Finding Water Damage Before It Leads To Extra Restoration Costs

Unseen water damage can be extremely dangerous to your home and health. Some signs of water damage are easy to identify, while others are not as obvious. Here are some signs you should look for if you suspect water damage in your home:

  • Wet or dark spots on walls and ceilings
  • Flaking and cracking drywall
  • Puddles, drips, or wet spots around pipes, taps, under sinks, and at the base of toilets
  • Unusual dampness or humidity 
  • Damp, musty, or moldy smell
  • Water running when fixtures are turned off
  • Visible mold growth on surfaces
  • Peeling or bubbling on walls
  • Warping or buckling of walls, ceilings, or floors
  • Sudden increase in water bill

Water Damage Restoration In Winston-Salem 

When water damage occurs in unseen areas, it can lead to other damages to your home, two major ones being mold growth and structural damage. 

Mold Growth 

Hidden moisture can lead to mold growth. Mold found in homes can be very dangerous, and can spread very quickly. Mold reproduces by spores, which are best described as a type of “seed,” and are invisible to the naked eye. Mold spores need a food source, moisture, and time in order to grow. Some food sources for indoor mold include wood, drywall, and even dust. The moisture for mold to grow indoors often comes from leaks or floods. With food and moisture present, mold growth can begin within 24 hours. If mold spores are inhaled or ingested, they can cause a variety of dangerous respiratory symptoms including, but not limited to; coughing, sneezing, rashes, fatigue, headaches, and irritation to eyes, nose, and throat. With the proper equipment and prompt action, the growth of dangerous molds is significantly reduced. 

Structural Damage

Moisture trapped inside walls, under carpets, beneath floorboards and in other unseen areas can threaten structural integrity. When exposed to water and moisture, the integrity of building materials, like sheetrock and wood, becomes compromised. Because most of the materials used in structural components of the home are porous, they will begin to expand and wrap when moisture is absorbed. Without complete drying and dehumidification, these structures will continue to weaken and cause major structural damage. Deterioration to structural components is a huge risk of hidden water damage. 

If you notice any potential sins of water damage, do not wait to get it cleaned up. Water damage is usually an unexpected circumstance. It can happen suddenly from a burst pipe, or can be subtle due to an unnoticed leak. Regardless of where the water comes from or how slowly the damage is spreading, when water damage occurs it needs to be resolved as soon as possible. For a fast and thorough water damage restoration in Winston-Salem, call Restoration 1.  We understand that water damage can often occur in unseen areas of the home, so we know what to look for and how to resolve that type of water damage. We can treat your home to prevent the spread of mold as a result of water damage, and help to mitigate any further damage to the structural elements of your home. So if you notice  any of the signs of water damage in your home, or suspect possible water damage, do not wait to call Restoration 1.