Beginning water damage restoration as soon as possible will yield the best results for your Long Beach Island home when it has been affected by water. One of the keys to responding quickly to water damage is being able to identify the signs water damage before it becomes a serious problem. Here are some common signs of early water damage that could help you solve a water leak or other problem before it leads to major water damage restoration.
Listen for the sound of running water, especially when no fixtures are turned on. The subtle drip from a leaky pipe may go unnoticed when not specifically listened for, and could result in long-term water damage and mold growth. When you turn on appliances that use water, like the dishwasher or washing machine, listen for any sounds of water leaking around the appliance. Another sound you should listen to is a popping noise from your water heater. This could indicate that there is too much sediment built up inside your water heater tank, which can cause the tank to leak and flood your home with water.
Pay attention to smells, especially strong, musty odors in your home. Mold and mildew give off a pungent earthy smell that may start out subtle, but will only strengthen over time. Microbial growth results when there is excess moisture present, so water leaks and unresolved water damage will lead result in mold. In order for the smell to go away, the mold growth must be removed and the source of the water must be stopped. Do not ignore musty odors in your home, mold exposure can cause a number of respiratory symptoms to everyone in the home. If you have an odor that leads you to suspect mold damage or water damage, call the specialists at Stretch Cleaning right away.
Look for any stains, spots, or areas that are discolored on your ceilings, along your baseboards, and on the walls. When water leaks behind walls or above the ceiling and soaks through the sheetrock, it will leave water spots and stains. These discolored areas will have irregular borders, and may change in size and shape over time. Not only are the unsightly, but water spots and stains also indicate a more serious problem that could affect your home’s very structural integrity.
Act fast if you notice any changes in your floors, walls, or ceilings. Porous materials, like wood and drywall, will absorb water when exposed to it, and this could lead to warping, buckling, bending, cracking, and even rot. When the components that make up the walls, roof, and floor of your home become weakened by water damage, it can result in loose or cupped floor boards, or even more serious damaged subfloor that you can actually fall through. Ceilings can become heavy when sodden with water and can actually cave in. Walls may bow and crack when water damage goes unnoticed for too long. If you notice any changes at all in the structural elements of your home, have them inspected right away.
When you notice an of the above signs of water damage in your home, be sure to call Stretch Cleaning. We will be able to find the source of the problem and act fast to provide you with the best water damage restoration services in the area.