When considering a home to buy or rent, or when selling a home, it’s important to know the signs of water damage or potential water damage. Water damage from a flood, fire, or leak can cause structural problems and lead to the development of mold which presents a health risk to the home’s occupants.
See ServiceMaster by Glenn’s tips on determining if a home has suffered water damage.
Water Damage Outside
A home or structure should sit on the highest point of the property and the ground should slope away from the house. If it doesn’t, there may be water damage to the foundation and in the basement from water working its way toward the home.
Walk around the exterior of the house. Check for downspouts that divert water away from the house and gutters that are intact and properly attached. Problems with the downspout or gutter may mean water is not being properly diverted away from the home. Look for missing or cracked shingles, which can lead to leakage in the attic as well as missing or broken flashing. Look at all the exterior window and door frames. Is there any separation? Are there soft spots that may indicate leaks?
Checking for Water Damage Inside the Home, Look for the Following Signs:
- Water rings on the ceiling or walls.
- Soft or sagging spots on the floor, especially near the tub, shower, sinks, dishwasher, washing machine, or water heater.
- Warped or cracked flooring. Water damage to tile, laminate, or wood flooring can cause it to warp, split, or crack.
- Look in the cabinet under the sink for water marks, warping, and discoloration that may indicate leaking pipes.
- Pay attention to any apparently new repairs to ceilings, walls, and windows. Are there patch jobs? Does there appear to be areas with heavier paint? These “quick fixes” may be hiding water damage spots.
- Check for rust on the hot water heater. These can indicate a previous or current leak and any leak can mean water damage.
- Trust your sense of smell. If you smell mustiness or mildew, it’s likely there was water damage and now there may be a potential mold issue.
In the Attic
Search for signs of water damage in the attic area, particularly around and near the chimney and roof vents where the roof planes join together and where the roof and the walls meet. If possible, check the insulation, it should be dry and free from mold.
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