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What Does Water Damage Look Like?

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

No matter the situation, water damage is always a problem. Water leaks can either be large and obvious, or they can happen silently and the damage can go unnoticed for a long period of time.

In each case, leaking water can lead to widespread structural damage the longer it goes unaddressed. Vigilance is key when it comes to water damage! Knowing what to look for and the signs that something is amiss can help you track down a problem before it gets worse.

Let’s explore the top signs of water damage and what to do if you notice them in your own home or business.

Common Causes of Water Damage

To start, it’s important to know the top causes of water damage so you know what to keep an eye on around your property. Watch these locations carefully to catch a problem at its source.

Appliance Problems

Faulty appliances are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to water damage. Dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters and even ice makers in refrigerators can leak at any time.

These appliances don’t even have to be actively running to malfunction, so checking them often and maintaining them regularly is essential to avoiding an appliance leak.

Roof Troubles

Another common cause of water damage is due to any structural problem with your roof. Roofs are designed to withstand many different weather scenarios, but they aren’t invincible. Serious wind, hail and even general aging can impact your roof, causing damage.

Broken shingles, gaps along the roof line or even the smallest of wiring holes can invite water into your attic. Once inside, that water can leak down your walls and can infiltrate your entire home.

Blocked Gutters

When was the last time you cleaned out your gutters? Gutters can easily become blocked with yard debris and leaves over the course of the summer season, and that can lead to some serious issues if all that excess water has nowhere to go.

It will start to back up onto your roof or it will pour over the sides of your house and can get down into your foundation. If this happens, you can expect a soggy basement and more serious water damage.

Plumbing Issues

You have water flowing to and from your property all day, every day. While that easy access to water is essential to your daily duties, it also increases your risk of experiencing some type of pipe leak over time. Burst pipes, corrosion, or a simple loose connection can lead to an unexpected watery mess.

Signs of a Water Damage Problem

Once water starts to leak in a place where it shouldn’t, the faster you track down the problem, the better. Water has the ability to get into the tiniest of cracks and gaps rather quickly, which can make drying up all of the moisture on your own quite hard to do.

If the problem is obvious like a burst pipe or flooded basement, the situation will be clear when you see the excess water all over your floors or running down your walls. If the problem is less severe or in an area of your home that you don’t frequent often, keep an eye out for these common signs.

Wall Staining

One of the biggest signs that you have water damage is if one or more of your walls is discolored or stained in a certain spot. These stains are often irregularly shaped and appear darker than your paint or wallpaper. Wall staining often indicates that there is a pipe leak or a roof leak that needs to be investigated.

Stinky Odors

All homes and businesses experience a stinky smell or two on occasion, and it is usually not a cause for concern if the smell is caused by something simple like cooking food or an old forgotten football jersey. However, any persistent smells can be the sign of a water leak somewhere.

Mold is attracted to lingering moisture, and it will find any residual water faster than you would like it to. Mold infestations can take hold in as little as 24 hours after the initial disaster situation, so the faster you move, the better. If it does start to grow, it can give off a stubborn earthy or musty odor.

Peeling Wallpaper or Paint

Another clear sign that something is going on behind your walls is if you start to notice a problem with your paint or wallpaper. If water gets into your drywall, it can push your paint or wallpaper out, causing it to bubble, peel or blister away from the wall.

Saggy or Warped Flooring

If you are dealing with a plumbing leak or an appliance malfunction, your floors will start to show symptoms rather quickly. Wooden and vinyl flooring tends to absorb moisture and can warp or swell up as it soaks in all the excess water. Over time, this can start to impact the structural integrity of your flooring and can make it dangerous to walk on.

What To Do About Water Damage

Once you discover the problem, it’s time to act! The faster you call for help, the better chance you have of avoiding serious structural damage and dangerous mold infestations.

While you might be able to dry up all of the visible water on your own, chances are that there is hidden moisture in places that you can’t reach. This is where a professional water damage restoration team comes into play.

The right team has the tools and training to track down all residual moisture while also preventing mold infestations along the way. Once your space is dry, a professional restoration team can tackle any and all repairs to return your home to its pre-loss condition faster.

Don’t wait! Contact the team at Exit Mold today at (516) 512-7877 and our talented team of restoration professionals will dry out your home and repair as quickly as possible.

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