Signs of Water Damage in & Around Your Home

Water damage to your home is one of the most common problems homeowners face, especially in the winter months in New England. It can happen at any point and result in different problems, including structural damage. Without water damage cleanup a new problem can form, mold which can quickly grow in areas of leaks or water damage. 
However, there is a good chance you can catch it before it causes problems. 90% of water damage can be avoided with proper care and maintenance. The key is knowing what to look for and the common causes of water damage. 

​Signs of Water Damage Inside Your Home
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Being able to spot these signs of interior water damage in your Capital Region home can save you a major headache down the road. Watch out for these common symptoms of water damage! 

• Water Stains or Dark Wet Spots: are there any water stains visible on the ceiling, walls, or in areas surrounding pipes? Do you see dark yellowish or brown rings forming? These are telltale signs of water damage. 
• Changes in Drywall: does the drywall or paint on the ceiling/walls appear like it is cracking, bubbling, or flaking? Drywall can absorb excess moisture, including that from leaks or water damage. It causes it to bubble up/crack while appearing swollen. 
• Soft, Sagging Spots: look especially on the floor near tubs, showers, sinks, and washing machines. Do you see any dark spots that appear to be sinking into the floor? Are there any pools of water or regular drips appearing? This is a clear indication of potential problems. 
• Cracked or Warped Floors & Cabinets: does the tile, laminate, or wood flooring appear cracked or warped? Do your cabinets appear warped, like they are changing shape, or have spots of discoloration? Is there dampness on the floors or in the cabinets? Does the wood seem to be rotting? Any signs of mold? Any of these changes can point to a leak or potential water damage. 
• Rust on Metal Pieces: is there rust developing on your water heater? Heating vents in your bathrooms, near your plumbing, or near pipes? This is a common sign of a water leak somewhere in your home.
• Humid or Damp Smell: is there a damp smell in your home? Is there a spot of excess humidity in your home? An appearance of mold? The smell of water damage is easy to find. It’s a combination of rotten eggs mixed with a wet dog smell. If you smell this somewhere in your home, call a professional to investigate.
• Sounds of Dripping: have you been hearing a dripping sound or a rushing/running of water when nothing is on? Listen more for shifting or changing sounds, as water pipes can make different sounds at times. 

These are all the most common signs of water damage in your home, but you can prevent it from even reaching this point. How? You can search for the signs of exterior damage leading to future leaks. 

Signs of Water Damage on the Outside of Your Home

Another place to look for signs of water damage is the exterior of your home. Here, you can see potential causes of damage or leaks before they worsen. 

1. Are there any downspouts that divert water away from the house? Are there gutters? Look to make sure both are intact and properly attached to your home. It’s a good way to catch any minor leaks or clogs that might cause problems later on. 
2. Check the roof! Are there missing or cracked roof shingles? Does it appear cracked or thin in some areas? This is especially important in New England homes that experience lots of snow or heavy weather. These can all lead to water damage or leakage.
3. Examine your exterior doors and window frames. Is there any separation with exterior windows or door frames? Any soft spots in the window frames? This can indicate a spot for potential leaks! 

By checking your gutters, roof, and exterior door/window frames for any potential problems, you can protect yourself from damage in the future. 

Common Spots for Water Damage

Knowing the most common spots for water damage can offer a sense of relief, or even protect you later on from danger. The spots where we see water damage most often are in attics and basements. 

Your attic is more likely to have water damage that builds up over time as a result of leaks in the roof. If your home is older, keep a special eye on your roof to make sure it is properly maintained and resists severe weather. Focus on looking around or near chimneys, roof vents, where roof planes join, or where the walls meet for any discoloration, dampness, or warping in the attic. This can help you react quickly to signs of leaks or potential problems later on. 

Water damage in the basement is a very common problem for homeowners, caused by leaking water heaters, a foundation leak, flood damage, washing machine overflow, and more. During the winter months or heavy storms, water can build up and cause eventual damage. Watch out for discoloration in corners or near pipes, as well as the damp smell that comes with water damage.


Contact Us Today

Water damage or flooding can be a scary moment for any homeowner. While you might be tempted to fix these signs of water damage yourself, consider contacting a professional instead. These signs can be just the tip of the iceberg, and you’ll be treating the symptom and not the cause. 

 If you see any of these signs of water damage, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. We will treat the symptoms AND the cause of water damage in your home. Contact CleanBright Surface Restoration today for your water damage restoration needs in Upstate New York.