Whether you’re going through the inspection stages of a property purchase or have concerns about your own home, you may be wondering how to tell if a property has had water damage.
Water damage can occur for many reasons, such as leaking or broken pipes, malfunctioning appliances, or a leaking roof. Both current and old leaks can present themselves in some of the following ways:
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Water Stains
You may need to call Lexington water damage experts sooner rather than later if you discover water stains anywhere in your home. These can appear as yellow water rings on ceilings, walls, and even floors.
Water stains can signal that you have a current water leak or there has been one in your property at some point. Water damage restoration experts can assist with getting to the cause of the problem and having the water-affected area look as good as new.
Humid Smell
Whether you notice a humid smell in a house you’re looking at purchasing, or you start to notice an odor in your own home, it can be worth calling in experts to identify a possible water leak. Any smells of humidity, wet dog, or even rotten eggs can signal that somewhere in or under your home is wet, and the odor is now permeating your home.
Mold Growth
Mold spores float through the air inside and outside your house. They are invisible to the naked eye, and there are hundreds of different types. However, mold generally only becomes a significant problem when it comes into contact with moisture or water.
If your property has a leak or water damage, those mold spores have somewhere to reproduce, and your home can quickly become unhealthy. As soon as you notice mold growth, take note of where it is and whether a pipe or source of water is nearby. There may be a leak you need to contend with.
Swollen Building Materials
Many interior building materials are porous. When they come into contact with water, they can absorb it and lose their structural integrity. Drywall, in particular, can become swollen, spongy, and bubbly when exposed to moisture, which can undoubtedly indicate a water leak.
Swollen building materials like drywall can’t be repaired, and replacement can be necessary to eliminate the risk of mold growth and health complications.
Paint Imperfections
As you walk around your home or a property you’re thinking about purchasing, pay attention to the paint. If you notice any bubbling, discoloration, peeling, or flaking, there may have been water leakage in the past or even right now.
Once that paint starts to flake off, notice what’s underneath it. Any signs of swelling or mold may confirm your suspicions about a leaking appliance, pipe, or roof.
Roof Damage
While water damage can be evident inside a home, it can also be present outside. Look at the roof and see if you can spot any missing or broken shingles or dents. These may indicate that water is getting through or could at any time.
Water damage is one of the last things you expect to find in a home, but the signs can be more obvious than you might think. If you suspect your home has a water leak or damage, start the identification process by looking for these signs above.
