The last thing you want in your home is to have water damage. Finding it can be key to preventing your home from serious damage. While there may be some obvious places you’ll be able to spot water damage in your home, there are some places that are a bit more hidden from view that you should look at. Today, we’re going to talk about five of those hidden places where you can find water damage in your home.
Check Around Your Windows
This one might not be the biggest concern if you’re in a newer house. However, older homes are a bit more prone to water damage in and around your window frames. This is especially true if they haven’t been installed properly. If your house doesn’t have central air conditioning, you’re most likely going to install a window unit to cool your house down in the summer. Window units can cause water to collect and pool underneath. If there’s cracking or peeling paint on the window sills, water can seep its way inside, which can cause damage to the wood. If the wood gets too spongy, it can eventually lead to rot along with loose sills and jambs.
House Siding
House siding is intended to keep out any damage, but that’s not always the case. One cause of water damage is the spaces between seams in your house’s siding or just unsealed spacing in general. These gaps provide the perfect opportunity for moisture to get in and cause damage. Another area to consider is if you have an exterior faucet. If the area is not properly sealed, water can get in and cause damage. Telltale signs of this kind of water damage include warping, buckling, or damaged siding. Be sure to keep an eye out for these to prevent serious water damage from happening to your home.
Wall Framing and Drywall
The drywall and framing of your home can be affected by water damage, especially if you’ve recently had a major flooding incident or a water pipe burst. When these things happen, you may notice wet spots at the bottoms of your interior walls. Unfortunately, drying the wall isn’t enough to prevent water damage as this is usually a sign of something more severe. Drywall can soak up moisture, which not only can cause damage to your drywall, but cause problems for your wall framing. Moisture can collect between the framing studs and eventually lead to mold and rot if it is not properly taken care of.
Your Appliances Can Be Hiding Water Damage
When we say appliances, we’re not talking about your toaster or blender. Dishwashers and clothing washers are both notorious for causing water damage in and around where they are placed. Unless you want to hurt your back every day, moving these large appliances just isn’t feasible. As a result, they’re not regularly checked for water damage. This means that even the tiniest of leaks can eventually lead to not only water damage but provide the perfect environment for mildew and mold to grow on your walls and floors.
Unfortunately, when mold is left untreated, it can cause insomnia, trigger allergies, and worsen respiratory conditions. It can also lead to headaches and depression.
Indoor Plumbing Fixtures
Toilets, faucets, showers, you name it. Anything in your home that water comes out of can cause water damage if not properly treated. Maybe your home has a compromised pipe seal or some caulk that’s a bit worn down. Compromised seals like this can lead to damage to your subfloors and walls if not taken care of. Make sure your waterproof seals are maintained to prevent any damage. The best way to spot this kind of water damage is if you come across a spongy area or if there’s a musty smell.
How a Water Damage Restoration Company Can Help
A professional water damage restoration company has the tools and resources available to effectively remove water from your home and disinfect it so it doesn’t turn into mold. Furthermore, this team will be able to assess what kind of water damage your home suffered so they know what methods to use to properly clean it. For example, if you suffer Category 1 water damage, only water-sensitive items such as vinyl floors will have to be removed, whereas Category 2 damage will require the use of an air scrubber.
Do You Have Water Damage in the Home? Call the Pros at PNW Restoration For Help
If you have water damage in home, the trained technician at PNW Restoration can help. We offer 24/7 emergency cleanup. Call us at 971-247-3381 to schedule an appointment. Don’t let water damage ruin your holiday plans. Call PNW Restoration for help.
