When you think of water damage, what comes to mind? Do you envision rising waters from a flood or a burst water heater in the basement? Sure, these examples are the extreme, but water damage can occur from even the smallest leak from under your bathroom sink.
Continue reading to learn some common early signs of water damage.
Change In the Walls and Floors
Unfortunately, most homeowners tend to take the structure of their home for granted. They may clean it, but have they really given them an in-depth look? Having water in the walls can be obvious, it’s also really easy to overlook the signs. As the water damage progresses, you may start to notice that the walls are swelling, bloated or even warped.
Even the wet flooring is able to go unnoticed, especially in rarely used areas such as the corner. You may start to notice the tile peeling or the carpet having one too many wet patches, causing it to feel soggy.
Mold
Water damage is the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold is an airborne fungus that thrives in wet, moist areas. On top of that, it can grow on pretty much everything; carpeting, ceilings, wood, and even drywall. One of the most common colors of mold is black, however, it can come in different colors such as blue, green, brown and even pink. It’s commonly found basements, bathrooms, kitchens or any area that harbors excess moisture.
To make matters worse, mold can cause a number of health issues that have symptoms similar to those of an allergy attack.
Bad Odors
Another potential sign of water damage is a bad, musty odor. The smell is comparable to wet cardboard or newspaper. In addition, the area can also feel humid and damp, but this can depend on the area’s temperature, the season and the cause of water damage. If you notice a strong, musty odor, inspect the area to ensure it is dry. Keep in mind that new homes are typically odorless, so a foreign odor may lead to the presence of excess water or even mold.
On a side note, people who live in an older home may have a rather difficult time identifying the source of the smell. An easy way to notice that you have a musty odor is to pay attention to any sudden increases in the odor.
Should it be left to unchecked, water damage in Gilbert AZ can destroy your home. Small repairs that initially cost a few dollars to repair can quickly become costly repairs that you can’t afford.
