Where I live, we have several months out of the year that are packed with devastating storms. These storms have been known to damage entire communities and leave many people's lives turned upside-down. During the days and weeks following these storms, we pull together as a community to help each other rebuild and repair the homes we live in. We have worked alongside some of the best damage contractors in the country. This blog contains a ton of information about the things that we have learned from those contractors during these devastating times each and every year through the worst possible storms.
rebuilding after the storms have settled
A Guide To Finding Water Damage
Samu Palo
Water damage can be an incredibly frustrating problem for many homeowners, especially if you don't detect it until its too late. To help you save some money on water damage repair, here are some tips on how to identify water damage:
Identifying Water Damage
The first and most important step to dealing with water damage is to catch the water damage before it becomes too severe. The most common cause of water damage is malfunctioning plumbing. Burst pipes, leaky pipes, or broken toilets can all lead to the rapid accumulation of moisture in your house. In some cases, this can be easily identified, such as if the leak occurs under your sink, where it can be easily accessed. However, you must be exceptionally vigilant to find leaks that are deep in the walls. There are a couple of big warning signs that you can use to check:
Mold - Mold flourishes in damp, moist environments. Water leaks provide the perfect opportunity for mold to rapidly expand. It is important to note that water damage is not the only threat posed by excessive moisture in your home. Mold and fungi can be harmful to inhale or touch, so it is important to immediately respond to any mold that you find. In some cases, this may entail hiring a professional to remove the mold. If you feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can, but make sure to take the proper safety procedures, such as gloves and a mask.
Low Water Pressure - If your faucets or showers aren't maintaining the water pressure that they normally have, then there might be a leak in the pipes leading to that water outlet. In these cases, you'll want to check both hot and cold water to see if the water pressure changes. Different pipes are used for hot water, which might help you determine exactly where the the leak is.
Warped Wood - If you have wood flooring, then you actually have a decent indicator of any excess moisture beneath your floor. Wood naturally expands and contracts depending on temperature and moisture conditions. If there is a large pool of water beneath wood, then it will likely change shape. Since wood panels tend to be fitted relatively tightly on a horizontal level, the expansion will likely occur vertically. Therefore, you are most likely to feel bumps and raised portions of your wood if you do actually have water damage in your home.
Share