Common Signs of Moisture Damage in Your Home

Common Signs of Moisture Damage in Your Home

Moisture in the home is no joke. When a home is fresh and new, it should be well-sealed from the threats of weather and wear. As a home gets older or when it hasn't been lived in for a time, the protective measures of paint, siding, and other sealants begin to break down. These changes may be invisible, but the results can cause further degrading of a home's defenses. Moisture can get into any crack and pool in the home's interior.

Signs of Ceiling Damage

Moisture damage in the ceiling manifests itself mercifully clearly. Water often leaves a telltale damp section, possibly creating a stain. It's unsightly, but this signals that your home needs help. Staining on the ceiling or along the tops of walls is a clear sign there's a constant occurrence of moisture—possibly even standing water. The easiest way to hunt out moisture damage is to check all the ceilings in your home visually. Listen for any sounds of water dripping, especially after rain, and take note of humidity changes. Moisture in the ceiling can even cause drywall to warp and buckle if you ignore it for too long.

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Signs of Floor Damage

The most obvious way to check for moisture damage is to look for pooling water or humidity gathering on floors. After heavy rains, walk around the house and look for any potential leaks or moist areas. Take careful note of any creaky spots on the floor. This could be a sign of shifting if you notice creaking where it was quiet before. Shifting can occur from a house's normal settling and aging process, but it can also be a sign of water, causing boards to lose shape. More common signs of moisture damage in your home are occurrences of cupping on hardwood floors.

Signs of Wall Damage

Like ceilings, walls will also show damage more clearly than floors. Check often for ring or circular stain marks, especially along the floorboards and the meeting places along the ceiling. Significant leaks or damage may even cause water to drip down the walls, eroding insulation and posing an electrical hazard. A common sign of moisture damage in your home that occurs in the walls is black mold. Check for dark mottling, especially in areas with little access to light. A damp and musty smell will be present if there's mold growth. Anywhere there's mold, there's also a significant presence of constant moisture.

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