Water damage is a hazard in any home. It encourages the growth of toxic mould, damages the walls, ruins the paint and worst of all, weakens the foundation. If you’re buying a home or even renting one, you must look out for these signs of water damage, in these areas, to save yourself a lot of money and from the trouble it brings.
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Checking For Water Damage Signs Inside Your Room
Before you start treating a surface for water damage, it is important to understand the type of damage and find the source. For damage caused by water to your walls and floors, it can be tough to check and identify the perfect spot to start your restoration process. The idea is to check for leaks and discolouration on the surface of the walls or floors. Discolouration of the surface and stains are the most obvious symbols of water damage.
Based on the part of the room, you can find out the spot for water damage by following this guide.
Exterior doors
If this is a door that faces the outside like the main door or a garden door/terrace door, then it is likely to get damaged in the rains. People now use treated wood and waterproof paint to protect these doors, but still, there are chances that water can seep through the cracks and cause the door and door frames to rot. In time they will swell and become spongy and won’t be able to hold up.
Exterior windows
Much like the doors, the windows go through the same weather conditions and hence face the same problems. What’s worse is that water can damage the window panes and walls under the window if not attended to in time. Damage on the walls is easy to spot as the area tends to get discoloured, you can check the wood by firmly running a screwdriver or any metal instrument against the sill, if it sinks in the sill, then there is damage.
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How to check water damage in the basement?
For water damage in the basement, the sign to look for is yellowish-brown stains on the walls. So, trying to smell and identify the damaged spot won’t be feasible. In most cases, the water damage on the floor is either below the surface or above the ceiling of the roof. Look closely and check for water damage by identifying the stain and moulds that are present on the surface.
Stains on the walls
Stains often develop if there is a slow, consistent leak, this could be due to leaking or damaged pipes behind a wall. Most of these water stains are either yellowish or brownish in colour and form rather irregular shapes from the source of the leak. You’re likely to spot these stains in bathrooms and basements or walls that have pipes running behind them. If unchecked, it could lead to severe damage and rot away the wall.
Mould
Mould forms due to dampness, so when you spot mould you know that that area of the wall, floor or ceiling is exposed to a persistent source of moisture. Mould can be blue, green, back and grey, it is known to cause problems like throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, cough and wheezing, as well as skin irritation in some cases.
Differences in the paint
Apart from stains on the wall, the paint itself can indicate water damage. Look out for paint that is bubbling, discoloured or peeling off the walls. This is caused due to excess moisture or water damage; you will need to find the source in case of the latter and fix it asap to prevent more damage.
Humid smell
At times, people look to cover up water damage by painting over the walls and doors, a fresh coat of paint will hide stains well. The only thing that will help you detect water damage is the smell, if you feel like the home, or room is smelling damp (an unfresh smell like wet dirt or spoilt eggs) then there is water damage there.
Damp feeling
If you notice the humid smell and touch the wall, it is most likely that the walls will be damp. Even if a wall is painted, it will not be able to dry if there is water damage, leakage or seepage. This is often a good way to test the extent of the damage that water has caused. If left unchecked, it can weaken the wall and lead to the loss of structural integrity.
If you notice any, or many, of these problems, it’s time to either seek professional help or move, depending on the damage. Professional plumbers will be able to get to the bottom of most leaks and fix it so that no more damage is caused. Painters can leave the walls looking as good as new once the leaks have been fixed. Carpenters can help you replace rotting wood on doors and windowsills. Get the help you need from NoBroker’s home services. We can even help you find a new home! Click below to get started.
FAQ’s
1. Does the ceiling need to be replaced after water damage?
Ans. Yes, a ceiling needs to be changed after going through water damage. Water damage repair will help you maintain the structural integrity of your home for a longer time.
2. How do you repair a water damaged drywall?
Ans. For a low leaking ceiling repair cost, you have to use a dry drop cloth to catch and wipe all the debris. Make sure you wipe the wet drywall of the ceiling using a cloth. You can also replace the damaged portion by cutting it out and replacing it with a new drywall piece.
3. What is the cost of a water damaged floor repair?
Ans. Depending on the severity of the water damage. The cost of repairing the floor varies. If the water damage is minimal and the floor dried up quickly, the water damage floor repair cost will be very low. However, if the damage is deep and the only option is a replacement, then the cost can go significantly higher.
4. What is plaster ceiling water damage?
Ans. A plaster ceiling water damage refers to the damage caused to a plaster ceiling over continuous use due to moisture and other humid factors. A plaster ceiling water damage repair can be done by removing the damaged portions and replacing them with new drywall.
5. How do you save a water damaged floor from decaying?
Ans. A water-damaged floor or wall can be very dangerous if ignored. Therefore, it is necessary to treat and repair the damage at the earliest convenience. The first step towards a water damaged floor repair is to clean the surface properly and dry it of any water or similar liquid. Next, clean the mould and finish with a fresh coating of paint and laminate.
