Water damage is common but can be a devastating force in any home or business. Whether it is caused by a burst pipe or heavy rain, the effects can be long-lasting. While minor issues can be fixed with a DIY approach, there are situations where the damage is vast and needs professional help.
Thus, in this blog, we will explore the signs you need professional water damage restoration services. Understanding these signals will help you act quickly to protect your home and ensure a safe living environment.
Six Key Signs You Need A Professional For Water Damage Restoration
1. Water Marks On Ceilings
Watermarks or stains on your ceiling are a clear-cut sign of water damage. This might seem like a common issue. But in reality, it is a more significant problem that lurks behind the surface. So first, let us know what causes ceiling stains.
Roof Leaks: When the roof flashes or the gutter clogs and overflows, water paves its way through the roof, enters the ceiling, and causes stains.
Plumbing Leaks: When pipes leak, especially those running through the ceiling, they can cause water stains. This is one of the most common issues in bathrooms or kitchens.
Cracks In Building Envelope: Cracks or gaps in the outer walls can also allow water to seep and cause stains on interior ceilings.
2. Warped Or Buckled Flooring
Warping or buckling of the floor is one of the most common signs you need professional water damage restoration services. This is because most types of the flooring are porous. Meaning, that when water seeps into them, they expand.
This expansion stresses the material and leads to warping or buckling. Water can also seep from the floor to the subfloor and cause it to swell. As a result, this creates an uneven surface and makes the floor buckle.
Fixing water damage underneath the floor can’t be done with the DIY way. Because to do so, you need to have the expertise and tools (like professionals have), to locate the source of the moisture, extract the water, and dry the affected area.
3. Swollen Drywall
Drywall is made of gypsum. Similar to floorings, gypsum is also a porous material and absorbs water quickly when exposed. So, what happens is that when the water comes into contact with the drywall, it travels through this porous material and spreads moisture beyond the initial point of contact.
As the drywall soaks up water, the gypsum becomes soft and loses its structural strength. Thus, this weakening leads to sagging or swelling of the drywall because the material no longer sustains its own weight.
4. Peeling Or Bubbling Walls
Water can seep into the walls through various points. This includes leaks from the roof, cracks in plumbing, or high levels of humidity. Now, drywall, plaster, and wood are all spongy materials. So when they soak in water, they expand and lose their structural power.
This expansion, in turn, causes the outer layers, such as paint or wallpaper, to detach from the surface and lead to what you see as peeling or bubbling. Besides, when moisture remains trapped beneath the surface, it creates pressure that can lift the paint or wallpaper and form bubbles.
As the water continues to push against the layers, the bubbles can burst and result in peeling.
5. Moldy Odors
It is natural to notice a kind of moldy smell after water damage. This is because moisture creates an ideal state for mold spores to grow and thrive. Some of the most common places include behind walls, under floors, or in ceilings.
Over time, as the mold grows, it emits Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds or MVOCs into the air. These MVOCs are often responsible for the musty odors that are commonly related to mold.
Inhaling these spores or MVOCs can stir up allergies and other health risks. So, if you notice a moldy smell, it’s important to call professionals. Professionals can assess the source, remove the mold, and dry the affected area thoroughly to make sure it doesn’t return.
6. Spike In Utility Bills
Sometimes, water damage can go unseen. This leads to a sudden increase in utility bills. Therefore, let’s explore some of the most common signs of hidden water damage that can cause a spike in utility costs.
Constant Water Flows: If there’s a hidden leak, such as in a pipe behind a wall or under the floor, water can flow without being noticed. This constant flow leads to increased water usage.
Inefficient Appliances: Some appliances that use water like washing machines become less efficient, in case there’s water damage. As a result, this causes them to use more water than usual.
Basement Water Intrusion: When a sump pump works overtime to manage excess water in the basement, it uses more electricity. Such over-usage of electricity, in turn, spikes the cost of your utility bills.
Let’s Conclude It!
Water damage can be a homeowner’s nightmare. It often arises from unexpected sources like burst pipes, severe weather, or hidden leaks and in a quick span of time, can wreak severe havoc on your property.
Hence, it is important to understand the signs you need professional water damage restoration services to minimize the devastation before it turns out to be beyond repair and restore your home.
Water damage incidents are never called for, so if your home happens to become a victim of such a mishap, make sure you call PNW Restoration to repair the damage quickly.
Their certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to remove excess water, thoroughly dry affected areas, and restore your property to its pre-damage condition.
