5 Signs of Possible Hidden Water Damage

Water is unpredictable. It does what it wants. Any building – home, business, or otherwise – is full of wall cavities, and empty spaces in floors and ceilings. All of these areas can be perfect hiding places for water.

Water leaks can start just about anywhere – a leaking pipe, toilet, bathtub, even the roof. So while you might not see actual water or moisture, there are other some other indicators you may see around your Sharpsburg-area home or business. Can you check off any of these items?

Stained Walls or Ceilings

This could be a small or large area of discoloration. When water seeps into empty cavities, it will slowly saturate the drywall or ceiling, creating a water stain or splotches in the affected areas.

Unpleasant Odors

I’m sure all of us have walked into a home at one time or another that smelled musty or damp. Those smells are signs of a water issue somewhere in the home. The longer the water sits, the more likely it is that mold is growing in that area – and that bacterial growth can create that unpleasant, earthy smell. Problems like this will not simply go away; it is vitally important to have this problem dealt with by trained professionals like Champion Cleaning Systems. The longer you wait, the bigger the damage will be, and the more likely it is that water damage will spread and affect other areas of the structure.

Drooping Walls or Ceilings

This goes along with the stained walls or ceilings but is much clear evidence of a problem. Saturated drywall or ceiling materials become very heavy from the added weight of water is soaked into the surfaces. Eventually, the drywall or ceiling will begin to buckle, droop, or become deformed by the weight. In drastic water damage situations, walls or ceilings this wet actually post a safety hazard because they could fall or collapse.

Visible Mold

This is an absolute indicator of a water problem; mold does not grow without some help from a moisture source. In the Georgia heat, mold can grow year-round. It’s also important to realize that if you see mold growth in one area of your home, those mold spores are likely already airborne and can make their way into other nooks and crannies. Even a small, discolored spot on a beam could be more than dirt – it could be mold. If you suspect mold growth, it’s simple to call in a professional to test it.

If you suspect water damage in your home, give us a call soon at 678-974-1151. Thanks to advancements in technology, and our trained and certified technicians, it is often possible to determine the source of the water leak without having to damage any walls or surfaces. It is also crucial that the source of the leak is fixed before the damage is fixed, otherwise, it is all counterintuitive. We have met homeowners who replaced water-damaged drywall themselves but didn’t fix the source of the initial water problem and ended up with a much larger restoration job down the road.