Signs of Hidden Water Damage in Your Jupiter Homes

Water damage that occurs behind walls and under floorboards, or in other areas we cannot see, is very dangerous to the structural components of your Jupiter home. The excess moisture from hidden water damage gets absorbed in wood, foundation, drywall and insulation, and the longer it goes unnoticed and untreated, the more damage it causes. Hidden water damage can also lead to mold growth and spread throughout the home, where it can cause many different health symptoms. Allergic reactions, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and other respiratory problems are common symptoms of mold exposure, and, if unresolved, will worsen over time. It is critical to respond to water damage as soon as it is noticed, and to not let water exposure sit untreated for extended amounts of time. This can prove a difficult task if the water damage is occurring in places we cannot see. We at Restore Force would like to introduce some signs you can look for that indicates hidden water damage in your home in Jupiter:

• Stains and discoloration

 Water leaking within walls and ceilings will get absorbed by the sheetrock and drywall. As this water is absorbed, it causes noticeable stains and discoloration. If you notice spots on walls or ceilings that are new, continually growing larger, or changing color (getting darker), it is usually a good indication that there is hidden water damage.

• Musty odors

When excess water or moisture gets absorbed by porous materials (insulation, drywall, sheetrock, wood, etc) the result will be a musty smell. While smells can linger and travel, if a musty odor is really strong in one particular area, that is a good indication that there is water damage hidden nearby. 

• Peeling paint and wallpaper

Too much moisture build up behind walls will eventually cause paint and wallpaper to start bubbling and peeling. If there is visible bubbling and peeling, then sheetrock behind the walls has absorbed too much water, so it begins to soak through the walls. Flaking off of walls is also a sign of hidden water damage. 

• Warping and buckling

When porous materials absorb too much water, they begin to curve, warp, and buckle. Excessive warping threatens the structural integrity of the home, and can lead to extensive repairs. Check your walls, floors, and ceilings for any signs of warping or buckling, and get them checked for water damage immediately if you notice any signs of structural changes. 

• Visible mold

Mold growth occurs in areas where excess moisture is present, commonly under cabinets and around bathroom plumbing fixtures (tubs, showers, toilets, etc). Mold can be black, dark green, or white, and sometimes has a fuzzy appearance. If you notice visible mold along baseboards or walls that is not near any plumbing fixtures, there is like a hidden source of water damage. At the first sight of mold, call a professional water and mold damage restoration company to get it cleaned up.

Knowing what to look for when it comes to suspected water damage will help you find the problem sooner and get it resolved before more damage is allowed to occur. If your home has sustained water damage, the experts at Restore Force are standing by to help. Our team members are experts in water damage cleanup, mitigation, and repair – which include the emergency removal of water and reduces the chance of secondary damages such as mold growth. Don’t waste any time when it comes to water damage, and call us right away.