Our homes are our haven right? Where we are safe, warm, and dry…but what if they are not as dry as we think? Let’s discuss some telltale signs of water damage that may be happening right under our noses.
The Musty Smell
Remember the smell of your home when you first moved in? or perhaps the “different” smell of a friend’s home- not necessarily a bad smell but a different smell? The more time we spend in our home or someone else’s home, our noses grow accustomed to that scent. (That is why you don’t notice the smell of your own home) If you walk into your basement, or look down into your crawlspace and take a deep breath, there should not be a musty damp smell. Even if you have the faintness of a different kind of odor, it could be a sign of the beginning of water damage or worse mold and mildew growth.
Look At Your Walls
The old saying “If these walls could talk…” means we are glad they can’t tell the stories of things that happened in the room. When it comes to signs of water damage in your home, your walls can talk! Is the paint peeling off the walls? Are there strange stains on the walls that could possibly be fungus growth? Are there water stains even if there is no visible water present at that moment? While looking at the walls, be sure to inspect any columns or joists for wood rot or moisture.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is another sneaky sign of water damage. This appears as a chalky white powder on your basement walls. It accumulates as water seeps in through the porous nature of your concrete walls and then leaves its mineral deposits behind. While it is not harmful to you itself, it is a sign of water damage and should be addressed before the damage turns into a mold issue.
Excess Humidity
If the humidity levels are high in your basement then water damage could be lurking. Look for humidity build up on windows and for rust on any metal that may be there. The rust is a result of the humidity in the air settling on the metal.
Cracks
While you are looking at the walls be sure to also note any cracks and then cast your eyes down to the floor. Cracks are definitely potential openings for water to enter but usually indicate that water damage is already at work.
What is the Next Step?
If you have found any of the telltale signs of water damage in your home or would simply like the peace of mind knowing you are high and dry, contact your water-proofing experts at Aqua-Guard. We offer free estimates and you can rest assured we will find the root of your problem. Our waterproofing system does not just address the obvious water leakage in your home but addresses all 5 areas that water can enter your basement or crawlspace. When our work is done you will have a dry basement or crawlspace and it will stay that way. We offer our life of the structure guarantee and we are competitively priced. We are your complete water-proofing solution for those telltale signs of water damage!