Water damage is a typical and frequently disregarded example of a minor issue in the home that can quickly become a huge concern. While it’s simple to assume that a minor leak in the bathroom won’t cause much trouble, the truth is that over time a small leak can be the beginning of a much bigger issue. Therefore, paying attention to the early warning signs of water damage is crucial. Negligence and disregard for these warning signs can lead to more serious structural and health issues.
Sadly, water damage can be found in most houses in humid, damp locations, especially in Orlando, Florida. The city typically sees around 52 inches of rain per year on average. Compared to the average of 38 inches of rain annually in the US, that is a lot. That being said, water seeping into your Orlando home’s wooden beams can typically lead to structural damage that could easily be avoided in the first place.
With that in mind, here are a few warning signs of water damage in your home that you shouldn’t ignore.
In This Article
Damaged Exterior Walls
Multiple factors can lead to water damage both inside and outside your home. These include improper drainage in your yard, broken gutters, or leaking gutter spouts.
The severe weather conditions in Florida, including hurricanes and strong winds, can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home. This makes your Orlando home’s exterior walls susceptible to water damage.
So, if you see any mold growth or discoloration on your home’s exterior walls, chances are you are dealing with water damage. The best thing to do is contact an Orlando Water Damage restoration company to fix the issues. A reputable water damage repair/restoration company will provide professional repairs and a thorough cleanup to help you deal with the water damage.
Mold Growth
The presence of mold is a tell-tale sign of the presence of water damage both inside and outside your home. A musty smell is an excellent way to spot mold growth in a particular area. So, if you smell a musty odor, check the suspected area to identify whether it contains any wet surfaces.
That said, you can identify mold by its color. It usually has a black, green, or blue appearance. Furthermore, it is milky white and can sometimes disappear if touched. You can find mold behind carpets, bathroom tiles, walls, and ceilings. So, perform a smell check in these areas first.
Damaged Flooring
Flooring damage is a common problem and often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Water damage is one of the primary causes of flooring deterioration, and it typically shows up in corners or less-utilized spaces.
Waterlogged foundations or pipe leaks can cause water to seep into the subflooring, leading to tile loosening or moisture buildup. When left unchecked, warping or buckling can appear in wood and linoleum. In cases of carpet, it may start to feel moist and wet to the touch. As a homeowner, you need to monitor these spaces for early signs of water damage to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Water Stains
Seeping water, curling wallpaper, and even discoloration are obvious signs of water damage. Look for streaks of water on the exterior of your house and yellow-brown areas on the walls and ceilings. This can indicate that the gutter is overflowing.
Stains and spots may be permanent when they first appear, or they may emerge and then vanish. These stains could result from seepage, mildew, or mold, all pointing to concealed moisture within the wall. This could be caused by leaking water supply pipes or a roof leak that has moved down the walls.
Water stains typically have a brownish-yellow hue and grow over time. These stains first appear in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or areas with pipes and water supply lines.
Damaged Ceilings or Walls
Although surface damage to ceilings and walls may be easy to spot, it is easy to overlook the initial indications of damage. The initial symptoms are bubbling or peeling wallpaper or paint. Water in the walls can cause the plasterboard to expand and contract without looking wet, leading to cracks. This may progress to walls and ceilings that feel spongy to the touch, drooping, or soaked plasterboard.
Puddles and Pools of Water
Water pools are another common sign of water damage inside your home. Such a thing can be hazardous and cause a slip-and-fall accident. So, if you have noticed water pooling up in certain areas of your home, try to get to the issue at hand. Leaky water pipes or a damaged ceiling can typically cause this. So, if you spot any of those, you must immediately act. Failing to do so can result in health problems and costly repair and restoration work in the long term.
Ultimately, if you encounter any unexpected puddles in your home, you must clean them up immediately and monitor the area closely. But, if these puddle returns, it clearly shows that your home might have a leak somewhere, which you must address as soon as possible to prevent further water damage.
Sounds of Dripping Water
One of the easiest ways to identify water damage is by listening to dripping water sounds. Before it becomes visible, homeowners should look for unusual noises such as squeaky flooring, running water, and leaking faucets. These noises might have existed even before the plumbing system started malfunctioning, and they should not be ignored.
So, you must pay attention to any changes in these sounds, as they could indicate early signs of water damage.
The Final Words
Water damage inside and outside your home can be a hassle, especially if you cannot identify its presence early on. However, with the signs shared in this article, you can identify water damage before it wreaks havoc on your home. Doing so will also allow you to take the necessary steps to rid your home of water damage and its devastating effects before things get out of hand. So, hurry up, pick up your phone, and contact your local water damage restoration company ASAP!
