Water damage is something that affects many homes, and it is not always obvious. Sometimes, water damage can go unnoticed and lead to serious problems with mold and structural issues too. Therefore, you want to know what to look for when there are signs of water damage in your home and find the source. The following guide will help you find water damage and the source of the problem so you can get repairs done.
1. Inspect Your Home for Problems with Water Damage That May Be Hidden Behind Finishes
The first thing that you need to do is find the potential problems with water damage in your home. On the exterior of your home, look for watermarks on the finishes of siding, soffit, and masonry that could be a sign of serious problems. Inside your home, look for stains on drywall and signs of mildew problems in areas that are prone to moisture problems, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Routine Inspections of Crawl Space and Basement Foundations for Problems with Water and Moisture
Basement and crawl space foundations are notorious for problems with water damage. Therefore, you want to pay special attention to these areas and inspect them carefully. In a crawl space, look for signs of standing water and problems with moisture, which often are accompanied by smells. In basements, you will want to look for signs of damage to foundation walls and failing waterproofing that may be allowing water to get in.
3. Plumbing and Mechanical System Problems That Could Be Causing the Water Damage in Your Home
Plumbing is another area where you may have water damage due to maintenance issues, small leaks, and problems during cold weather. Inspect areas like traps beneath sinks and connections to plumbing fixtures regularly for signs of problems that need to be repaired. In addition, you will also want to inspect other mechanical systems. Some of the problems with mechanical systems include condensation from AC equipment and leaking boilers and water heaters.
4. Removing Materials That May Be Hiding Extensive Water Damage That Needs to Be Repaired
There may also be materials that are concealing extensive damage, such as the siding on the exterior of your home. The finishes could also be brickwork and trim or molding. If you notice problems in some of these areas, remove a small piece of the damaged area to see how far the water damage has penetrated inside your home.
5. Knowing When It Is Time to Call for Professional Help for Extensive Water Damage Repairs to Your Home
Sometimes, you may be able to deal with minor water damage and repairs to stop it on your own. Usually, it is better to call for professional help if there is extensive water damage and a lot of repair work that needs to be done. If the repairs require more than repairing a leak, it will be better to have a water damage restoration contractor help.
When you notice watermarks, moisture, or other signs of water around your home, these are signs that there may be a serious problem with water. If you have located the source of the problem and the damage is getting worse, contact a water damage repair service for help with repairs before the problem gets worse.
Reach out to a water damage repair service for more information.