What Does Water Damage Look Like?

Did you recently move into a new home and are now suspecting that there may be some leakage or water damage? Knowing how to detect signs of water damage in your home is important. Water damage to a home is a much more serious problem than many people realize. Aside from the obvious property damage, water damage can lead to a myriad of health issues including allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory issues.

A common question people want answered is “What does water damage look like?” Fortunately, there are ways you can spot water damage in your home. It goes without saying that not all damage is going to be visible. Water can leak in hidden places like the inside of the walls which you’ll likely not notice unless and until some severe damage has been done. This is why you need to do some up close inspection to detect damage. Spotting the problem areas early on will certainly help you ward off future issues that can prove costly.

Signs of Water Damage

With that in mind, knowing how to spot water damage in a house is a common theme. Here are some of the most common signs of what water damage looks like that may enable you to determine how to spot water damage in a house:

Water Stains

An obvious, telltale sign of water damage! Water stains are one of the major signs of water damage in walls. Stains and slight color discolorations that appear on the wall, floor or ceiling without any apparent reason are most likely due to an undetected water leak in your roof or walls. While inspecting the surface of your walls/ceilings may be an obvious step, be sure to take a close look at the corners where the walls meet the ceiling, floors and each other for discoloration as well.

Humidity and Dampness

Unexplained humidity or dampness in your home can be a sign of an undetected water leak. Check for wet surfaces (such as counters and walls) where water shouldn’t be accumulating. Oftentimes, a leak nearby is the culprit.

Mold

Mold can be found anywhere moisture and oxygen are present. Mold is one of the most dangerous signs of water damage. Unless it’s simply a case of finding a small amount on your shower curtain liner, mold in your home is a serious problem. A mold problem is usually indicative of one or both of two things: humidity issues or a water leak. In cases of mold, unless the source of the excess water is apparent, a professional is necessary.

Strange Noises/Dripping

While the sound of water dripping is obvious, leaking water can sometimes take on deceptive sounds in a home. Listen closely when the house is at its quietest moments (night time when the traffic outside is at a minimum and most people are sleeping). Water leaks can sometimes be identified by a scratching or rushing noise not necessarily associated in our minds with water.

Soft Spots or Paint Damage

Paint and wood are often the first to show signs of water damage in a home. Warped floorboards or peeling paint is often a reliable sign of water damage. This damage can also be one of the common signs of water damage in walls.

Health Issues

A sudden onset of respiratory health issues could be indicative of a water-induced mold problem. Mold is known to cause a myriad of health issues including respiratory infections, asthma and severe allergic reaction.

Don’t wait until you have brown spots to check for damage throughout your home. There’s no need to wait for a disaster to perform preventive maintenance around the house. Recognizing how to identify water damage in your home won’t only save you money on costly repairs but eliminate potentially serious health concerns as well.

Signs of Water Damage in Walls

Water damage behind the walls are often not easy to spot and aren’t always visible. A dirty spot on your wall might be caused by a leaking pipe.

However, there is a few things that you can do in order to identify water damage and stop the leak before it gets worse!

Discoloration: One of the most obvious signs of water damage in walls is discoloration. If you notice any yellow, brown, or dark stains on your walls or ceiling, it could be a sign of water damage.
Peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper: Water damage can cause paint or wallpaper to bubble, peel, or become discolored. If you notice any of these signs, it could indicate that water has penetrated your walls.
Mold growth: Water damage can create the perfect environment for mold growth. If you notice any black or green spots on your walls or ceiling, it’s important to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and potential health hazards.
Musty smell: A musty odor in your home can indicate the presence of mold or mildew, which can be caused by water damage.
Warped or sagging walls: When walls are exposed to excess moisture, they can become warped or start to sag. If you notice any bulges or waves in your walls, it could indicate a water damage issue.
Soft or spongy walls: Water damage can cause drywall or plaster to become soft or spongy to the touch. If you notice any changes in texture, it’s important to investigate the cause.

If you notice any of these signs of water damage in your walls, it’s important to address the issue immediately. Ignoring water damage can lead to costly repairs, mold growth, and potential health hazards. It’s important to consult with a professional to identify the cause of the damage and take the necessary steps to repair and prevent further issues.

How Long Does Water Damage Take to Show?

The time it takes for water damage to become visible can vary depending on various factors such as the extent of the water intrusion, the materials involved, and the environmental conditions. In some cases, water damage can become apparent within hours or days, especially if there is a significant amount of water present or if it affects porous materials like drywall or carpeting.

However, in other instances, it might take longer for the signs of water damage to become visible, especially if the water is trapped within walls, ceilings, or insulation. Mold growth, discoloration, swelling, or musty odors are common indicators of water damage that might become noticeable over time. It’s important to address water intrusion promptly to mitigate further damage and minimize potential health risks associated with mold growth.

What Does Water Seepage in New Construction Look Like?

When there is water seepage in new construction, it usually looks like a small puddle of water at the bottom of a wall. This happens when the concrete has not been properly sealed against moisture intrusion. The water may also appear as a drip line along the ceiling.

If you have experienced water damage, contact Jenkins Restorations today for a free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to tell if water damage is new or old?

If you see a darker spot with zero rings around it, this indicates that the damage generated by water is new. Older damaged caused from flooding or other liquid contact will have many more rings visible on them as time goes by- just like trees do!