Water damage is a costly nuisance for homeowners. Missing or failing roof shingles, flooding, burst pipes, and leaky fixtures are all conditions that allow water to harm your home’s structural integrity. Below is an overview of residential water damage and how to deal with it.
There are various types of home water damage that cause issues ranging from minor drywall rot to severe structural damage. Leaky roofs and plumbing problems are the leading causes of water damage. Below are some of the types of residential water damage that you may experience in your home.
1. Residential Water Damage in the Ceiling
Ceiling damage may result from burst or leaky pipes, leaking fixtures, or roof damage. Untreated water damage on the ceiling often leads to severe and costly structural damage to your home and unsightly water stains.
2. Hardwood Floor Damage
Water intrusion on hardwood floors can permanently ruin the wood because the material is absorbent. The signs include:
- Uneven and warped flooring
- Discoloration or fading in the whole surface
- Cupping, crowning, or buckling planks
3. Carpet Damage
Water damage in carpeting is often due to flooding, appliance overflow, leaky pipes, or leaks in doors, windows, and roofing. A wet and untreated carpet may show dark staining and discoloration and have a musty odor that’s a sign of mold and mildew growth. Damage to the carpet is not always visible because water seeps through to the underlayment.
4. Drywall Damage
Drywall damage often occurs from leaky pipes, leaky roofs, or leaks near doors or windows. A visual inspection can help you spot drywall damage and a moisture meter will give you a reading of the moisture content in the drywall. Drywall damage is mostly found where plumbing pipes are located. Common signs of drywall damage include:
- Peeling paint
- Bubbling joint compound
- Bulging drywall
- Stains on the drywall
How to Deal with Residential Water Damage
Below are some helpful tips to help you deal with water damage in your home.
1. Identify the Source of Residential Water Damage
Find the source of water that’s causing the problem. Once you have identified the issue, take immediate action to prevent the situation from becoming worse. If the problem is too complicated, hire a plumber to fix it.
2. Remove Water
Remove any standing water after identifying the issue. You will most likely notice standing water in lower areas of your homes. In some instances, a wet/dry vacuum may be sufficient. Hire a professional water damage specialist to help if the water is from a polluted source or near electrical fixtures.
3. Dehumidify the Area
Remove water from the affected area to stop materials from warping. Dehumidifying also helps prevent mold and bacteria growth. Use fans and dehumidifiers to completely dry out the area.
Residential water damage is one of the main causes of structural deterioration in a building. Mitigate any issues before they escalate and become more severe and costly. Hire a specialist to help with mitigation if you don’t know anything about plumbing or fixing water-damaged areas.
Redbud Home Inspections provides home inspections to Bartlesville, Grand Lake, Owasso, Tulsa, and the surrounding areas in Oklahoma. Contact us to book an appointment.