Top Signs Your Home Has a Water Problem
John Toth, President
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com
Regular maintenance is key for living comfortability in your home. A tidy yard and checkups on home appliances are a good start, but it’s also important to monitor your home periodically for water damage. A variety of issues can cause water damage, especially in older homes, and can show up at any time. If water damage is ignored or goes undetected, it can lead to costly repair bills or in the worst-case scenario, become a hazard to your health. Most water damage can be seen or heard, such as carpet stains or dripping sounds, but it’s not always easy to spot. The following are a few tips to help you spot water damage.
Water Stains. Discoloration or stains on your ceilings, walls, or floors is a sign you might have an issue. If you walk barefoot on carpeting and you feel dampness you likely have water entering your home. Laminate flooring sometimes swells with water exposure and hardwood floors can start to warp. Walls might also start bubbling, cracking, or flaking.
Mold. If you notice black or white spots on the surfaces within your home, you might have mold. Mold grows indoors when mold spores land on wet surfaces. Mold has the potential to cause health problems. It is important to immediately contact a mold remediation specialist and fix the underlying water issue.
Musty Odors. A water problem in your home can also show up as a damp or musty odor. This type of distinctive scent is usually difficult to miss. The odor is a telling sign that you are having trouble with a pipe or a leaking home appliance hose.
Foundation Problems. Foundation issues could be the result of poor drainage around your home. If you notice cracking or separation from your home exterior walls, you may it could be from a buildup of moisture. Flaking or bubbling paint on basement walls is also very often the result of moisture. A majority of home foundations are made up of concrete. While this type of material is durable, it is also porous, and water can fill those pores. This type of damage often happens gradually. A lesser-known sign of damage is when doors or window frames become misaligned.
Prevention/Detection. It is a good idea to do a regular inspection of your home for signs of water damage. Concentrate on areas where water exists in your home (bathrooms, laundry, kitchen) and also on the exterior walls of the home (windows, doors, roofs). Look at both floors and also ceilings for any warning signs. When you leave your home for an extended time, consider shutting of your water main as many larger water damages to homes are undetected for an extended time.
If you have any water problems with your home, do not delay repairing or remediation. Contact the NCBIA to find a qualified professional to help your home get back in shape. We are your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other services available to help you in the future. So, you can see that you use an NCBIA member for your protection. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the Industry tab).
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