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Living in the Sunshine State means facing the harsh reality of frequent floods and hurricanes. The coasts of Florida have become familiar with these natural challenges, and Orlando is no exception. The relentless cycle of heavy rains, urban flooding, and plumbing mishaps can wreak havoc on your home’s structural integrity, its interiors, and your cherished belongings. Even a seemingly innocuous water leakage can silently infiltrate unnoticed corners, leading to significant and long-lasting structural issues. Water damage is like a slow death for your home, a stealthy poison that gradually seeps into the very roots of your cherished abode, causing severe harm.
If you’re living in Orlando or other parts of Florida, it’s imperative to remain vigilant, constantly on the lookout for both visible and invisible signs of water damage. To aid you in this endeavor, this article presents four telltale signs that your home may be experiencing water damage. But before we look into those specific signs, let’s first understand the common causes of water damage in Orlando, Florida.
What Causes Water Damage?
Water damage is a common phenomenon in the US, with over 37% of homeowners and nearly 98% of home basements suffering from some form of damage. Water damage can occur in various forms, such as water leaks in the walls, basements, and around the foundation of the home, as well as burst pipes, roof damage, and excessive moisture buildup. If your home has one or more of the following problems, it’s time to call a credible Orlando water damage restoration service to prevent water damage as soon as possible:
- Severe weather events, such as hurricanes, heavy rains, storms, and inundation, lead to water infiltration into homes, especially in low-lying areas near water bodies.
- Roof leaks result from damaged or inappropriately installed roofs.
- Poor drainage caused by clogged gutters and downspouts leads to water pooling around and seeping into the house’s foundation and basements.
- Water condensation due to poor ventilation can cause damage in closed areas like bathrooms, basements, and attics, leading to damage over time.
- Worn-out water heaters often have sediment buildup or loose connections. Which cause water to leak and seep into the floor and walls, resulting in damage.
Water damage restoration services examine every nook and cranny of your home, identify any signs of water damage, determine the causes, assess your home’s structural integrity, and estimate the damage done. In case there’s standing water in your home, water damage restoration services drain the water through specialized pumps, dry the area, and restore your home to its pristine condition. Credible damage restoration companies like Floor Pros USA offer free inspections and lasting warranties for their restoration services. This ensures that the property is thoroughly restored and protected against any potential recurring water damage issues.
Signs Your Home Has Sustained Water Damage
Here’re four telltale signs that your home has sustained minor to severe water damage:
1.Water Stains and Swollen Wall Paint or Wood
Water damage often manifests through clear water stains on ceilings and walls and swollen walls. Water stains are relatively easier to identify and often emerge even before a crack appears on the wall, ceiling, or, sometimes, on the floor. Stains of water commonly appear as circular rings with a pale hue on white walls and a shadier circle on walls painted with darker colors.
Swollen drywalls sometimes don’t manifest a stain and typically appear when your property experiences excess moisture. While a stain or swollen drywall usually indicates a leak or burst pipe in your home. You must call a professional damage inspector to identify the root cause. These professionals will promptly trace the water leakage back to its source and assess the severity of the issue so you can reach out to your insurance company for assistance.
2.Peculiar Odor and Mold Growth
Places like the kitchen and bathroom frequently experience a range of odors due to excessive moisture. However, if this smell lingers and strengthens each day, there’s probably underlying damage. Dampness usually carries a recognizable smell, which doesn’t go away even after deep cleaning the surrounding area.
If there’s mold growth around the water-damaged area. It may give off an odor reminiscent of old newspaper, rotten wood or cardboard, or a wet book. Basements, garages, attics, and bathrooms are common areas for mold growth due to poor ventilation. However, in homes with severe damage caused by storms, hurricanes, and floods. You’ll recognize this peculiar ofir throughout the home, permeating even the living areas.
3.Large Cracks on Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
There could be many reasons behind those large cracks appearing on your home’s walls, floors, and ceilings. However, if the cracks have water stains around them. Then it could indicate water damage due to prolonged exposure to water.
If you notice large cracks on your walls, floors, or ceiling. It’s time to have a detailed physical inspection of your property and check for any signs of damage. Especially after a flood, pipe burst, or storm.
4.Warped or Damaged Floors
Buckling or warped floors serve as another unmistakable indicator of water damage. When your floor’s wood, deck girders, and beams absorb water due to a plumbing problem or cracked roof. It results in the wooden floor separating or chipping off from the subfloor. Which becomes apparent when you walk over the affected area.
Although a drastic temperature change may also cause a warped or buckling floor. It’s usually the minor leaks and water seepage that cause a visible and tangible buckling on the floor. Floor Buckling can spread to other floor tiles and beams. So you need to seek assistance from expert water damage restoration services to address the issue promptly.
Final Thoughts
Water damage can seriously affect your home’s structural integrity and lead to potential health hazards for the occupants. if not addressed promptly and effectively. If your home ticks all the above boxes. Don’t hesitate to contact a reliable damage restoration company and get your home thoroughly inspected by a professional damage expert. Their assessment report will also help you file an insurance claim against the water damages. So you can recover the repair expenses. Their assessment report will prove valuable in filing an insurance claim to cover the repair expenses incurred.
Remember, addressing these issues promptly ensures the safety of you and your loved ones. Act now to safeguard your home and restore its integrity.