7 Hidden Places to Check for Water Damage

If you own a home, you probably know what to look for when it comes to water damage. In fact, this issue is not only for homeowners but for business and property owners of any kind. Most causes of water damage are straightforward and what you would expect; rainwater, flooding, and burst pipes to name a few. Whether it’s water spots on the ceiling indicating a leaky roof, or signs of a failing sump pump, we all know where to keep an eye out for the usual sources of water damage.

However, did you know there are many other ways in which your property may sustain water damage that aren’t as well-known? They can lead to expensive water damage that you may not even be aware of until it’s too late. In this blog, we discuss some of the most common, sneaky ways in which water can enter your home and cause damage.

Where to Look for Leaks, Drips, and Floods at Your Home or Business

Houses are built to keep us safe from the elements, including one of the most destructive forces on earth: water. Every part of a house is designed to repel water away and keep the foundation and vital components of the house dry. In addition to water being dangerous for humans, when it is mixed with building materials, it can cause catastrophic damage. Not only will water rot wooden studs and floorboards, but it can also lead to the growth of mold. Mold growth in your home can cause severe health issues for you and your family.

The seven hidden places to check for water damage include:

1. Around the Chimney

The masonry on your chimney may become compromised and lead to water pooling up around the base. This is often an easy fix and requires only a specialist to touch up the compromised mortar. If left unattended, water pooling around your chimney can lead to a collapsed roof.

2. Siding

Though homes are designed to keep you safe from the elements, mistakes can always happen. Wear over the years may create gaps in the siding of your home that are perfect entryways for water. Try to keep an eye out for any damage or openings in your home’s siding.

3. Windows

Old or improperly installed windows can allow rainwater into the walls of your home. Peeling or cracking paint can cause water to seep into the window sills and rot the wood. If you notice the wood around your window is spongy, it may mean rot.

4. Doors

You have to open and close your door anytime you or someone else enters or leaves the house, and traffic can lead to water accumulation around the threshold of your exterior doors. If left unattended, this moisture will seep into the floorboards and cause rot.

5. Inside Wall Framing

In the event of a basement flood or busted pipe, you may notice that the bottom of your wall is wet. Merely drying the walls yourself is not enough to remedy this problem, and it could lead to damage to the home’s structure and framing if not properly treated.

6. Behind and Beneath Home Appliances

We don’t often move around the biggest appliances in our homes such as clothes washers and dishwashers because they’re so heavy and cumbersome. These two appliances are however some of the biggest causes of household water damage for this very reason. Keep a keen eye on your washers because even a small leak can cause expensive damage over time.

7. Indoor Plumbing Fixtures

Sinks, tubs, and toilets are constantly being filled with water, so it makes sense you should watch out for signs that these are leaking water. Even a little bit of caulk deterioration can lead to major water damage if gone unnoticed. Look out for spongy areas around these fixtures and musty smells which may indicate water leakage.

Why You Should Consider Professional Help With Water Damage Clean-up

Water damage to your property is nothing to take lightly. It can pose not only serious risk to your property but also to the health of the inhabitants. Many types of water damage require professional help, but more than that, you may run into insurance coverage issues if you try to DIY it.

By trusting us with restoring your damaged property, you’re ensuring issues will be resolved in a timely manner by professionals. We employ industry experts who serve as trusted advisors to our clients, allowing us to go above and beyond to produce high-quality emergency and reconstruction services.By trusting us with restoring your damaged property, you’re ensuring issues will be resolved in a timely manner by professionals. We employ industry experts who serve as trusted advisors to our clients, allowing us to go above and beyond to produce high-quality emergency and reconstruction services.

If your property has sustained water damage, make sure it is dealt with properly by professionals by reaching out to Alpha-Omega today to see how we can help. We serve Billings West End, Billings Heights, Laurel, Red Lodge so don’t hesitate to contact us today!