What Are Signs of Water Damage?

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes, it’s immediately obvious when your home or business has water damage. Often, water damage works more stealthily. How will you know you have water damage? The answer: Watch for the warning signs. At SERVPRO of East York, we want to alert you to five common signs of water damage, so you’ll be prepared to act if needed.

1) Dark or Wet Spots

Patches of paint discoloration can appear on your walls or your ceilings. On a white-painted surface, you may see brown-colored spots appear. These dark or wet spots are a clear sign that you have water damage in your home or business.

Don’t try to paint over the spots—that’s an aesthetic fix (and one that won’t last). Instead, immediately call a water damage cleanup specialist who can address the structural problem behind the discoloration. You likely have a hidden plumbing issue that must be fixed.

2) Flaking or Peeling Paint

Stains on the ceilings or walls are one thing—but flaking or peeling paint is another. If you notice this, it’s a major sign that water has been seeping into your drywall, and the problem has been sitting there unaddressed for some time. Water damage in the drywall can spread easily.

3) Soft or Swollen Drywall

If water damage is left to fester for too long, it can cause your ceilings and walls to swell. In some cases, a swollen ceiling could actually begin to sag. If you notice this, it’s time to have the problem addressed, so you don’t risk a ceiling collapse and the hazards that go along with it.

4) A Damp or Musty Smell

Even if you can’t see the signs of water damage, you may be able to smell them. When water is absorbed into wood and drywall and is left to sit there, you’ll quickly notice a musty scent. If you catch a whiff of something damp, try and see if you can identify the source of it. That is likely where your water damage is coming from.

What Should I Do If I Have Signs of Water Damage?

If you notice any of the above signs of water damage, we encourage you to reach out to us at SERVPRO of East York. Our specialists in water damage restoration and mold remediation can help you return your home or business to its pre-water-damage condition, “Like it never even happened.”

With decades of experience in commercial and residential water damage repair, we’re here to lend a hand when you need it!