Signs of hidden water damage in your home:

11/9/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can come from numerous sources, including thunderstorms, local flooding, burst pipes, and leaking appliances. It may develop rapidly or slowly, seeping into ceilings, floors, and walls—each area displaying unique signs of deterioration. When a water leak goes unnoticed, even briefly, the resulting damage can be substantial. Wet rot, for example, can weaken wood, compromise structural integrity, encourage mold growth, create health risks, and lead to costly repairs. When checking for water damage in your ceiling, look for these indicators:

• Peeling, bubbling, or flaking paint 
• Water rings (usually a light brown color) 
• Sagging ceiling
• Mold growth (especially in corners where walls & ceilings meet) 
• Musty smells
• Small hairline cracks or larger spiderwebbed pattern of cracks 

When checking for water damage in your walls, look for these indicators:

• Softened drywall (if safe to do so, press on areas where you suspect water damage and if the wall sinks inward, you likely have water damage on the inside) 
• Discoloration (often appearing in the form of streaks, running down the wall in affected areas) 
• Water rings (usually light brown color) 
• Musty smells
• Cracked, bubbling, or flaking paint 

When checking for water damage on your floors, look for these indicators (remember that hardwood floors are especially susceptible to water damage):

• Buckling (where the floor may separate from the seams and peel upward)
• Warping (including flooring that may be cracked or bubbling) 
• Discoloration in the floor
• Cupping (where plank edges curl upward leaving the middle slightly depressed) 
• Musty odor & smells

If you discover any of these signs of water damage in your home immediately call SERVPRO of Tacoma.When SERVPRO of Tacoma professionals arrive, we immediately begin a detailed inspection to assess the extent of the damage and create an appropriate cleanup plan. First, we locate and stop the source of water damage to prevent further damage. Next, we classify the water based on a three-tier system (category 1 to 3), which guides our restoration approach. We then inspect the entire property, noting any hazards like asbestos or lead. Finally, we move and block furniture to prevent rust or stains from forming on wet carpet.

SERVPRO of Tacoma is available 24/7, 365 days a year, always equipped with the tools and expertise to make your water damage “Like it never even happened”. If you’re unsure whether you’ve encountered water damage and need a second opinion, or if you’re certain your home or business has suffered water damage and requires immediate professional restoration, don’t hesitate to give us a call.