The average homeowner is not prepared to deal with water damage in the home. Homeowners lack the advanced water extraction and drying equipment needed to remove water and moisture from the premises. The damage is often more extensive than what meets the eye, requiring technical knowledge about how water damage occurs and about how it affects a structure.
The damage is often messy and dangerous, presenting many health hazards. Homeowners do not have the necessary clothing, breathing apparatus, gloves, goggles, cleaning solutions, and construction expertise to repair damaged walls and sagging or collapsed ceilings. Removing carpets and flooring requires much physical strength as the materials become very heavy due to the water content. Back injuries from working with waterlogged carpet are not uncommon.
Removing, repairing, and replacing baseboards and trim require a higher level of carpentry skills. Sheetrock repair calls for finesse so that the finished product is seamless. Replacing damaged flooring to its original pre-damaged condition demands time, a keen eye, and specialized tools. Water damage restoration is best left to the professionals who have the expertise, equipment, state-of-the-art technology, and honed techniques to address the problem.
Finding water damage in the walls of the home can be discouraging to the homeowner. What is the source of the water? Is there still a leak? How long has the water been in the walls? Are there mold issues to identify and resolve? How extensive is the damage? How much will it cost to fix the damage? Will insurance pay for it? Will the family have to leave home while the house is being repaired? Having a bonded, insured, and certified team of highly trained technicians on the job brings hope and confidence to homeowners whose lives have been disrupted by a water damage incident.
Water damage behind walls is challenging because the sources of water are many, and finding the cause of the problem can be costly. In many instances, signs of water damage can go unnoticed or ignored for extended periods of time, compounding the water damage and increasing the likelihood of mold growth. Most homeowners often do not know and do not recognize the clues that indicate damage until the problem is extremely obvious. Paul Davis Emergency Services of Norman and SW OKC highlights common clues that can help homeowners preemptively detect a potentially serious problem.
Clue: Water Stains
At first, water stains start imperceptibly small and are easily overlooked or missed. By the time the stain catches the homeowner’s attention, the situation has grown in scope, along with the size of the stain.
Carefully inspect for water stains on walls, baseboards, and around nearby door or window frames. If the water does not appear to be leaking in from poor or degraded caulking, separated framing, or a similar issue, a leaky pipe inside the walls could be the culprit.
Clue: Musty Smell
Mold and mildew can often result from the prolonged presence of water damage. In this case, the smell may raise the alarm rather than visible water stains. Examine both sides of the wall in question for any water stains that may have formed. If the wall has an exterior face exposed to the elements, look carefully to ensure that the water source for the leak or smell in question is not coming from outside.
Clue: Discoloration
A water leak of any kind can cause discoloration. Initially, the discoloration may look like a water stain. When the water evaporates, the wall is often left with lingering signs of damage. Brown, yellow, and copper are the most common discolorations associated with wall water damage. Rust on appliances and pipes are a tell-tale sign of an issue that needs attention.
Clue: Changes in Texture
Changes in the seams of flooring could help locate a leak in the walls. Sagging, warping, expanding, or buckling may be signaling the homeowner of a potential leak.
Conclusion
Water damage occurs in many different forms. Because disaster can strike even the most prepared business or homeowner, the property owner must be aware of the clues that point to a problem. When water damage is discovered, the professionals at Paul Davis Emergency Services of Norman and SW OKC are prepared for the job, whether large or small. In a water damage situation, “this is no time for second best™.”
For more information about water, fire, storm, and other damage restoration services, visit Paul Davis Emergency Services of Norman and SW OKC on the web at southwest-oklahoma-city.pauldavis.com. Contact the office by phone at (405) 802-5405.
