Common Water Damage Signs To Avoid Major Cleanup In Winston-Salem

Did you know that even a minor leak can cause serious water damage and cleanup to your home in Winston-Salem? Water damage, even as minimal as a leak, can compound and spread very quickly when not addressed immediately, requiring major water damage cleanup. So how can you spot a leak so you can get it resolved before it becomes a serious problem? Here are some common signs of water leaks you should be aware of in your home so you can respond quickly and avoid major water damage cleanup issues.

Water Damage Cleanup In Winston-Salem 

Musty odors

A musty odor or moldy smell is a common sign that there is water damage. The smell is often strongest in the area where the water leak is present, but can easily spread throughout the home. Musty smells typically mean there is mold growth present, and mold is very dangerous. If you notice a new mildew smell, or the smell becomes stronger, get the area checked for water damage.

Visible mold growth

If you can see mold growth, then there is absolutely water where it should not be. Mold thrives where there is a consistent source of moisture, so areas that have a leak and remain damp for extended periods of time will begin to facilitate mold growth. Mold may appear black, blue, green, or gray, and often looks fuzzy. Mold often grows in places we cannot see (which is why hidden water leaks are so important to find), and can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, along floorboards, in attics, well really anywhere in your home. Mold poses serious health threats if inhaled or ingested, and should be handled with professional mold remediation services. The only way to stop the mold is to stop the source of moisture, so if you notice or suspect a mold problem in your home, then there is also water damage that needs to be addressed.

Dark or discolored spots on the walls or ceiling

Stains and discoloration on walls and ceilings are also signs of potential water damage. Most water stains will appear yellow or brown color, and will expand into shapes with irregular borders. Typically, water stains on the walls and ceiling indicate a slow and consistent leak, and can most likely be traced to a plumbing fixture or pipe. If you noticed discolored spots in your home, have the area inspected for water damage.

Changes to flooring, ceilings, or walls

There are many different things to look for in the walls, floors, and ceilings of your home  when inspecting for water damage. Here are some of the most obvious signs of changes that are caused by water leaks: 

• Warping walls
• Peeling paint of wallpaper
• Bubbling in walls and ceiling
• Wet spots in carpet
• Peeling tile
• Cracked grout lines
• Warping floorboards
• Buckling in floors

Look for any changes in your walls, floors, and ceilings, and be sure to get any suspicious areas checked for water leaks.

If you notice any of the above signs in your home, do not waste any time in calling Restoration 1 of Winston-Salem. We know how serious water damage can be, even when it seems to be a small leak. We know how to find the source, get it stopped, and get your home cleaned up and back to normal.