Mold and moisture damage present massive problems for homeowners. Even in a new home, humidity and standing water can quickly lead to issues in your foundation, walls, floors, ceilings, or roof.
Preventing damage from mold and moisture is the best way to save your money, not to mention the health risks associated with mold. In this article, we'll walk you through how to check your house for signs of moisture damage, spot areas that need to be addressed, and some handy tips for fixing the damage.
How Do I Check My House for Moisture?
Some places in your home are more prone to moisture damage than others. You can do a visual inspection of these areas every spring and fall to assure that you don't have moisture damage problems.The Ground Around Your Home
The soil should slope upward toward your exterior walls to carry water away. You can do a simple test by pouring a bucket of water near your foundation to see which way the water runs. If it runs toward your home, you could have a problem on your hands. Some landscaping usually does the trick to fix a downward slope. Pile soil up near the foundation so water flows away. Don't forget to check under your deck and porch. The ground could slope down to your foundation where you can't see it. While the decking offers some protection, some rain still seeps through and can pool in a poorly graded patch of soil.Your Gutter System
Your gutters and downspouts are designed to carry water away from your home. During your biannual maintenance check, you should clean them out to keep them functioning optimally all year. You may need to add an attachment to downspouts that cannot carry water at least a few feet away from your foundation. Most hardware stores carry gutter extensions making this a great DIY solution.Your Basement
Your foundation is a vital area to keep dry. A few areas in your basement can present problems. Check drainage systems on air conditioners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers often. Tilt these units toward the drain or position any drainage hoses properly. When the unit is not tilted correctly, or the hose comes out of the drain, puddles can form. Any standing water can lead to mold and mold damage. Moisture can also leach through the concrete from the ground outside. If you don't already have a moisture barrier in place, you may need to install one. Also, fill any cracks in the concrete to prevent leaks.Your HVAC System
Heating and air-conditioning units generate moisture from their cooling and heating coils. These units need to drain into a safety pan. A system can generate 5 to 20 gallons daily, depending on the use and the surrounding climate. Check that the system is draining water properly. HVAC professionals can keep your system running optimally.How Do You Know If You Have Moisture Damage?
Finding moisture damage somewhere in your home can be disheartening. In many cases, the visible signs of water damage are just the tip of the iceberg. By the time you notice a problem, there can be damage deep in the walls or subfloor. For that reason, we at Quality AC Plumbing recommend commercial facilities implement fast reporting systems so that plumbing issues are resolved as quickly as possible. One such example is Needs Attention which works via QR code. Checking your home or building regularly for signs of moisture damage helps mitigate the overall cost of repairs. Here are a few telling signs of water damage.- Dark spots on walls and ceilings
- Cracking, bubbling, or flaking paint
- Puddles or pooling water
- Dripping sounds in walls and ceilings
- Increased utility bills
- Damp odor
What Does Early Water Damage Look Like?
According to the American Insurance Association, more than 90% of water damage issues could have been avoided with proper maintenance when a problem was small. Spotting early water damage so you can intervene quickly will save your home and your wallet. The most common and obvious sign of early water damage is yellow or brown stains on drywall or ceilings. Look out for dark spots mentioned above, especially in finished basement rooms and attics. If the paint bubbles and cracks, the damage is likely more extensive. Feel the surface of the dark spot. If it is still firm, it is new damage that you can likely repair easily. You may notice that there are a few rings where an old leak has dried over and over. It takes about an hour for the water to begin causing damage, so any leak is potentially a major problem. After stopping a leak, most areas of your home take up to 72 hours to completely dry.What Does Moisture Damage Look Like?
Now that you are familiar with common signs of water damage, let's delve into some detail about what these signs mean and how to spot them.Dark Spots
Dark spots can show up on interior or exterior walls and ceilings. Recent water stains are usually yellow. As water continually leaks in the same spot, the discoloration may get darker, form rings as it dries over and over, and the wall or subfloor will get soft. For instance, if an installer does not set a toilet correctly, it can leak a small amount of water with each flush. Eventually, the flooring around the toilet will soften and have to be replaced. How much subfloor must you tear out depends on how extensive the damage is.Damaged Paint
Paint that is cracking, bubbling, or flaking is a sign of more extensive water damage. Moisture has penetrated the drywall and affected the paint from behind. Bubbling denotes water actively pooling up behind the paint without breaking through. Cracking and flaking show that water was present, has dried, and left the paint damaged in its wake.Standing Water
This one is a little obvious. We've all experienced that sudden panic when we see a puddle somewhere inside the house and immediately wonder, "Where is that water coming from?" A new puddle could mean that you have caught a problem early enough to prevent damage. A puddle that repeatedly forms could signify more extensive moisture damage. Basements, attics, and under sinks are where puddles most likely form. Inspecting these areas regularly helps with early intervention.Dripping or Rushing Water Sounds
Some water damage is not seen but heard. Dripping or rushing water sounds in the walls or ceilings can clue you into a potential problem. You may have to shut off water valves to temporarily stop a fast leak while you wait for a plumber.Suddenly High Utility Bills
Not all signs of a water problem are physically visible. A hidden leak can cause your water bill to spike unexpectedly. The good news here is the opportunity to correct a problem before it causes damage to your drywall and paint.Odor
Dampness has a distinct smell that most of us recognize immediately. If a moldy smell accompanies the dampness you probably have moisture damage. Mold growth on walls and ceilings signifies significant damage that likely requires professional cleaning.How Do You Fix Moisture Damage?
How you repair moisture damage depends heavily on the extent of the damage and where it is in your home. For example, a small dark spot or bubbled paint on your living room wall is an afternoon DIY project. You must:- Clean the area and give it time to dry
- Scrape away damaged paint
- Coat with a peel stop or sealer
- Apply spackle if needed
- Sand the area
- Repaint the area