When it comes to water damage, even the most minor leak can lead to costly repairs, mold, and more. The good news is that if you catch the problem early, you can get it fixed.
However, to do that, you need to be well-versed in the signs of rainwater damage. This article will explore some common signs of damage that, once spotted, mean you need to contact an HVAC technician as fast as possible.
Dark or discolored spots
If you notice dark or discolored spots on your walls, ceilings, or floors, sometimes it might just be dirt, but other times, it could be rain damage. Begin by checking around your toilets, sinks, washing machines, and other plumbing sources. Rain may have seeped down the floors, so remember to check the ceiling as well.
Paint problems
Paint problems are other signs of rain damage, once you spot them on the interior or exterior of your home. Check for any paint bubbling, cracking, flaking, or damage. This indicates that rainwater is sitting behind your walls, siding or other painted surfaces.
Warped flooring
Aside from painting issues, flooring problems are also signs of water damage in a property. Walk barefoot to feel if your carpets are damp, wood floors are warped or vinyl flooring is buckling. All are signs of damage by rain. You can learn more about water mitigation here if you see or feel the damage on your floor. You should also investigate further, chances are the subfloor is also damaged which it’s necessary to be fixed as soon as possible because it’s an integral structural component.
Damp surfaces
Although it’s very common for areas such as bathrooms to be slightly humid, especially after baths, other surfaces around the house should not be damp or moist. Feel the walls, specifically around the windows and pipes. It may be rain damage if you feel moisture where it’s not supposed to be.
Pooling water/puddles
Water pooling and puddles are signs that rain might damage your property. Ideally, unless you have a flood or your toilet is overflowing, you should not have pools anywhere around the house.
Clean it up as soon as possible once you see pooling water to avoid further damage. If the water keeps pooling again, there is likely a leak somewhere. Check the basement or crawl space, as it’s common for pooling water.
Bad outside drainage
The outer areas around your property might indicate that rain has damaged the home. Look at the grating and draining of the house. If you see rainwater flowing towards or pooling around your home, it’s also a good sign to contact HVAC repairs.
Clogged or broken gutters
Cleaning the gutters is like visiting a dentist; it’s recommended that you do it twice a year to get the best results. If you put this off, you will be in for nasty surprises when you see rain overflowing into your roof or foundation.
Clear leaves and debris so rainwater can be redirected away from your home. If you are diligent in your gutter cleaning practice, you won’t have any problems. Otherwise, you should check your gutters; they may need to be replaced to drive the rain away.
Roof damage
Your roofing is meant to protect your home from the elements. However, it will not prevent rain from entering your home once it has missing shingles, becomes saggy or has small holes.
In fact, it will even become a source of rainwater damage to the property. Gutters can cause this, or it’s probably the roof’s age. Either way, you need to contact a roofing pro to check the roof.
Water sounds
Do you hear a dripping sound even when all the faucets are off? Water damage is not always visible. If you hear the constant sound of running water even when you have turned off all the outlets, it’s time to check your pipes for leaks and inspect your walls. There might be some damage behind them.
Moldy/Musty smell
This is not always obvious, but you will perceive a faint smell of mold in the air. Walk around your home to find out if there is a particular musty smell. Maybe it’s in the basement near a leaking water heater, or perhaps it’s even in the walls behind the sink. Mold can lead to many health issues, so if the water damage has progressed to this extent, it’s time to contact a technician.
Increased water bill
If you live in or have a rental apartment and the tenants start complaining of high bills, it may be time to investigate. Either they are using the water more than necessary, or there is a leak somewhere, causing the property to use more water than usual.
The best thing to do in this situation is to inspect the property for leaky pipes and fixtures or contact a plumber if you are not sure about the actual problem to look for. It may be a small fix that will prevent problems.
Visit https://www.iii.org/article/how-protect-your-home-water-damage to gain more insight into how to protect your home from rain damage.
Conclusion
Although rainwater is considered a blessing, it can be a source of destruction if proper care is not taken. Many signs show that rain is affecting your property, and it’s time to contact a professional technician to diagnose and solve the problem. You can familiarize yourself with these signs so that once you notice any of them, you will know the right course of action to take. Some signs include increased water bills, warped flooring, paint problems, and inadequate outside drainage.
