Assessing and Dealing with Specific Water Damage

How Do You Know if Water Damage Is Permanent?

Water damage can be a major headache for homeowners, and it’s important to take steps to address it as quickly as possible. One of the most important things to do is to assess the damage and determine whether or not it is permanent. Here are a few things to look for:

Discoloration

Discoloration is one of the first signs of water damage and can be caused by mold, mildew, or other contaminants.
If you notice any discoloration on your walls, ceilings, or floors, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional.

Warped or Buckling

Warped or buckling wood is another sign of water damage and can be caused by the wood absorbing moisture and expanding.
If you notice any warped or buckling wood in your home, it’s important to have it replaced as soon as possible.

Rot

Rot is a more serious form of water damage and can occur when wood is exposed to moisture for a long period of time.
Rot can cause wood to become weak and crumbly, and it can eventually lead to structural damage.
If you notice any rot in your home, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible.

Musty Odor

A musty odor is a sign of mold growth which can be caused by water damage.
Mold can cause health problems, so it’s important to have it removed as soon as possible. If you notice any musty odors in your home, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional.

How to Deal with Water Damage

• If you experience water damage in your home, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent further damage.
  Here are a few steps to follow:
• Turn off the water source.
  If a pipe has burst, turn off the main water valve.
  If the water is coming from a roof leak, cover the leak with a tarp or plastic sheet.
• Remove standing water.
  Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water from your home.
  If you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum, you can use a mop and bucket.
• Dry out your home.
  Open windows and doors to air out your home.
  You can also use fans to help dry out the air.
• Inspect for damage.
  Once your home is dry, inspect it for damage.
  Look for discoloration, warped or buckling wood, rot, and mold.
• Call a professional.
  If you find any damage, call a professional water damage cleanup company.
  They will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.