Finding Hidden Water Damage

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Are hidden water intrusions harming your home?

For many, our homes are our largest asset.  Unfortunately, so many issues can rear their ugly heads before we have any clue there’s a problem. 

A home maintenance issue I dread is water damage.  At this point, most of us are aware that we can’t ignore a water damage or we risk structural problems, including mold.   However, how are we to know about hidden water damages?  Well, we’ve asked that question and received some clues pointing to possible hidden water damage. 

Check Your Flooring
Almost every type of flooring will show some sign of water damage if you know what to look for.  Ceramic tile may start cracking.  Hardwood and laminate might start showing signs of warping, boards appearing raised or wavy.  Damp spots or a damp, moldy smell might indicate issues under carpeting.  Vinyl flooring might start showing stains appearing from underneath the vinyl. 

Inspect for Water Stains
Be on the lookout for water stains, especially water staining near sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.  Other less obvious staining on ceilings or walls could indicate a leaking pipe or drain inside the wall, as can areas in drywall that are soft, bubbled or cracked.  Peeling paint can also show water issues within your walls. 

Keep an Eye Out for Mold or Rust
Water heaters can slowly cause big problems.  Check the tank and pain underneath for dampness or rust.  Slow leaks are rather common in water heaters.  Active mold growth indicates a moisture issue.  Moldy, musty, damp unpleasant smells can also indicate there’s an issue requiring further investigation.

Take a Good Look at the Exterior
Make sure to take a close look at your homes exterior.  Make sure you don’t see pools or puddles of standing water.  Be sure you don’t have any broken vents or siding.  Walk away from the house a bit so that you can see the roof; look for missing, or curling shingles.