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Signs of Water Damage After a Storm

Name: Exit Mold
Address: 1 Irwin Ct., Lynbrook, New York, 11563, United States
Telephone: (516) 512-7877

It can be a scary time of year when the storm season approaches. Severe weather can be really impactful in our community, and it can happen unexpectedly at any point. Preparing for spring and summer storms can help keep you safe, but it is an unfortunate fact that storm damage can happen even to the most well-prepared homes.

Dealing with storm damage or water damage after a storm can be really overwhelming, especially if the damage is significant. Do you know what to look for when it comes to signs of water damage after a storm? Read on to learn more about the relationship between severe weather and water damage.

Why Water Damage Is a Problem

You might think that having a bit of water in your home after a storm is not a big problem, but it, unfortunately, can cause a lot of issues if you aren’t careful. Water is sneaky and can leak into your walls, floors, and ceilings without much warning. Heavy rain, flooding, and roof leaks are all among the most common causes of water damage when it storms.

In fact, water could be dripping behind your drywall right now and you wouldn’t even notice it right away! While simple spills or a puddle under an open window can be cleaned up rather quickly, hidden water leaks caused by a storm can be problematic.

Water will warp and ruin drywall, flooring materials, and structural supports, and it can make the affected parts of your home unstable. Over time, it can also lead to rot and mildew if the problem isn’t reversed.

In addition, lingering water can cause mold growth. Once mold settles into an area of your home that has lingering moisture, it can spark a massive infestation that can impact your air quality as well as the safety of your home.

This is why inspecting your home after a storm or significant rain is so essential!

Signs of Interior Water Damage

The good news is that while water can be hard to track down, it will show signs of its presence in your home pretty quickly.

The signs below are clear indications that something is amiss and needs your immediate attention:

Peeling or bubbling paint/wallpaper
Water stains or discoloration on ceiling or walls
Musty odors (indicating mildew or mold)
Sagging or soft spots in walls or ceiling
Warping or buckling of floors
Excess humidity even after the storm passes

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to do some investigating. In many instances, water damage starts from roof leaks, so begin your investigation in the attic. If you have roof damage or any gap in your roof line, water can easily get inside and wreak havoc. Water damage is also common in basements, as these spaces are the closest in proximity to the groundwater.

If you find visible moisture or mold during your inspection, secure the area and call a professional water damage restoration team right away.

Three Signs of Potential Water Damage Outside the Home

Visible signs inside your home may be obvious, but there could also be signs outside your home that cannot be overlooked. If you notice these signs, take action right away to prevent future water damage problems.

Clogged Gutters

Your gutter system is designed to move water down and away from your home in a controlled manner. As water flows through the gutters and downspouts, it is carried away down your sloping yard and away from your home.

Unfortunately, if your gutters are clogged or your downspouts are pointed directly at your home, water can back up onto your roof or pour down your walls directly onto your foundation.

Frequent Yard Flooding

Any property can be overwhelmed with rain from time to time, but if your yard regularly floods and retains water for longer than it should, you might have a drainage and grading problem.

Properties that don’t drain water efficiently or slope backward toward the home can result in flooding problems. Investing in drainage techniques or even professional yard grading can help reduce this risk.

Damaged Roof or Shingles

Your roof is the first line of defense when it comes to preventing water damage. This also means it quickly becomes a major culprit if you suffer from water leaks. If your roof is sagging or you have missing shingles, it can quickly lead to water infiltration in your attic space. Once inside, it will leak and drip down your walls and into your floors.

What to Do If You Notice Water Damage

Unfortunately, even if you prepare ahead of time and do everything you can think of to avoid water damage, it can still happen in the blink of an eye. If you discover water damage or a water leak in your home, your first priority should be ensuring your safety.

If your home is flooded or the water is close to electrical outlets, turn off your electricity to that area immediately. You should also avoid walking through any standing water.

Once you have ensured your safety, document the damage by taking pictures and writing down anything that was damaged by the water.

Finally, you should call a professional water damage restoration team for immediate assistance. The longer you wait to reverse the damage, the worse it can become. Stay in control by calling for help as soon as you encounter the problem.

A professional water damage restoration team will assess the situation and will come up with a restoration plan tailored to your home’s specific needs. A professional water restoration includes the initial clean-up as well as any structural repairs to prevent the problem from happening again.

Seeing signs of water damage after a storm? Call the team at Exit Mold today at (516) 512-7877 for immediate water damage restoration assistance.

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