Water damage is an issue no homeowner wants to deal with. Although we all know the typical signs of water damage, take a look at these tips that set professionals apart. Whether you were graced with great vision or not, we at Kelley Construction recommend you learn to notice these signs and you’ll be able to spot water damage with the best of Peoria professionals.
Have you ever looked up at the ceiling and thought, “Has that fan always been there?” Or maybe a wall decoration pops out at you one day, and you scratch your head wondering who put it there. Granted, this probably doesn’t happen frequently, but it’s easy to get accustomed to the features of our homes. Sure, we may clean them, but how often do we really look at them? Even when we look, we may not notice small changes in the structure or color of walls, ceilings, baseboards, and floorboards.
While bubbling walls and ceilings are obvious signs of water damage, true professionals will look further. The early warning signs of water damage are peeling and bubbling paint, warped or buckled flooring, or cracked grout. Vinyl and linoleum tile will begin to peel and crack when they are wet.
Stains are a result of a slow and consistent leak, while mold is a result of an area that is consistently damp. Many homeowners mistake water damage for just an aging house. The truth is, paint doesn’t just discolor in one spot. Pay attention to inconsistencies in coloration. Many water stains are yellowish-brown and spread in irregular shapes. The most common areas for this type of stain are in the bathroom or laundry room.
In addition to stains, pay attention to potential mold growth. Mold is a variety of airborne fungus that thrives when moisture stays in an area over an extended period or time. When we think of mold, we usually picture black spore-like surfaces. However, mold may appear in blue, green, grey, or black colors. It often appears fuzzy and grows in string-like structures. Often times you can’t see mold, but you can smell it.
Musty odors are an obvious sign of water damage. Imagine the smell of a wet Sunday newspaper and that’s pretty similar to what mold smells like. When visual signs of water damage fail to tell the complete story, homeowners can rely on the musty and aged smell of water damage. In addition to a pungent smell, the area may also feel damp and humid. Older homes typically have a variety of smells. While that’s normal, sudden increases in odor are rarely attributed to a home’s age. It’s also wise to take into account seasonal changes in mold, as water damage may vary with the precipitation amounts associated with different times of the year.
Since pipes aren’t usually visible, we take them for granted. Although many pipes will last a lifetime, leaks aren’t uncommon. Listen for small leaks at night and pay attention to any sudden hikes in your monthly utility bill. At the end of the day, the only true test for leaky pipes is to have them inspected regularly. Ask a professional to come and check the condition of your pipes so that you can be sure water damage hasn’t occurred. Professionals at Kelley Construction and Contractors are happy to answer further questions about understanding the causes and signs of water damage. If you notice water damage in your Peoria home, contact us today!
