Flaky, bubbly or flaky paint · Small cracks in the hairline or a larger cobweb-like pattern of cracks · Water rings, usually light brown in color · Mold growth,. Basements are the perfect breeding ground for a mold or mildew problem. Mold and mildew growth occurs when there is a lot of moisture and organic materials. A musty smell in your home is a likely sign of water leaks, high humidity, or mold growth.
You may notice mold stains on drywall, carpets, furniture, or items stored in the basement. Watch for other signs of water intrusion, such as peeling paint, discoloration of walls, or increased allergy symptoms. If the basement smells like cat urine and the problem isn't due to a cat living in the house, this could be an indication of a mold problem. Basement mold must be treated immediately and preventive measures must be taken to avoid negative effects on indoor air quality.
When water evaporates, it leaves behind minerals, causing white, calcareous spots called efflorescence on the concrete walls and floors of basements. Efflorescence can occur anywhere there is excess moisture moving through the walls or floor of the basement. The most common entry points include cracks along the joint between the wall and the floor or through porous concrete.
While there may be no obvious water leaks or puddles, white spots are a common sign of water damage.
The efflorescence is not harmful and can be easily cleaned, but the source of the water problem must be treated to prevent stains from reappearing. Damage caused by residential water can be caused by a number of problems.This may be a minor problem, such as a small leak in a water pipe or a slightly clogged basement drain. Or it could be a major crisis, such as a flood, damage caused by a storm, or a build-up of wastewater. Either way, no matter the level of severity, costly and long-term effects can occur if the damages are not addressed quickly. If you're a residential restoration contractor, disaster response contractor, mold remediation expert, home inspector, or independent adjuster, it's good to know how to spot those long-term effects. Let's discuss the types of unfortunate consequences that can result from water damage and why you should document those problematic issues during a home inspection.
If you have experienced water damage to your residential or commercial property and need the help of an expert, contact PuroClean today. Moisture or water problems in your basement can lead to mold and mildew growth, rotting wood, or damaging stored possessions. This practical type of application will allow you to create and email a digital report, with a marked floor plan and photos that explain in detail any telltale signs of water damage. Some of the obvious signs of water damage to drywall and basement carpets are yellow-brown stains, mold stains, and moisture.
When water builds up against foundations due to poor drainage, hydrostatic pressure causes water to pass through cracks and voids in foundation walls. If the roof drain is clogged with debris or damaged, it can cause a significant problem of water intrusion during rain. Many times, this type of water damage is the result of a pipe leak or, more commonly, damage to the water heater. Water damage to the floor is the most difficult to treat because, like most plumbing problems, it's only visible when it's too late. An increase in the water bill usually reinforces this theory, since it means that you are accumulating more water than you are consuming.
You clearly identify them as water damage, and while water damage may seem minor, it can lead to some very problematic issues if not properly addressed. In addition, in many homes, this is where most of the pipes are kept along with the water heater, so always be sure to check for damage or leaks in both cases. When determining how to tell if water damage is new or old, examine the affected materials and look for signs of discoloration, mold, deformation, musty odors, rust, softness, and water marks, and you'll have a good idea of how long the water damage has been there. As noted above, water damage often leaves walls soft to the touch or otherwise deformed, bent and crumbled. Even worse, water or mold damage to the basement can be hidden behind drywall, under the floor, or in other areas out of sight.
Remember that it's important to act quickly, even if you're not sure you're dealing with water damage.
