Water Staining:
A prominent, tell-tale sign of water damage! Water stains are one of the significant signs of water damage in walls. Stains or slight colour discolouration’s that appear on the wall, floor or ceiling without apparent reason are most likely an undetected water leak in your roof or walls. While inspecting the surface of your walls/ceilings may be an obvious step, be sure to take a close look at the corners where the walls meet the ceiling, floors, and each other for discolouration as well.
Humidity and Dampness:
Unexplained humidity or dampness in your home can be a sign of an undetected water leak. Check for wet surfaces (such as counters and walls) where water shouldn’t be accumulating. Often, a leak nearby is the culprit.
Mould:
Mould can be found anywhere moisture and oxygen are present. Unless it’s simply a case of finding a small amount on your shower curtain liner, mould in your home is a severe problem. A mould problem usually indicates one or both of two things: humidity issues or a water leak. In cases of mould, unless the source of the excess water is apparent, a professional is necessary.
Strange Noises/Dripping:
While the sound of water dripping is unmistakable, leaking water can sometimes take on deceptive sounds in a home. Listen closely when the house is at its quietest moments (night-time when the traffic outside is at a minimum and most people are sleeping). Water leaks can sometimes be identified by a scratching or rushing noise not necessarily associated in our minds with water.
Soft Spots or Paint Damage:
Paint and wood are often the first to show signs of water damage in a home. Warped floorboards or peeling paint is often a reliable sign of water damage. This damage can also be one of the common signs of water damage in walls.
Health Issues:
Sudden onset of respiratory health issues could be indicative of a water-induced mould problem. Mould is known to cause many health issues, including respiratory infections, asthma, and severe allergic reaction.
Don’t wait until you have brown spots to check for damage throughout your home. There’s no need to wait for a disaster to perform preventive maintenance around the house. Recognising the early signs of water damage in your home won’t only save you money on costly repairs but eliminate potentially serious health concerns as well.