water damage.
Where to Check
Attic:
Since your attic is closest to your roofline, this area is highly susceptible to water damage. Take the trek to your attic every so often to make sure it’s dry.
- This is a great place to examine the underside of your roof. You might find winter ice damage, holes or stains.
- Inspect the perimeter of your attic to make sure there aren’t any signs of water damage.
- Mold and mildew are often found in your attic. Foggy windows or condensation on any flat surface are signs that mold might also be present.
Basement:
Basements are often dark and damp. Even a small storm can end up invading your basement if you’re not careful.
- Just like in your attic, walk the perimeter of your basement and look for any of the common water damage signs listed above.
- If you have a sump pump it’s probably located in your basement. Test it to make sure it’s ready to take on spring showers. Do this by opening the sump pit, removing any debris you find in the pit and slowly pour 5 gallons of water into the sump pit. After that, wait to see if your sump pump removes all of the water efficiently.
ServiceMaster Superior Cleaning & Restoration Services is your local water damage remediation expert in Westchester and Fairfield Counties. Contact us 24/7 for emergency restoration services.
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