Water damage is nothing to brush off. Whether you own a residential or commercial property, a water damage restoration service may be just what you need.
When Is It Time to Hire a Water Damage Restoration Service?
Some property owners mistakenly believe that water damage only comes in large-scale forms such as flooding and burst pipes. But, water damage can still be present even if you can’t exactly see it. Signs of water damage aren’t always visible at a glance. Sometimes, you need to pay closer attention to the property’s exterior and interiors to really pinpoint where water damage is coming from.
To help you identify water damage early on and prevent costly repairs in the future, here are the signs you need a water damage restoration service.
1. Discolored Walls
Some walls become discolored over time because of dirt or grime. But, the discoloration can also signal water damage to your walls.
Particularly in exterior walls, if you notice streaks of discoloration or staining, there is a good chance water damage has already taken place. The discoloration is due to dirty water running down your walls as they overflow from your roof and gutter.
This is why gutter cleaning is of paramount importance. All sorts of debris can clog your gutters, preventing water from draining properly. Unfortunately, if water damage is already present, you will also need water damage remediation.
2. Musty Odor
Drywall is an absorbent material. In other words, it can just as easily soak up water as your kitchen sponge. When your drywall becomes saturated with water, it can start to smell as time passes. If something smells musty or old somewhere inside your property, there is a strong possibility of a water leak. Usually, the smell will be stronger in darker or damp places.
Sometimes, though, that musty odor will only come up every once in a while, typically after heavy rain. In that case, the issue may be with your building’s foundation. Whatever the case may be, you will likely require water damage restoration services.
3. Fractured or Blistering Paint
One of the most common signs of water damage in walls is fractured or blistering paint. While peeling paint can result from a number of causes, chief among them is excess moisture. Look for paint that looks like it’s bubbling. Before long, it will start to crack and peel away. If it reaches that stage, it usually means the water damage has worsened.
The science behind the effects of moisture on paint is actually quite interesting. When walls come into contact with excess water, the building materials will shrink and expand. This reaction will then weaken the paint, causing it to blister and peel.
4. Floor Problems
Are noticing your tiles becoming looser and looser as the days go by? It could be water damage.
When water accumulates under your flooring, it can have a damaging effect on the floor materials. Wood floors, for instance, might start to look deformed. Tile floors, on the other hand, will become loose because of the water’s effect on the grout.
Some owners might think that these changes are only due to the age of the property. But, they’re usually a good giveaway that there is water damage underneath the floors.
5. Puddles Out of Nowhere
One of the telltale signs of water damage on ceilings is when you notice water pooling in parts of your home or commercial property. Water puddles outside are a no-brainer since they can occur after rain or snow. But, if you find them inside, you might have water damage.
Of course, you might not be able to immediately tell that your ceiling is leaking. You might brush off the puddle and think that someone simply spilled their drink and forgot to clean it up. As a start, you can just mop it up. Then, wait a few days to see if a puddle forms again.
If it does, then you should have your ceiling and floors checked. The puddle might be due to something dripping from above or pooling from down below.
6. Weird Noises
While you can rely on your eyes and nose to spot water damage, your ears can be just as dependable. Pay attention to the sounds you hear, especially at night when it’s the quietest. If you hear trickling water or dripping noises outside of the usual water noises, it might be time to call a water damage restoration service.
7. Mold Infestation
Mold growth is a good indicator that there is water damage in your home or commercial property. Remember that mold thrives on moisture, especially in darkened spaces.
They can grow in between walls and below your floorboards. As such, they may not always be visible to you.
While mold is not immediately evident, one way to tell if your property has it is through its scent. Mold has a distinctly earthy odor, similar to old water that’s seeped into drywall for a long time. You might also notice that occupants have red eyes or are sneezing more often when they’re inside the property. This is because mold is a known allergen, and many people experience adverse health effects in its presence.
If you have a mold infestation, you will definitely need water damage cleanup and restoration.
8. Cooler Than Usual
Your heater gets the most use during the winter season. But, if it can’t heat up your space the way it used to, there are a few possible reasons — and one of them is water damage.
Water damage can cause dampness in walls. And it is this excess moisture that makes your space feel colder, thereby making your heater work twice as hard. In the end, you might have to seek help from water restoration companies and pay a high electricity bill at the same time.
9. High Water Bill
Speaking of utilities, another sign you need water damage repair is when you have a high water bill. If you can’t explain why your water bill suddenly spiked, then water may be leaking somewhere, and you just don’t know it.
Of course, a high water bill isn’t always a reliable indicator of water damage. You might have had more showers this month or hosted a staff party. But, if you’re not sure about the reason behind the surge, it is probably best to start looking for other signs of water damage.
Water Damage Restoration Cost
Water damage can come in different forms. Some are in the late stages, while others have only just begun. This can significantly affect how much you will need to pay for water damage repair. On average, though, water damage restoration companies will charge between $1,000 to $5,000 for their services.
If you want to find a reputable company, you can ask for recommendations from people you know. Alternatively, you can also search online using key terms like “water damage restoration near me.” Because water damage is often difficult to address, you will save more time and money by hiring professionals.
Leave It to the Pros
It is important to identify signs of water damage in its early stages. This helps prevent the problem from becoming worse, allowing you to save thousands of dollars in repairs. But, no matter the case, when you do find water damage, it is best to hire a water damage restoration service to remedy the issue.
If you need a company that specializes in maintenance, including water damage repair and restoration, MSI is the obvious choice. Call us today at 704.405.6000 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Plumbing For Commercial Buildings: What Services Do You Need?
- HVAC Maintenance: The Benefits, Process, And Finding The Pros
- 7 Common Drywall Repair Issues