Water damage can ruin the value of your home, says Dan Schaefer, founder of Providence Renovation, LLC. A residential and commercial restoration and remodeling company based in Phoenix, it often has to deal with houses that have been damaged by water. Here, Schaefer tells you what to look for, before the damage gets too big.
When it comes to water damage in your home, there are several basic things you can look for. It’s important to keep your eyes open and be aware of what these sings are, or you could be facing costly repairs in the future. Here are some things to look out for, on varying types of surfaces in your home:
- Wood: Different types of painted wood show water damage when paint blisters, cracks or peels. Wood can expand when it begins to rot because of water damage. Paint discoloration is also a sign of water damage. Black or green mold can also appear on wood.
- Stucco and masonry surfaces: Masonry and stucco surfaces are very porous, and if the substrate is not properly coated, it will absorb water, which will actually pass through it and cause damage beyond the surface. Signs of water damage on stucco or masonry are that the surface can be soft or it can break off. Stucco in particular can look white and powdery on the surface and mold can begin to be visible, which is an indication of water damage.
- Drywall: Drywall can actually expand because of water damage, with the top paper layer beginning to tear off. Water damage can also cause sagging on walls or ceilings made of drywall. Popping nails or screws on walls can be a sign of water damage; on the ceiling in particular they can actually protrude out. There can also be a yellowing on the surface of the drywall. Flaking or cracking plaster can also be a sign.
- Metal: This is simple to detect, as metal will rust if it comes into too much contact with water. Non-rust metal like aluminum can show water damage with a discoloration of the paint or the metal itself.
If you notice any water damage on any of the surfaces of your home, call a licensed contractor. Some contractors have equipment that can detect the presence of water inside walls and ceilings. Water damage can be dangerous because of mold, so there is also equipment available to test for mold in your home.
