Signs You Need To Call A Water Damage Company

It is common knowledge that when you experience water damage or large amounts of storm damage, you will need to contact professionals to assist you with the cleanup. However, if you are experiencing water damage that seems to be minor, you may assume that it is a simple job to do yourself. Or, if it doesn’t seem bad at all, you may leave it alone altogether. However, it may be in your best interest to reach out to a water damage company to assist you instead.

North Charleston – Water Damage Company

Unfortunately, water damage is pretty good at hiding in plain sight, especially when you don’t know what you are looking for. Attempting water damage cleanup on your own can actually be a lot bigger of a job than you are anticipating. When water damage goes improperly treated for some time, more significant problems, such as mold and structural damage, can pop up. To avoid a small problem becoming a bigger one, watch for these signs to know when to call for help.

An Odd Smell

Water damage isn’t always visible. If there is a small leak in your crawlspace, attic, or behind the walls, you may not notice the water itself. What you can detect is the musty smell that stagnant water brings. Chances are that if you can track down the source of this smell, you will be able to find other signs of water damage surrounding it. This musty scent is always an indicator that mold is growing. In as little as 24 hours, a damp spot will start to attract mold. Once it is present, it is hard to get rid of. A professional restoration services company has the tools and training to kill the mold and keep it from spreading.

Changed Floors

Water can cause the flooring to change in a variety of ways, such as buckling, crowing, cupping, and warping. Buckling happens because the subflooring disconnects from the flooring altogether, causing it to peel upward. Crowning will leave the planks rounded and occurs when the floor shrinks due to water loss, while cupping occurs from the floor absorbing too much water, leaving a depression in the middle of the plank. Warping is also another sign that the floor has absorbed too much water, and the flood boards begin to have some lift and twist.

Discolored Walls

The most obvious sign of water damage is the appearance of discoloration on the walls and ceilings. Water stains on walls and ceilings typically mean that water is leaking somewhere behind the walls or ceiling, which causes their physical appearance to alter. They show as patches of yellowish or brownish on the walls or ceilings, getting lighter the longer they have been there. In addition to lightening in color, they will begin to expand in size if the issue isn’t resolved. No matter the size of the discoloration, it’s imperative that you DO NOT paint over these spots. It will be out of sight temporarily, but it will resurface and cause more significant issues. 

Once you notice the damage, it’s time to consider calling in a restoration service, such as Restoration 1 of Low Country. If the damage isn’t seen until it’s giving signs like these, then it’s going to take professionals who know how to repair the extensive damage. It’s best to call as soon as possible in order to minimize damage and ensure a quicker cleanup.