How to Tell if You Have Hidden Water Damage in Your Marietta Home

Water damage is one of the most devastating causes of loss in a home, but it’s even worse when it goes untreated. Unfortunately, many sources of water damage are hidden and go unnoticed for days, weeks, or even months. When this happens, the water damage worsens, and many homes even end up with secondary damage, such as mold growth and rot. 

In order to prevent extensive damage, it’s important to request immediate water damage mitigation Marietta services. R Squared Restoration & Remodeling can help with this, but Marietta homeowners need to know when to call for help. Therefore, they’ve created this guide on signs to look for if customers suspect they have water damage in their homes. 

Stains on Walls or Ceilings

One of the more obvious signs of water damage is stains on the walls or ceiling. They are typically yellow or brown in color, and they usually indicate a leak that has occurred and already dried. However, some homeowners may notice that the stains have rings in different colors and sizes. This could indicate an on-and-off leak that has been occurring for an extended period of time.

Paint Bubbles on the Walls

Homeowners should also be checking their walls for any bubbles in the paint. This is a clear sign of a water damage problem because it indicates that water has built up between the paint layers and the drywall. Property owners might notice that the bubbles form in groups, or they could have one large water bubble. It’s difficult to tell how much water is in the walls, so even the small ones shouldn’t be underestimated or popped without the help of a water damage mitigation crew.

Warping in Walls or Door Casings

Bubbles and stains aren’t the only signs to look for on walls. People might notice that the walls have also become warped. This happens when the drywall absorbs water and becomes too saturated. Even if it dries, the drywall usually won’t go back to its original shape. The same can happen to door casings. Homeowners might notice that their doors aren’t closing as easily as they used to, and this could be due to water damage warping.

Mold Growth or Musty Odors

Another obvious sign of water damage is the presence of mold growth. After all, it only takes 24 hours for mold to start growing after water damage occurs. However, sometimes, the mold might be hidden in the walls or floors, so it might be tough to spot the black, green, or blue growths. Instead, homeowners might not realize there is a problem until they pick up on a musty odor. 

Soft Spots in Drywall

Similar to warping, drywall might soften as it becomes saturated. However, soft spots should be taken very seriously. They could indicate that the walls or ceilings are no longer structurally sound, and it could be dangerous for homeowners to remain in the house. Homeowners should be especially wary of soft ceilings as they could collapse at any time.

Wet Spots on Floors

The walls aren’t the only places that homeowners should be checking for water damage. Flooring can also get wet when there are leaks. Homeowners might notice that their carpet has a damp feeling, or they could notice puddles on their non-porous surfaces. In either case, they should investigate where the water is coming from.

Buckling Hardwood Floors

If the home has hardwood floors, the water damage might show up as cupping, buckling, or peeling. When the wood absorbs the water, it changes the shape of the boards. Without a professional water damage mitigation, Marietta homeowners may eventually notice that the floor is starting to rot. The water damage can also spread to the subfloor, which would make the home structurally unstable.

Higher Than Usual Water Bill

A sign that many homeowners might overlook is an increase in their water bill. In general, prices should stay the same as long as the residents aren’t using more water than normal. Therefore, an increase in the utility bill could indicate that water is running somewhere the homeowner doesn’t realize. It’s important to keep an eye on these bills and make notes of unusual changes.

Request a Professional Water Damage Inspection in Marietta

Homeowners who have spotted any of these signs shouldn’t hesitate to request an inspection from a company that specializes in water damage mitigation. Marietta customers can reach out to R Squared Restoration & Remodeling right away for emergency services because they are available by phone 24/7. The contractors also have a simple online form that contractors can submit for a free quote.