Water Damage in Your Home

Water can be a very destructive force when it comes to our homes. Not only do our homes face risks from the outside elements, water leaks inside the home can wreak just as much havoc. Today we’re going to talk about how to spot water damage inside your home and what to do about it.

As home owners, one of the biggest threats to our homes are things we can’t see. It’s much easier to spot water damage resulting from a natural disaster like a storm or flood, but what are some signs to look for that could indicate water damage from a hidden source? Water damage can take on different colors, textures and smells. So, look for things like water accumulation, discoloration, changes in texture on floors and walls, or buckling and cupping on wood floors. If you see any signs like this, be sure to investigate the source of the water. If it’s on the floor, this can mean your subfloor is damaged, and that can cause safety issues.

​Whether your water damage is from a roof leak, leaking appliances, or a natural disaster, steps will have to be taken to repair the damage and get your home back in order. The first step is to check with your home insurance agent for coverage and be sure to take pictures of the damage. Your agent will let you know what’s covered and what to do to get started on repairs.

If you’re faced with replacing your floor, you’ll first want to make sure you have a sound subfloor without any mold or damage. Next, you may want to consider a flooring with water-resistant properties, especially for areas prone to water leaks, like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

An excellent choice for water- resistant flooring in any of these rooms is tile. Tile is very durable and handles water well if installed correctly. It also comes in many beautiful styles in both stone and wood looks! Another excellent choice in resilient flooring for any room in the house is WPC planks. WPC is totally waterproof and also comes in beautiful wood, tile, and stone looks.

If you’re not ready to give up hardwood, consider engineered hardwood over solid. Engineered hardwood is made up of layers that are more flexible and moisture resistant than solid hardwood. Often if only a section of hardwood is damaged, we can match the original wood and only have to repair the section where the damage occurred. Engineered wood can often be installed as “floating,” making it easier to replace planks if any future damage occurs.

If water damage has occurred on carpet, your next steps depend on several things. Consider the source: is it clean water or the result of sewage backup? Are the carpet and pad saturated down to the subfloor? Is the damage confined to a small area or the whole room? You’ll want to talk with a professional cleaning service that specializes in water damage to determine if your carpet can be cleaned and salvaged or if it needs to be replaced completely.

​When your home faces water damage, detecting it then taking the right steps to get it repaired are crucial in avoiding mold and further damage to your walls or subfloors. If your floors have been damaged and you’re in need of new flooring, give us a call for a free estimate and to help you select durable flooring for your needs.