Water damage is something most homeowners want to avoid at all costs. Water is only designed to be present in a controlled manner within the building structure. It should never accumulate in crawlspaces, basements, floors, or walls. The good news is that simple fixes can save you from small water damage to serious water damage that requires costly professional work.
Water damage is one of the most aggravating and costly incidents that may occur in your home. Water damage can result from many events, such as a leaking pipe from a second-floor washing machine, a malfunctioning appliance, or a sewage backup. Each circumstance is unique and may necessitate a different cleaning process. Whatever caused the water damage, you must follow standard protocols until an expert can analyse the problem. Below is a comprehensive list of water damage checklists to help you care for your home’s short and long-term integrity.
Why Is It Critical to Check Your Home for Water Damage?
Water damage can endanger both your home and your health. Water, if left unchecked, can weaken your home’s structure, harm its electrical system, and promote the spread of bacteria and mould. Depending on their severity, these damages can be costly to fix, so it’s critical to inspect your property frequently for symptoms of water damage.
Water damage indicators
- Warping, bubbling, and peeling paint or wallpaper are signs of changes to walls, ceilings, and floors.
- Yellow-brown water stains or dark green or black mould patches that are visible.
- Musty scents are similar to wet newspaper or cardboard. An unexpected spike in your water or sewer bill.
Now that you know what to do let’s talk about where you should look.
Where to Look for Water Damage in Your Home
Here are four spots in your home where you should constantly look for water damage:
1. Walls and partitions
The easiest place to look for water damage is on your walls. It is very important to treat stains with great care as they may indicate a leak within the wall. Because this damage builds over time, the sooner you detect it, the better.
2. At ground level
Look for cracked, bent, distorted flooring or unusually dark patches. These are all signs of water damage and, in some cases, significant damage that has destroyed the floor.
3. Closets and drawers
Checking beneath the cabinets is critical for detecting water damage. The cupboard under the sink is one of the most obvious spaces. Water damage may be present if this region contains discolouration, pools of water, or twisted parts. Furthermore, the plumbing beneath the sink is prone to freezing, which might result in leaks.
4. Attic space
Water damage to your home is indicated by excessively moist areas, discoloured areas, or soggy patches in your attic. Areas like this are particularly vulnerable to harm. It frequently remains undiscovered because people need to look for it. That being said, an insulated attic can help reduce winter storm damage!
What Should You Do If You Discover Water Damage?
The most effective way to deal with water damage in your house is by taking these steps:
Step One: Determine the cause.
After discovering water damage, try to determine the source. Is it a dripping pipe? If this is the case, turn off the water to your property to prevent water from spreading. Only attempt to fix the problem yourself if you can locate the source of the water. Get help from a professional. To avoid more harm, you must instantly stop the flow of water.
Step 2: Assess the severity.
Examine for evidence of mould growth. You probably can’t see it, but you should be able to smell it. While you may be able to cure small areas of ordinary household mould on your own, the area will almost certainly need to be professionally remediated. It is because mould grows on it.
Step 3: Allow the area to dry.
First, remove any standing water. Then, using a fan, completely dry the damaged area. Allow the fan to continue until the area is fully dry – you don’t want any water to remain.
Step 4: Conduct a cleanup.
Remove all porous materials, including carpet, insulation, cloth, and other comparable elements. After you dispose of these objects, sanitise the space with a bleach solution. Remember to diffuse essential oils throughout your home to avoid future mould growth.
Step 5: Contact Reztor Restoration.
Treating water damage effects on your own might be a difficult process! If you notice evidence of water damage around your home, contact Reztor Restoration to detect, cure, and restore the damage. Please make an appointment with us today.
How Does Water Affect Homes?
Water damage does not usually occur during major storms and floods. Homes are frequently destroyed by tiny leaks in pipes, improperly graded soil, clogged gutters, or a sump pump that refuses to turn on. Easily correctable defects cause much water damage that most do-it-yourselfers correct well before a problem arises.
Water damage in a home can be devastating. Even a slow leak will rot out drywall and studs, generate black mould, and eventually undermine critical structural parts like joists and beams if left uncontrolled. Stopping leaks before the first drop of moisture falls is the most effective technique to avoid water damage.
Water damage might impact your bank account. Homeowner’s insurance may pay a portion of the repair costs. Despite this, deductibles and limits, homeowners must pay for repairs out of cash. A better solution is to anticipate problems.
