What Are the Signs of Water Damage in Your Home in College Station, TX?
Water damage is one of the most common issues for homeowners and costly. Why should you care? Because water damage can cause a lot of problems very quickly, raising costs right along with it. In College Station, TX, our humidity, frequent storms, and older plumbing systems make our homes even more vulnerable. The problem? Water damage isn’t always obvious, and especially not right away. And by the time you actually see the damage, it’s very likely that it has already spread behind walls, under flooring, or into your home’s foundation.
This is why we want to show you the common signs of water damage, so you are prepared and can avoid the need to call our team! Here’s what every Bryan-College Station homeowner should look for.
Visible Signs of Water Damage
If you have a water leak or other water emergency in your home, after a plumber, your next call should be our team. The best plan is to prevent water damage. However, you may not always know when water has been released in your home so here are several visible signs of water damage to keep an eye out for.
- Stains and Discoloration – yellowing, brown, or dark spots on your ceilings, walls, or floors are one of the biggest indicators of water damage.
- Peeling or Bubbling Paint or Wallpaper – Water or moisture trapped behind surfaces will cause your paint to bubble and your wallpaper to loosen.
- Warped or Buckling Floors – wood and laminate floors will often swell or lift when water is stuck underneath.
Hidden Signs Homeowners Often Miss
The visible signs of water damage are more obvious, but less-obvious signs exist to give you clues of possible damage.
- Musty Odors – a constant damp smell could mean hidden water damage or mold growth in areas you can’t see.
- Unexplained Increase in Water Bills – if you see a spike in your utility bill without explanation, a water leak may be to blame.
- Sounds of dripping or Running Water – if you hear water when no faucets or appliances are on is another red flag.
Structural Red Flags
An issue with the structural integrity of your home is a big deal. Water can cause a great deal of damage especially when it’s left for extended periods. Look for these signs of damage to your home.
- Sagging Ceilings or Walls – when water is left in contact inside of your home’s structure for extended periods weakens materials, causing sagging and warping.
- Cracks in Walls or Foundation – over time, water left in contact with your foundation can weaken it, causing shifts and cracks to your foundation.
Mold Growth - The Biggest Risk
You know that College Station, TX has a very humid climate and the summer and storm season only increases it. Mold can start to grow in just 24 – 48 hours of water exposure. It thrives in warm, humid, and dark spaces just like attics, HVAC systems, bathrooms, and behind walls. Mold not only causes damage to your home but also poses health risks like respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma flare-ups.
What to Do If You Notice Water Damage
Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage. The more time that water has been loose in your home, the more damage is likely to happen. Learn the steps you should take when you believe you have water damage. Not sure? Give us a call anyway, we are happy to provide a professional assessment and as the old adage goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Act Fast – The longer water sits, the more damage it causes. Turn off power to any area where there is standing water. Keep pets, children, and other vulnerable family members away from any affected areas. Do not enter flooded areas.
- Call Us – Before the insurance company, call our team to assess the damage. We’ll help you work with insurance to make sure everything is covered.
- Document Everything – Take photos and notes for your insurance claim.
Recognizing the early signs of water damage can save you big and protect your home. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your home, go ahead and give us a call.
We provide turnkey solutions for water damage including emergency water extraction, drying, and dehumidifying, mold remediation, and even full reconstruction.