Property water damage is usually quite obvious. You can see the excess water from a burst pipe, basement flood or other source. Sometimes, however, this is not always true. Water damage can happen when you least expect.
You may have a slow-leaking appliance pipe that is hidden away, or a roof leak that is not visible. Unwanted water can creep into your home or office, causing damage that you might not be aware of. Water damage can also be hidden behind walls or under baseboards, so it may not always be obvious to the naked eye.
If this happens, you should be aware of the signs that could help you determine if water damage has occurred. We will be discussing these signs and how you can determine if your property has suffered water damage.
Mold Infestation
Mold infestation is one of the most obvious signs of water damage. You can recognize a mold infestation if you see it.
Sometimes mold hides under floorboards or between drywall, making it hard to find.
Bubbling or cracking paint
You may notice changes in the wall’s surface if there is a water leak behind it. If water damage is severe, wallpaper and paint will blister and bubble. They may even crack.
This is usually a sign that the wall has been exposed too much water. The building materials shrink and expand. The paint will eventually crack or shrink due to this shrinking and expanding.
Problems with your Floor
A floor on your property is another sign of water damage. You may notice water buildup under or in your flooring. This could cause your laminate or wood floor to buckle or warp, or your grouted tile to shift slightly. Do not ignore this and put it down to old age. Have your subflooring checked for leaks so that water doesn’t seep through the tiles or floorboards.
You See Puddles or Pooling Water?
Clean up any water puddles in your office or home. Keep an eye on them for a few days to see if they return. Normally, a pool of water forms on the floor if there is a leak or drip. You may have a seepage or leak if the pool or puddle appears again.
There’s a Nip in The Air
It could be an indication that your space is damp. The excess moisture can sometimes draw heat from walls, making them colder than if they were dry. If you are having trouble heating your commercial or residential property, regardless of how much you turn up the heat, it may be time to inspect your walls for moisture or leakage.
Strange sounds can be heard Water damage can be seen and smelled, but you also could hear it. It’s not surprising that you might hear water running or dripping. Water flows, drips, and gushes through your plumbing every day. But pay attention to any unusual or new sounds that aren’t part of the regular sounds.
Discoloration
As water runs down the walls of your property, dirty water can leave streaks. Brown streaks on your exterior can indicate an overflowing gutter, or a roof that is not draining properly. You could have blocked gutters from leaves or other debris. It is best to have them examined before it becomes a major problem.
Call professionals for water damage restoration services if you suspect that your commercial or residential property has suffered water damage. Water extraction and remediation are more expensive and there is a greater chance of mold growth and permanent damage if you delay them.
Minneapolis Water Damage Specialist 24/7 has decades of experience repairing and mitigating residential and commercial water damage. Our teams are trained to identify and assess the source of a leak and will immediately focus on restoration and cleanup to minimize further damage.
Call Minneapolis Water Damage Specialist 24/7 to discuss your water damage mitigation requirements today.