If your home floods after a frozen pipe bursts or following a period of heavy rain, it’s easy to tell that you have water damage. Unfortunately, not all defects are so obvious. Leaking pipes behind walls and cracked foundations can slowly cause water damage over time. Knowing what to look for is key to identifying and remedying problems.

How to Spot the Signs of Water Damage

1. Stains on Walls or Ceilings

Discoloration is a clear sign of water damage. You may notice stains on the ceiling ranging in color from yellow to brown. Paint on walls may chip or fade, and wallpaper may crack and bubble. Yellow or brown stains may also be apparent on the walls. If you have drywall in your home, it can collect moisture, especially in areas with low air circulation, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold will eventually result in black stains on the walls.

2. Changes in Flooring

The changes you notice will depend on the type of flooring you have in your home, however, severe enough defects can also affect the subfloor. Carpeting may feel damp and spongy, wood floors may become discolored and even warp or buckle, and laminate flooring may separate as the water makes it expand. Tile floors aren’t immune, either. Water damage can cause the grout to deteriorate, which can lead to subfloor damage. If the subfloor is affected, you may notice sagging or sinking.

3. Mold & Mildew Odor

Odors may be particularly apparent in basements and similar areas. The humid air, coupled with the moisture coming from a leaky pipe or cracked foundation, creates a musty smell commonly associated with mold and mildew. Even if you don’t see any spots of mold or mildew growth, if you can smell it, it’s probably growing somewhere. These fungi are health hazards, so it’s important to have mold remediation done promptly.

Water damage affects the structural integrity of your home and can have a negative impact on your and your family’s health. Whether you need restoration services or mold remediation for your Lincoln, NE, home, turn to All Care Restorations, a licensed and certified restoration company with more than 20 years of experience. They also offer emergency water removal when the unexpected happens. Visit their website for more information, and call (402) 421-3779 to schedule an appointment.