Have you ever been walking through your Charleston home and noticed that something seemed off, but you were unsure what it was? Maybe you smelled an odd odor that was not there before. Possibly, there is a miscolored wall that you are just noticing for the first time. If this has ever happened to you, it is very likely your home is being affected by water damage. Water damage restoration can be a very time-consuming and expensive problem to fix, especially if you don’t see the signs early on. Without the proper knowledge of what to look for, you will end up with a serious water damage restoration problem.
Common Signs of Water Damage
Below are several common signs of water damage that are easy to spot:
Musty Smells
One of the first warning signs of water damage in your home is a musty odor. This unpleasant smell is often caused by a microbial volatile organic compound (MVOCs). MVOCs release gasses into the air that leave unpleasant odors throughout your home. So if you notice that musty old newspaper smell in your home, you should revise the rooms for water buildup and look to identify the source of the odor.
Peeling, Flaking, or Bubbling
Another common sign of water damage is peeling, flaking, or bubbling paint. As the water begins to build up in or behind the drywall, it will seep through, and eventually, water will build up beneath the paint causing bubbling or flaking on the surface. This problem is often the result of leaking roofs, leaks in plumbing, and even sometimes lack of ventilation in bathrooms will cause water damage. If you see this issue, do your best to identify the source of the water as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Warped or Broken Drywall
In addition to peeling, flaking, or bubbling in the paint, another common indication of water damage is warped or broken drywall. If the drywall has begun to warp or in extreme cases break, this is a sign that there is a serious enough leak that the drywall is so soaked it no longer can maintain its shape or position. If you notice this issue in your home this is an excellent time to contact water damage restoration experts to have this issue fixed.
Mold
Mold is most likely to grow in wet areas where it is easier for tiny mold spores to reproduce. Common surfaces to look for mold are places such as bathrooms, behind sinks or vanities, near water heaters, and in basements where there is little ventilation. A tip for when looking for mold is to be as thorough as possible. Mold spreads quickly, and if the problem is not dealt with correctly the first time, you will likely have recurring issues with mold in your home. This is why if you notice mold in your home, be sure to contact water damage restoration professionals to ensure the property damage in your home can be dealt with correctly.
Water Damage Restoration in Charleston, SC
Water damage today is a common problem. It is essential to know how to locate and stop this issue. Knowing the causes and signs listed above will help you avoid further expenses in the future and help preserve the value of your home. At times, it is difficult to be sure or know if your home has this issue. When in doubt, do not hesitate to take action and look to the water damage restoration experts at Rumsey Construction to assist you with this issue!
