Water damage is a major risk to homes in Denver and beyond. However, many homeowners don’t realize that the likelihood of water damage impacting your home is fairly high. Water damage is common and can stem from several different sources. Everything from a big storm to a leaky roof can lead to excess moisture in your home. 

The effects of home water damage can be far-reaching. Beyond the simple fact that water damage will speed up the deterioration of certain parts of your home, it can also lead to allergic reactions. To ensure that your household isn’t impacted by the serious negative effects of water damage, it’s important to identify it promptly. While not all types of water damage are easy to spot, there are methods that you can use to check for water problems. 

Here, we’ll cover the main signs that water damage is present in your Denver home. Once you spot water damage in your home, be sure to contact your Denver water damage restoration specialists immediately to resolve the issue.

Signs of Water Damage

Humidity

Humidity in your home that can’t be easily explained may indicate a source of water damage. Specifically, a leak may be present in your home if you notice excess humidity. Look for dampness on walls, counters, and other surfaces that shouldn’t accumulate water. A leak could be close by. 

Floor Damage

Certain types of damage to your home’s flooring may also be a sign of water damage. Specifically:

Soft Spots

Particularly around fixtures like showers, sinks, and bathtubs, you may notice that parts of the floor are soft or sagging. This could be due to a leak in the appliance or in a nearby pipe. 

Warping or Cracks

Wood, tile, and laminate flooring may all become damaged due to excess moisture. These flooring types may warp, crack, or split due to water pooling into the materials. When water damage affects hard-to-see areas of your floor, such as the corners, it can go for a long time without being noticed. Be sure to check the entirety of your home’s flooring, including the flooring in rooms that you don’t spend as much time in, for water damage. 

Water Marks on Walls and Ceilings

One of the easiest-to-spot signs of water damage is a water mark. Excess moisture can stain or discolor your floors, ceilings, or walls. You may see water marks in a ring shape, which typically indicates a leaking pipe. These rings will be the most obvious water stains to result from a leak, but smaller marks may also be visible upon closer inspection. While checking for this sign of water damage, make sure to also check hard-to-reach parts of the wall, including the corners and points where the wall meets the ceiling or floor. 

Mold

When excess moisture is left alone, mold can start to develop in your home. After all, wherever there is moisture and oxygen, mold can grow. Mold can indicate excess humidity in your home or a leak. Once you notice mold, it’s important to get rid of it promptly to avoid allergic reactions. 

To prevent mold from growing in your home with a dehumidifier, promptly drying any surfaces that are exposed to water, and getting rid of any materials that have already developed mold (such as insulation). Mold-resistant insulation is available and can help reduce your home’s risk for mold development. 

Physical Reactions

A mold problem can lead to physical symptoms among people in your home. Mold is an allergen that can cause symptoms of respiratory infections. If anyone in your Denver home has asthma, you’ll need to be extra-careful to avoid mold growth, as mold can trigger a more severe reaction in asthmatic individuals. 

Symptoms of a mold allergy may include:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Dry skin

Water Damage Restoration

If your home has encountered a leak or flood, water damage restoration services are the most effective way to minimize water damage. Contact Denver Restoration today to learn more about our services for household water damage, including water mold.