Summer is just around the corner, and as most Albertans will know, our warmer months are notoriously unpredictable when it comes to rain and other sources of moisture. Unchecked standing water can lead to structural damage and mould growth, both of which cause significant headaches for homeowners. Learn how to spot the signs of water damage early on by following the steps below.
Look for any signs of water accumulation
Puddles, leaks, and other forms of water build up are one of the primary sources of long-term water damage to your home. Check around old appliances, pipes, kitchen and bathroom faucet, etc. to make sure you catch any moisture before it has a chance to sit. Do you best to dry any water spots, and take things a step further by exercising caution and minimizing the amount of liquid you use while cleaning. The less moisture your floors are exposed to on a regular basis, the better.
Be aware of any sudden odors
If you catch of whiff of a tell-tale musty scent in the air, there’s a sure bet that you’ve got a problem on hand. This applies in particular for lower levels of the home, where traffic may be less frequent, and leaks are more commonly left unnoticed. If you do notice a smell, rather than simply masking it, focus on identifying and correctly remedying the source. Failure to do so can lead to mould growth running rampant, which will cause much bigger issues in the future.
Discoloration
If you’ve noticed a change to the coloring of your finish, tiles, or even wood planks themselves, you’ve got a problem that needs to be dealt with swiftly. Common signs on laminate flooring are the appearance of brown, yellow, or copper spots that spread over time. Contact an expert quickly to have things evaluated and to hopefully circumvent the need for replacements.
Warping, sagging, buckling, or expanding
If there’s been a sudden change in texture to your floors, especially if they’re hardwood, there’s a solid chance this indicates a larger issue usually caused by water seeping through. Again, you’ll want to contact an expert as soon as possible since these problems typically manifest when water damage is in a more acute phase.
What do you do if you find damage?
The best thing to do, as mentioned above is get in contact with flooring experts sooner than later. Ashley’s team of floor care specialists can assist in the evaluation of water damage, drying out floors, and if necessary, full-scale replacements. Call us today to find out how we can help!