The average insurance claim for homes with water damage is approximately $11,098. The longer your home is exposed to excess water, the worse the damage and the more costly the repairs become.
In this article, we teach you how to find water damage. Instead of asking, ‘do I have water damage?’ You can call a professional to get the problem fixed. Continue reading if you want to protect your home from the effects of water damage.
Cracking
Noticing some cracks in your walls or floors may lead you to ask, “do I have water damage?” The answer is likely yes.
Cracking occurs when water creates pressure behind the surface. This can also happen when the amount of moisture in the soil changes. It causes the surrounding soil to shift which causes cracks.
Warping or Peeling
Warping or peeling are other water damage signs to watch for. Wood, wallpaper, and drywall are all susceptible to this type of damage from excessive moisture. The materials absorb moisture, which changes their shape.
Warping and peeling can occur quickly after exposure to moisture. Acting quickly to dry your walls and/or floors is the only way to prevent permanent damage and costly repairs.
Soft Spots
You may have basement water damage if you have a soft spot. This softening is usually easy to notice since you can feel the surface give when pressure is applied. This can be dangerous and should be fixed immediately.
Pools of Water
One of the most obvious signs of water damage is accumulation, especially if there’s no other obvious reason for it. This can occur from heavy rain, flooding, or broken/leaking pipes. Sump pump installation may be necessary to clear large pools of water.
Musty Smells or Mold
One of the easiest ways to learn how to find water damage is to regularly smell the air. Basements with water damage smell musty as the water starts causing mold or mildew growth.
It can be hard to tell in older basements because water damage is not the only source of musty smells. However, we recommend getting used to the ‘normal’ smell of your basement so you can identify if it changes due to water damage.
Discoloration
The last water damage sign we’ll discuss is discoloration. When water seeps into wallpaper or wood, it brings pigment from dirt or dust with it.
Discoloration from water damage is usually a light brown color. However, the color can be altered by other pigments in the vicinity.
Combination of Signs
If you have multiple signs of water damage or repeating problems with water damage, we recommend hiring a professional plumber. There may be an ongoing leak from pipes within your home. Left unaddressed, these leaks can cause major damage.
Watch for Water Damage
The best thing you can do to prevent basement water damage is to learn each of the water damage signs. Problems from excessive moisture can set in quickly and result in expensive repairs. Acting quickly can minimize damage.
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