A major threat to the welfare and appearance of our homes, water damage can cause considerable problems should it not be resolved quickly. From the development of stains, mould, odours and swelling right up to the threat of serious structural damage, it’s an issue that must be effectively dealt with and quickly eradicated. If you’re worried about water damage in your property, we’ve developed this helpful guide to spotting four signs of water damage in your property.
Stains
One of the clearest visual signs of water damage in your property is noticeable staining on your walls or ceilings. Water stains on ceilings indicate there is a leak from above and are typically related to leaks relating to bathrooms. Leaking pipes will lead to water stains relatively quickly, so if you are to find one, it’s important to trace it to the source, determine the issue and contact your insurance company. At All Property Claims, We can provide high-quality trace and access works with costs covered by insurers if you have trace and access cover.
Mould and Odours
Stains can often appear as mould, and this is a sign of a real issue. Mould growth signifies there is damp somewhere, likely spreading from water damage. Mould is generally found near kitchens and bathrooms as the moist surfaces are a perfect environment for the growth of mould. Mould can have a damaging impact on not only the overall structure of your home but even your health, with mould linked to several illnesses including irritated skin, sickness and congestion issues. If you have noticed visible stains, mould and an increased level of humidity and dampness in your property, it’s likely this will quickly be followed by an unwelcome musty odour. This smell will be generated in areas where mould is growing and damp has occurred and is commonly a sign of severe water damage.
Swelling
Visually, your bathroom has many places where you can easily spot the impact of water damage. When water damage has occurred, particularly in bathrooms without tiles, the walls and ceilings of your property will start to warp. Quickly becoming dry, the paint will appear flaky, bubbly, bloated and swollen. This can have a devastating impact on the structural integrity of your property, as well as the potential to create further issues with mould, odours and stains.
Higher Bills
Although there are many visual indicators of water damage, sometimes there may be no real way of identifying the issues, nor may you notice the problem in the earliest stages. However, a sudden surge in utility bills will offer up a clear sign of your usage and determine whether water damage is causing your energy bills to surge. If your bills have suddenly increased, you’ll want to check for leaks immediately.
Think you may have a leaking pipe that is causing walls and ceilings to become damp, yet you’re uncertain of where it’s coming from? At All Property Claims, we can provide high-quality trace and access works with costs covered by insurers if you have trace and access cover. We help by estimating the costs of all disruptive works to find the leak and convince insurers to pay. Contact our team today.