Make a Water Damage Inspection Part of Regular Home Maintenance | SERVPRO® of Gwinnett County South
9/21/2020 (Permalink)
There are few things that are worse for a home than the accumulation of water damage that goes untreated. This can lead to a number of issues and cause problems that are more than just cosmetic. Water damage can severely harm the structural elements of a home and cause a whole host of issues that are not readily apparent.
As part of your maintenance tasks around the house, doing a check for water damage on a regular basis is wise. Catching it early will lessen the damage you—and your homeowners’ insurance—have to deal with. If you find evidence of water damage, it is important to call in the restoration professionals right away.
Looking for Evidence of Water Damage Around the House
Inspect your walls and ceilings. If there is a leak in the ceiling or behind the walls, your drywall will often be the first place to show it. Spots of discoloration or peeling paint are often signs of a hidden leak festering, and can quickly be noticed with even a preliminary DIY inspection of the area.
Don’t forget to look down. Your floors can often show evidence of water damage early on, as well. As the water flows downward from where it is originating, it can work its way to the subfloor which can absorb a good bit of moisture. This will cause the subfloor to swell, leading to buckling and softening of the cosmetic floor above.
Inspect your roof. Your roof serves as your first line of defense against any weather-related issue, which is why keeping it operational is so important. Go out with a pair of binoculars after every storm to check for missing shingles, loose flashing or other signs of trouble. It is also smart to check in on your gutters when it rains so you can watch out for drainage issues.
Pay close attention to the basement. Basements were always considered to be a damp area in the past, but now we know how much damage can be done by letting basement moisture go unchecked. Water can seep in through the walls if drainage is poor, holding moisture in and leading to mold and mildew growth. Basement moisture is no joke, and should always be addressed by a professional.
If you have water damage anywhere in your home, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with a water damage restoration expert.