Left undetected, unsightly water damage in the home can often lead to further problems. In this quick guide, you can discover just some of the areas of a home where water damage can hide out of sight.
Window and Door Frames
Storms and heavy rain can lead to significant water damage, often entering the home through unexpected places. Window frames and doorways with damaged or leaking seals are quick to allow rain in, leading to significant damage. Signs of damage can often include areas of discolouration around the frames, as well as rotting and warping. You might also notice moisture and dampness if the water damage has happened recently.
Attics
Most homeowners don’t use their attic spaces regularly, using them mostly for storage and insulation purposes. This means that the spaces are often left alone, so if water damage occurs, often it can go unnoticed for a significant amount of time. Water damage in the attic might only become apparent when the ceilings beneath start to sag. Other signs of water damage in the attic can include mould growth, damage to the insulation, discoloured wood and visible water stains.
Behind Walls and Under Floors
One of the most common places water damage hides is behind a property’s walls and beneath its floors. In some cases, floor water damage might not be discovered until the floor covering itself is removed, revealing moisture and unevenness. Water-damaged walls, on the other hand, can present problems through dampness on the wall’s surface, warped drywall and mould growth. Left unchecked, mould growth can be left to worsen, having a possible impact on the health of the property’s inhabitants.
Behind and Underneath Appliances
From dishwashers to fridges, appliances can help to make our homes more comfortable and efficient. Unfortunately, leaks from these machines can lead to water damage. Hidden behind the installed appliance, water damage can easily go unnoticed, often until the appliance itself is moved aside or removed entirely. Look out for any discolouration around the appliance, as well as visible pooling of water. Often, a musty smell is also present, so it’s worth investigating if you smell something unpleasant or damp.
Inside Cabinets and Unders Sinks
Water that leaks from fixtures can often have a hidden impact on what is beneath it. Many sinks have cupboards and storage compartments below, designed to provide storage for needed supplies like cleaning products. When filled with supplies, however, the damage water leaks have had on the cabinets and sinks can often go unnoticed, hidden beneath the essential products.
Water Damage and Mould Insurance Claims
If you need to make a water damage claim with your home insurance provider, let our team at All Property Claims help you to get the right result. By contacting us before getting in touch with your insurance provider, we can help you increase the likelihood of achieving your desired outcome by using our expertise in a wide range of claims.
Explore our website to discover how our process works and learn more about the different types of claims we can help with, from flood damage to leaking pipes. Alternatively, for support and further information, please get in touch with our team directly now.