Anyone who lives in Northern Virginia knows that while the weather is usually nice when it rains it pours. With all that rain pounding the home, your space can quickly succumb to water damage.
To make matters worse, many homeowners aren’t aware of what water damage looks like. Because of this, they don’t take preventative action to repair it. What ends up happening is that serious damages begin to form over time.
Rather than waiting until your home is in need of serious repairs to address an issue, why not learn about a few common signs of water damage? Here are several water damage signs to look for in your Northern VA home.
Dark Spots on the Walls and Ceilings
One of the more noticeable signs of home water damage is dark spots on the walls and ceilings. Discoloration occurs because water has seeped in and is causing deterioration or rot in these areas.
Over time, the dark spots can cause paint and plaster to fall off the ceiling. This can leave roof beams exposed and allow for even more water to seep in and cause problems in the home.
These dark patches can be found inside and outside the home. Checking regularly for areas where the color of the plaster has changed can help you mitigate the need for water damage repair.
A Moldy, Dusty, or Damp Smell in the Home
Your home shouldn’t smell of mold, mildew, or dampness. And, if it does, there’s a good chance that water damage is the culprit.
When water seeps into the walls and ceilings, it makes it easy for mold to grow. As the mold begins to take over the home, the smell can permeate your living spaces.
Not only is this a sure sign of water damage, but it’s also a health and safety hazard. Getting your home checked for water damage keeps your house and your health intact.
Flaking, Cracking, or Bubbling in Paint and Drywall
Drywall and the paint covering drywall should lay flat against the walls and ceilings of your home. However, if you notice cracks, bubbles, or flakes in the paint and drywall water damage may be to blame.
When water gets into the drywall or underneath the walls and ceiling, it can cause disfiguration of the paint and drywall. This usually shows itself in the form of bubbles, cracks, or flakes.
If you notice even small areas of paint or drywall that exhibit these signs, it’s definitely time to call in a water damage restoration team. Leaving these issues unaddressed can cause the problem to spread and lead to costly repairs in the long run.
Puddles and Pooling Water
We all know that our homes should be keeping the weather at bay and keeping us dry. That means that if you notice pooling or puddles of water anywhere in the home, you’re probably experiencing water damage.
When water begins to damage the walls and ceiling of the home it can create gaps that allow the weather to creep in. These gaps lead to leaks in the roof, walls, and ceiling.
This, in turn, leads to puddles of water or pooling water in the home. Getting ahead of water damage right off the bat can help you avoid leaky walls and ceilings and make sure you avoid pooling in the home.
Running Water Sounds
Another common sign that your home is experiencing water damages is if you notice the sound of running water in your home. We’re not talking about a faucet being on or someone in the shower.
If you hear noises that sound as though there are drips or taps, there’s a good chance you’ve got a leak. A leak means that water is getting into the home somewhere.
And, if water’s getting in that means that you’ve got water damage. If you hear any of these noises, it’s definitely time to call a water damage restoration team.
You’re Paying More for Your Utilities
No one likes having an increase in utility bills. And, while you might not know it, water damage could be causing you to pay more every month to keep the home warm or cool!
That’s because when water damage gets into the house it can lead to cracking in the walls and ceiling. The cracks allow heat to escape and cool air to get in, which can mean you’re paying more for AC in the summer and heat in the winter.
If you’re noticing your bills are inexplicably rising, you may want to check your property for signs of water damage. Getting a few quick repairs taken care of can help you get those bills back to an affordable number.
Your Roof is Missing Shingles
Another common sign of water damage is actually found outside the home. When water damage starts to affect the home, you may notice that your roof begins to get damaged.
One major roof problem caused by water damage is missing shingles. Missing shingles could mean that the boards under the shingles are rotting or damaged from water.
If you spot missing shingles on your roof, it’s time to call in a team to help with water damage restoration. They can properly diagnose the problem and make sure no more water damage wreaks havoc on your home.
Final Thoughts on Water Damage in Northern VA
Water damage is more than just annoying. It can lead to higher utility bills, health and safety hazards, and all sorts of structural problems in the home. Because of that, getting water damages addressed right away is critical.
If you think your home might have some water damages that need to be addressed, you’re in the right place. Give the expert team at Pro Services a call and we’ll head out to your property and get things taken care of.
When it comes to water damage remediation there’s no time to lose. Call us today and let’s get your Northern VA home whipped into shape.
