If your home or business has been through a natural disaster such as a flood, had pipes burst in the middle of the night, or perhaps had a water heater that decided to spring a leak, the water that saturated walls, floors, and other areas likely lead to various types of damage. If you are curious as to what professionals will be looking for when evaluating your situation, here are five things they typically look for in homes and businesses.
Missing or Cracked Shingles
If your roof has missing or cracked shingles, this likely means your roof has been leaking each time it rains. As a result, not only could your attic be damaged, but also the ceilings to plenty of other rooms as well.
Water Stains on Walls
When a flood occurs, water stains usually form on the walls of a home or business as the water recedes. Because of this, professionals will be taking a close look at walls where water was present since this will enable them to assess the damage and know where the water damage was in the building.
Warped Flooring
When hardwood flooring or tiles get wet and stay that way, the result is often a warped floor. While this may be easy for you to spot, however, it is common to miss smaller areas where wet patches have formed. However, since professionals are trained to look for such areas, they can usually find such spots where minor water damage may soon become major damage, especially if pipes are leaking.
Mold on Walls or Floors
If you see mold forming on walls and floors, you likely have water damage in your home or business. However, while you may think the problem is limited only to what you see, the pros know better. Unfortunately, the mold and mildew you see are in addition to that which is almost certainly behind walls, underneath the floor covering, and in other spots as well.
Foundation Cracks
Finally, if there are cracks in your building’s foundation, professionals will know water damage may have taken place. Depending on the severity of the cracks, it is possible that major foundation repairs may be needed to ensure the structural integrity of your home or business.
If you suspect or know your home or business has been damaged by a flood or other issue, don’t try to assess the problem on your own. Instead, rely on the advice and guidance of experienced and trusted professionals.
