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How to Spot Water Damage Before It's Too Late

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Water damage in your property is an understandably stressful finding. But, what if you aren’t sure of what to look for? Between having an untrained eye and the fact that water damage often originates in parts of the property you can’t see, identifying water damage is difficult for many property owners. Chrome Water Damage is sharing a few helpful tips on how to spot water damage before it becomes a bigger, costlier problem. 

Chrome Water Damage Experts has seen firsthand how serious water damage is when left untreated. Leaks and ruptures often occur beneath walls, under floors, or behind closed cabinet doors, and as such, may go undetected until it is too late. Moisture provides the perfect conditions for mold growth and structural instability when not properly remediated. And, the longer you wait, the greater the chances of the water damage spreading. 

Sources of Hidden Water Damage 

Every property owner has a responsibility to know how to spot water damage. But first and foremost, it is imperative to educate yourself on the potential sources of these issues. After all, if you find water damage and have it restored, but neglect to fix the source of the problem, you could face even heftier repair bills in the future. 

As you take a look around your home or business, take note that appliances, pipes, toilets, bathtubs, water heaters, and roofs can all cause water damage woes. For this reason, if you suspect water damage, you should check these spots first to stop the source of the leak or overflow.

5 Telltale Signs to Help Learn How to Spot Water Damage

Depending on the severity and circumstances of your water damage issues, the evidence may vary. However, there are several telling signs that you are the victim of water damage. If you notice any of the following, chances are high that you’ll soon need water damage restoration services from a trusted pro like Chrome Water Damage.

1. Stained rafters, walls, and ceilings

Staining and discoloration on your rafters, walls, or ceilings, is clear proof of a leak and hidden water damage. Stains often range in color from pale yellow to dark brown. Additionally, the size may vary depending on the severity of the moisture. While you may be thinking that this is only a stain now, you should be mindful that severe structural issues could arise if the leak is not stopped and the damage restored. 

2. Odors

Did you know that not all signs of hidden water damage are visible? In fact, your nose is a great guide for identifying water damage. A stale, musty, or stagnant odor in your home may be all you need to confirm your suspicions.  As water saturates building materials, mold begins to form. Odors are a giveaway that your water damage has begun sprouting mold. If the smell is more potent in one area of your property, you should start here when looking for the source.

3. Drooping walls, ceilings, and floors

As water continues to flow, walls, ceilings, and floors become saturated, expanding and losing their integrity. When water and your building materials combine, scary consequences such as structural collapse may arise. When you notice drooping or water bubbles, it’s time to give Chrome Water Damage a call. 

4. Visible mold

Where there is mold, there is moisture.  The equation is unavoidable when left unattended. If you find mold growing on walls, baseboards, ceilings, or other areas of your house, you’ve likely found the source of your water leak. As you learn how to spot water damage, you will realize how critical it is to seek mold removal and mold remediation services to eliminate this health hazard immediately. Left untreated, mold causes respiratory distress, allergies, irritation, and sometimes death.  

5. Peeling paint or wallpaper

Wondering why your paint job has lost its luster? Peeling, flaking, or bubbling in paint and wallpaper is a sure sign of water damage. This generally means that the water has saturated the sheetrock and penetrated your wall coating. On wallpapered areas, check seams for separation to identify water damage.

How to Check Your Property for Hidden Water Damage

Now that you know how to spot water damage, you may feel confident in your ability to diagnose the problem and seek treatment. But what if you aren’t sure if there is a leak or not? Below, we discuss how to check your property to confirm water damage.

  1. Shut off all water faucets and water-using appliances

  1. Record the usage number on your water meter

  1. Keep all water sources turned off for 3 or more hours

  1. Check the water meter again and record the number

If your water usage goes up during your test, you’ll know that there is a leak somewhere in the house. While visible signs are great indicators of water damage, you’ll want to do a thorough walkthrough.

Check floor joists beneath the property for mold. Monitor areas closets and cabinets for stains along the floor if you live in a location that experiences flooding.  For wood areas, consider investing in a moisture meter to check the amount of moisture in the wood. Alternatively, a hygrometer will read the air’s moisture content. If you find wet walls or ceilings, call Chrome Water Damage immediately.

Chrome Water Damage’s Role

We realize that finding water damage is stressful. Allow us to ease the burden with our expert water restoration services. Not only will we help identify the source of the leak, but we’ll also fix the damage to make it better than before. Chrome Water Damage has the expertise, experience, and equipment to get the job done right the first time.

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