Water damage can be a costly repair—spot the signs early on.

Water is one of the most powerful and amazing forces on Earth, but it can also be very destructive—especially in the home. Being able to recognize the signs of water damage is incredibly important because it empowers you to see the warning signs early on and treat the damage before it gets any worse. 

Identifying Water Damage

Since water is so destructive, there tend to be quite a few signs when water damage occurs. While some of them might not be apparent at first, others can be picked up on fairly soon after the problem has begun. Being able to spot these early signs can save you a large amount of money on expenses. Let’s explore a few of those tell-tale signs that will let you know that something is amiss in your home.

A Musty Smell

Smell is often a strong indicator that something is wrong in the home, and it can tell you that water damage is occurring. When water begins to pool in a space or fill an area, it will often begin to rot the surrounding materials. This exposure to moisture will lead to a musty smell that can start by being fairly faint and build up over time. 

Visible Surface Bubbles

When water fills a space, it can make certain materials swell. In many cases, like with walls, this will cause some bubbles to form, and it can be fairly visible, especially as the bubbles get bigger. These bubbles can also crack and often look like a deformity in the material itself. 

Dark Stains

Staining is a very easy way to identify water damage, especially on walls and certain kinds of floors. If you notice a brown or even slightly orange stain that seems to be moving and expanding, that is always a big sign that something is leaking and causing damage. It often looks like water has been poured on the other side of the material, and the shape will be organic and highly irregular instead of smooth in many cases.

Wet Patches and Puddles

Visible water is a great indicator that there is water damage—at least water damage that is occurring in real-time. When water pools up in a space, it is almost always safe to assume that damage is occurring or about to occur. If you see this, it is important to take immediate action.

The Takeaway

It is natural to have to pay for repairs in a home, but it is always best to keep repairs to a minimum by keeping the right practices. The water damage Charlotte homes receive can be significant and may require expensive repairs. To ensure that you maintain your home and avoid the damage getting worse before it is treated, always remember to keep an eye out around the home. A quick and regular scan can help you to identify these scenes as soon as possible.