6 Signs That Indicate Water Damage

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Signs of Water Damage in East Baton Rouge

When it comes to most expensive disasters to a home or business Water Damage can absolutely be one of the highest on that list. Water damage untreated and undetected can lead to microbial growth, mold spore development, major structural damage and eventually severe health effects for the inhabitants of that property. Today in this blog we are going to talk about 6 different signs that may indicate the presence of water damage in the walls and the need for remediation or restoration on the property.

Many homeowners in South Louisiana have been through many major storms and major hurricanes over the years and they have a good idea of how to spot water damage and early trouble before it becomes a major problem. On the other hand many people may have no idea about water damage and the problems that it can cause.

The 6 Signs That Indicate Water Damage In Your Walls

When it comes to water damage inside your property there are usually a number of clues that indicate as much pretty early on in the water intrusion, in this blog we are going to discuss 6 of them that should send up red flags to a homeowners or property manager that there is moisture inside the walls and something going on that needs to be addressed fairly quickly. Many of these signs may be very noticeable to the common person unless you know what to look for and specifically what you are looking at. Some of the more common things that can pop up and indicate a problem are thing like cracks in the grout, drywall softness or cracking, nail pops, obvious structural damage, buckled cailings, buckled floors and very distinct moldy smells are all very common signals that there is an absolute moisture issue somewhere on the property. The secret is to know exactly what to look for so that you can get to work on addressing the small things which may lead to bigger things in the walls behind, the floors below or the ceilings above and with these discoveries the opportunity to hopefully nop it in the bud and mitigate any further damage.

• Bubbles in the paint on the wall.

The first major sign that moisture has found its way into your walls and into your home is the presence of bubbling under or around various patches of affected paint or peeling paint areas. When paint begins to bubble it is usually a sign of water buildup behind that paint in the drywall that forces the paint to expand and grow and in turn bubble. When the water collects in these spaces and crevices it pushes the paint outward and begins the bubbling process due to water collection. You never know how much water is actually behind these bubbles so we do not condone you popping these bubbles until a professional is onsite who can clean up the water safely and effectively.

• Walls and Door Casings Warping

When doors, door casings and walls begin to warp inside a property it usually an indicator of excessive moisture somewhere. Warping tends to occur when water gets inside the wood, wood frames and walls and begins expanding. When drywall gets wet it begins expanding and this excessive pressure can in turn warp and ruin the doors and door frames making it hard to open and close the doors. This problem can often lead to more extensive structural damage as time goes on.

• Softened, Cracked and Warped Drywall

Softened drywall is an often-overlooked indicator of more serious problems. Moisture and water that get behind the wall cause the backside of the drywall to soften and even become mushy. Look for soft spots or wet spots in the drywall and gently press into them. If the drywall depresses, there is most likely water damage.

• The Presence of Microbials, Mildew and Mold on your walls

Mold growth can form quickly when moisture is consistently present in the air. It’s not always easily detected, but if visible, mold can present itself in many different colors, including black, green, or blue. When mold is present, you might also see condensation or water stains that are darker than the rest of the wall. This could mean the water damage is worse than you think.

• Wet, Musty or Mildewed Odors

A musty smell is an easy alert that something is amiss. The distinct smell can let you know about hidden water damage that your eyes cannot see. Follow your nose to locate the affected wall and look for any water leakage around the area. If you are unable to locate the water damage yourself, that doesn’t mean it’s not there.

• Higher than Normal Water Bills

If all else fails – follow the money. An unexpected increase in a home water bill can be a big red flag that a hidden leak may be wreaking havoc on your home. Pay attention to your water bills each month, so you notice any discrepancies. A water bill increasing unexpectedly could mean hidden water damage in walls.

Water Damage in Walls Can Lead to Very Serious Structural Damage if Left Untreated

Water damage isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. The damage can occur in numerous ways, including heavy rain, leaking or burst pipes, etc. And the water damage cleanup is also unique to each house and its structural problems. How long the water leak goes undetected can have an effect on how much water damage you’ll have to deal with and what kind of repair costs you might expect.

Each situation involving water damage can be different, but the signs aren’t as unique and, unfortunately, are often missed. If left unaddressed, the problem will only worsen, and cost more money and time with repair work.

What Do You Do If You Detect Water/Moisture In Your Walls?

Knowing what to look for is the first step, but what do you do when you suspect or even find water damage in your walls? You should reach out to professionals immediately to help with water mitigation and any serious damage. Putting it off or trying to handle the water damage yourself can lead to bigger problems. It doesn’t take long for a small leak to become a more serious problem.

At SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge our professional technicians are on call 24/7 to help with any water damage needs. Our experts work efficiently and effectively to find the source and address the problem. Don’t hesitate, contact us today at (225) 753-3434