Water Damage and It's Hidden Signs

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

Watermarks and stains are a sign of a previous or existing leak.

Water damage is one of the last things any property manager or homeowner wants to deal with. Unfortunately, the weather in Central FL cities such as Winter Park and Orlando is known for its spontaneous rain and storms. Couple this with the fact that any facility, whether residential or commercial, must have a substantial supply of water and a clearer picture of how likely a water disaster can strike is painted.

A few examples of how water damage can occur on a property are sewage overflow, ruptured water pipes, water heater leaks, dishwasher malfunctions, or in many cases flooding from a severe storm or hurricane. Aside from the visible or obvious causes of water damage, what many homeowners and property managers may not notice are slow leaks and/or plumbing issues that can quietly damage a property.

Knowing the signs of hidden water damage will better equip a building or homeowner to detect leaks that can lead to damage or even discover if a property has suffered from water damage in the past.

Signs of Hidden Water Damage

• Wallpaper and Paint - If a wallpaper adhesive is used on the property, check for signs of peeling. In properties with interior paint, a water leak behind a wall may cause raised and wavy lines.     
• Baseboards and Trim - Look for baseboards and trims that are separating from the wall. Exposure to water may cause swelling over time, which may push the baseboard from their flush placement against the wall.
• Wooden Furniture - Wooden furniture may swell if exposed to water for a prolonged time.
• Bathroom Tiles - Check the floor tiles around your toilet for darker colored grout. This is a sign of a leaking toilet.
• Unexplained Moisture - If a pipe ruptures in your concrete slab, it can slowly lead to warped floorboards, cracked tile or damp carpet if the right amount of water is soaked up by the under-padding.
• Sweating Walls - Blotches of condensation are a common sign that excessive moisture is festering behind the walls. This can be caused by a leak or a mixture of high humidity, poor ventilation and/or inadequate insulation.
• Mold - Any presence of mold or mildew is a solid sign that an area has been exposed to water and the right amount of humidity for at least 48 hours.
• Watermarks and Stains - Ceiling marks and stains, commonly seen in office buildings, are a sign of a previous or existing leak.
• Swollen Door Casing – Water leaks can cause an exposed door casing to swell and become unaligned. A door that begins to have trouble opening and closing could be a sign of a leak.

Keep these hidden signs of water damage to your property in mind to be better prepared and aware if a water disaster strikes. Should you notice a sign of damage, hidden or visible, SERVPRO of Winter Park’s phone lines are open 24/7. Our experts in the restoration field can perform an in-depth water damage assessment to ensure our restoration services are successful. To speak to a water and mold expert, give us a call at 407-678-5391.