When dealing with homes, real estate, or property in general, it is essential to know and understand water damage. Water damage in your home or property can oftentimes lead to mold and structural damage. Mold in your home can lead to health risks and endanger the people occupying the home. The structural issues that water damage can cause can be highly hazardous and should be addressed immediately. This is a significant setback, especially if you’re a renter.
When looking for water damage, there are a few important steps.
- First, eliminate the source of water damage by inspecting all external sources or outside influences. While outside, analyze the foundation of the home or building to ensure it sits on the highest point of the property, with the ground sloping away from the house. Water damage tends to occur on the foundation level as water accumulates on the sides of the house and seeps in. Mold tends to thrive in moist, dark places, so this is a hot spot. Check your downspouts and rain gutters that guide water away from the property cracks, clogs, and leaks in these can lead to damage to the home. The door frames and exterior windows are weak points for humidity and moisture, as mentioned before. Cracks, soft spots, and small separations are good signs to look for, and proper precautions can prevent damage. Looking for cracked shingles and leaks in the roof will also prevent water damage. Leaks in the roof lead to leaks in the attic which ultimately leaves the property owner with ceiling water damage.
- Now, when inspecting for water damage inside the home, you want to look for telltale signs like water rings or discoloration on the ceiling or the walls or signs of leaks in the pipes inside the walls, which are common signs of water damage. Appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine can also be sources of water leaks. If you have central air conditioning, you will also want to keep an eye on the system as it is another common source of water leaks. Stopping the water damage at its source is very important at this stage and can save a lot of money and time if fixed quickly. Other places that can be inspected are inside and outside of cabinets, if you see any watermarks, warping, or discoloration usually means there’s a leak somewhere. These water leaks should be addressed as soon as possible as they will typically lead to mold and damp, or wet cabinets are sure signs of this.
- One of the more common areas to check for water damage is the attic and basement. A damaged or old roof can lead to leaks. Snow and ice will melt and can damage the roof over time, and during storms and severe weather will leak. After inspecting the attic, if there is a basement on the property it must be inspected also. Dealing with the basement more factors cause water damage including leaking water heaters, foundation leaks, and flood damage are just a. During heavy storms water will accumulate around your home seeping into the ground and damaging the basement slowly. Water damage and mold can damage flooring, drywall, and furniture.
When water damage is found it is extremely important to contact a professional and take the steps necessary to fix your problem. Water damage can lead to mold which in some cases can become life-threatening. The potential of structural damage is also high if the structure of the home is compromised, then eventually it will collapse or fail.
Ready to take the plunge and install a water filtration system in your home? Call a professional plumber from Paradise Home Services at (850) 612-8771 or contact us online to plan your installation today!
