Unfortunately it is the peak season for water damage in Montana. As the weather fluctuates, the perfect scenario develops for frozen pipes, water spigots, sprinkler lines and ice dams. Winter precipitation also leads to ground saturation and water intrusion through faults in a foundation. Le-Squeegee has some helpful tips on discovering water damage at its earliest stage.
Slow leaks are the hardest to detect, but can result in a devastation loss – An undetected slow leak can lead to microbial growth and deteriorate building materials. Learning about the signs of water damage can save yourself time and money.
Staining and visible microbial growth – Brown and grey water staining on walls or ceilings and visible microbial growth is one of the most common signs of a water intrusion. Finding these signs on the ceiling can be the result of an ice dam or roof leak. It is also common to find staining in an area that does not have proper ventilation, including attics and bathrooms.
Warping, peeling, flaking and soft drywall – Not all water damage is seen with visible staining. It can also be detected by the physical alteration of drywall and paint. Warped drywall is a sign of a water intrusion. This is most often found on a lower section of drywall resulting from a pipe leak inside the wall or a water intrusion from a foundation issue. Peeling paint or drywall that is soft to the touch is the result of the drywall becoming saturated from water. This is a sign of a slow leak where the water is absorbing into the building materials.
Musty smell – Trapped water will begin to put out a musty odor. The most common place for this type of odor to occur is water trapped in the pad of a carpet or underneath flooring. If you start to notice a musty smell, it is a good idea to get a professional restoration company involved to discover the source of the smell.
Increase in water bill – A water leak often leads to an increase in water consumption that is reflected on your bill. If you notice any irregularities with your water bill it is a good idea to have a detailed inspection to see if there are any issues.
Increased humidity – Elevated humidity levels and moisture buildup on windows is a sign of a water issue. This can happen when a space does not have proper ventilation or there is a significant water leak.
Distorted flooring – Wood floor buckling and swelling or laminate floor that is lifting or popping is a sign of water damage and an active leak. These issues require the attention of a restoration professional.
See any of these signs? Bring in a professional restoration company with advanced detection equipment – Ask your trusted restoration company for a water damage inspection. They should be able to get an detailed picture of the damage using moisture detecting equipment and a thermal imaging camera
