Do you need expert water damage restoration services for your new home? Call Restorerz Emergency Services at (323) 997-4978 to schedule an inspection.
If you’re planning on moving to a new home, dealing with water damage after signing on the dotted lines is a situation you want to avoid. Homes with water damage will need refurbishing to take care of problems like wood warping, mold infestation, paint damage, and more.
Spotting the signs of water damage can save you money and ensure you’re negotiating with a clear picture of the home’s condition in mind.
As the leading water damage restoration experts in Los Angeles, we know all the signs of water damage in a home, and we’ll share them with you in this article.
The Top Signs of Water Damage to Watch For
Your home inspector will pick up on signs of water damage, but knowing what to look for will help you cross certain properties off your list and save money on inspections. A home has water damage if you spot the following:
Strong Damp Odor
A strong damp odor coming from inside a home often signifies water damage. Dampness has an easily identifiable smell. If the home has mold growth, you’ll pick up the smell of old cardboard or newspapers.
The smell will typically be strongest in the garage, basements, and bathrooms, but homes with severe water damage may smell damp and moldy, even in living areas. If you notice a moldy or musty smell, pay even more attention as you check for other signs of water damage we’ll cover here.
Flaking or Discolored Paint
The paintwork on a property is also good at communicating the presence of water damage in a property. Excessive humidity can leave paintwork work discolored, swollen, or flaking. However, most savvy sellers will repaint a home on the market, making this method less reliable.
Bloated Drywall
Drywalls in homes with water damage often have a swollen appearance in some parts because the material can absorb moisture. Therefore, inspecting every inch of drywall in the house is one of the surest ways to pick up on water damage.
Discolored or Soft Windows and Door Frames
This sign of water damage is easy to confirm without entering the house. Walk around the property and pay attention to the state of these frames.
Is the caulk peeling? Does the property have discolored or softwood? These are signs of water damage.
Roof Damage
Are there loose, discolored, or dimpled shingles on the roof? This is a clear sign of existing or future leaks. You should also check the roof’s insulation to ensure it’s in good shape. A home with poor insulation will likely have water damage as melting snow (due to escaping heat) can seep into the home’s roof and walls.
Dripping Water Sounds
While inside the property, listen for water leaks and dripping. Leaky faucets are easier to spot and repair. However, water leaks inside drywalls or underneath floorboards are harder to spot and may cause damage that will show up months after you move in.
Standing Puddles and Pools
Check all parts of the home for water pools and puddles. These often appear when there are burst pipes or other sources of water leaks somewhere on the property.
If you can spot any obvious sources of dripping or leaking, you can clean up the puddle (if possible) and wait to see if it will return. If it comes back, pipework may be leaking around the affected area.
Thriving Mold Colonies
Mold grows in any part of your home that’s always moist and damp. It can grow on drywall, ceilings, carpet, wood, and similar materials if they stay wet for extended periods.
Mold comes in different colors, but you can expect to find green, brown, blue, or black mold wherever mold grows in Los Angeles. Remember, homes with visible mold colonies have musty odors. If you perceive this smell in any home, head to the basements, bathrooms, or kitchens, and you’ll likely find mold growing there.
Discolored Walls and Ceilings
Water streak marks across a ceiling or wall signify water damage. A quick visual inspection will tell you if the home has water damage. When checking for signs of water damage with this method, start with parts of the home with lots of pipework, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and the attic.
However, as mentioned above, you can’t rely on this method of checking for water damage if the house recently received a makeover. Still, it’s a simple way to rule out water damage.
Don’t forget to inspect the home’s exterior when checking for water stains. Stains outside the walls could be due to water leaking from an overflowing gutter, mildew or mold growth, leaky water supply lines, and more.
Warped or Damaged Flooring
Water entering into the subflooring can cause wooden flooring to warp. Tiles may also come loose, and carpets will feel wet. While pipe leakage is the obvious culprit here, a saturated foundation is more problematic. Either way, you don’t want the expenses of rectifying the problem and stopping the water intrusion passed on to you.
Do You Still Want to Move Into the Property? Request Water Damage Restoration from the Pros
If the home with water damage ticks all the right boxes for you, you can still complete the move. First, you need to understand the cost of fixing the causes of the water damage and the cost of water damage restoration. A home inspector will give you an accurate picture of the situation.
You can proceed with the transaction if you’re happy to take on these costs. When it’s time for water damage restoration, don’t hesitate to call our team at Restorerz Emergency Services. We are experts at returning water-damaged buildings to optimum condition. Call (323) 997-4978 to request a consultation.
Can you spot signs of water damage due to a roof leak in your current home? Learn more about mitigating water damage from a roof leak.