Five factors that frequently contribute to water damage in the home

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton explores common sources of water damage in Farmers Branch, TX, homes.

SERVPRO® of Carrollton is a leader when it comes to providing water damage restoration services for homeowners in Farmers Branch, TX. A water damage disaster is inconvenient, stressful, and disruptive. An understanding of the typical sources and locations of water leaks can help the homeowner anticipate problems and spot water leaks and water damage issues in the earliest stages before a disaster occurs. By resolving a water leak early, the homeowner can prevent advanced secondary damage.

• Leaks inside the structure
• Leaks in the wall spaces around windows
• Water intrusions
• Foundation water leaks
• Moisture seepage through concrete slabs

1. Leaks inside the structure

Leaks in the interior of a home or business may prove challenging to identify. If the leak goes unnoticed for a time, the effects will eventually become evident. Water dripping from the ceiling, bronze or black stains, and bubbling or wavy plaster are evidence of an interior water leak. A closer inspection of the leaks may point to a plumbing problem. If not immediately mitigated, the moisture can deteriorate support timbers, framing, and the foundation.

Interior water leaks may or may not be a result of faulty or interior construction. In any case, when moving into a new home or rental, look for signs of existing water damage and for evidence of repairs to the walls, ceilings, floors, and baseboards. Before moving any furniture into a new home or apartment, make a video of each room showing the ceiling, walls, baseboards, and flooring. Note anything suspicious. Take closeups. From day one, be vigilant in keeping an eye out for potential leaks. At the first sign of trouble, call in a professional to inspect the damage and offer mitigation and repair strategies.

2. Leaks in the wall spaces around windows

A window is a large hole in an exterior wall. If the breach is properly sealed with the window, caulk, and a moisture barrier, the areas around the window should not leak. Water leaking into the cavities around the window indicates serious structural issues with the home. The leak should be immediately resolved. A water damage cleanup and restoration company have the proper tools and equipment to remove the moisture from around the window. Delays in mitigating the water damage can enlarge the scope of the damage and increase the repair bill.

3. Water intrusion

A water intrusion can often result from storm damage to the roof. Detached shingles, limbs on the roof, or loose siding allow water to penetrate the house envelope, potentially causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. After a storm, inspect the home for broken windows, shingles in the yard, limbs and branches on the roof and ground around the house, and missing siding. Call in a licensed, bonded, and insured roofing contractor to inspect the damage. They should also be able to handle any gutter, siding, and window damage. If the water intrusion floods the attic, give the professionals at SERVPRO of Carrollton a call to inspect the damage, tarp the roof, and begin the damage cleanup.

4. Foundation water leaks

When the foundation is undermined by water and moisture, the entire home is at risk. A house is only as strong as its foundation, and a leak through the foundation may indicate a structural issue dating back to the time of construction. The cause of the foundation leak may be the slope around the home. Bad gutters or disconnected downspouts could be dumping excessive amounts of water too close to the foundation. Eventually, the water seeps through the foundation and into the basement or crawlspace. A moisture barrier is often required by municipal codes in most areas. A sump pump with a backup system should solve the problem. Also, inspect the grade around the home. A landscape architect can assess the situation and provide remedies where needed.

5. Moisture seepage through slabs

Concrete is not “as solid as a rock.” In fact, concrete is relatively porous and can readily wick water into the living space of a slab home. This “moisture migration” can have devastating consequences on a home or business. Puddled water on the slab promotes mold growth. The risk of slip-and-fall injuries is significantly elevated if the moisture is not eliminated.

Water and moisture in the home damage the structure and can lead to mold infestation. A delay can enlarge the scope of the water damage due to advanced secondary damage. Trust the restoration experts at SERVPRO® of Carrollton for water, fire, storm, and commercial damage restoration. They offer emergency cleanup and restoration services 24/7, 365 days a year. Crews arrive on the scene in about an hour.

To learn more information about Farmers Branch, TX, water damage restoration, contact the office by phone at (972) 446-0383 or by email at office@SERVPRO10952.com.