Water damage is a warning—learn how to spot it at first glance.
Owning a home can be quite an adventure, especially if you have lived in your home for a while. Even though we love our homes, many of us experience common problems with them throughout the years. From a refrigerator going out to mold growth, there are plenty of issues you may end up addressing. Water damage is one problem that can have an expensive and negative impact on your home. Let’s discuss how you can help your home by identifying water damage as quickly as possible.
Key Indicators of Water Damage
Water damage can be highly visible or easy to miss, but if there is one thing we know, it is that it tends to get worse with time. Homeowners should always keep an eye out for signs of water damage to ensure that they can react quickly and address any concerns. The faster you act, the more likely you are to minimize damage.
Noticeable Discoloration
When water damage sets into certain materials, you can see it. It shows itself as an unusual and unsightly discoloration. Think of it like the messy water paintings that you used to make as a kid–but with worse colors. This discoloration will appear as the water spreads and will show as a spreading, uneven mass from where the water source is.
Dampness
Dampness is a sensation you can feel and smell—and it isn’t a pleasant one. If you notice that a room seems humid or a little thick, you might have water leaking somewhere. The smell that comes with water damage is moist and thick, often smelling like mold. This is important to recognize because this particular smell can actually mean that mold is on the way.
Audible Dripping
Sometimes, you can’t see water damage, but you can hear it. If there is suddenly the sound of dripping filling your home, you may be experiencing water damage that you haven’t located yet. Try to follow the sound and look for any other indications of water damage. Don’t ignore it—timing really matters when addressing these problems.
Weakening Material
Water is very destructive, and it has the ability to break down and rot a lot of materials. Some materials might not be able to visibly show water damage, but you might still be able to feel it. The material might have bubbles and may even feel soft to the touch when you run your fingers across it. If there is mold, be sure not to touch it.
The Takeaway
The water damage in Charlotte is known for is destructive, and it can be fairly difficult to treat. If you have even a hint of water damage in your home, you will want to call in the experts to fix it as soon as possible. Remember, a small amount of visible damage can be much larger behind the scenes!
