5 Signs You Could Have Hidden Water Damage in Wood

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in Pensacola home gets restored by SERVPRO water damage restoration experts.

5 Signs You Could Have Hidden Water Damage in Wood

Do you know how to check for hidden water damage in wood? Protect your home today and use our easy guide to assess your need for restoration.

As a homeowner, it's important that you know how to identify problems and hazards within your home before they cause a catastrophe. One of these potential problems is water damage in wood. When you have water damage, mold and mildew can build up. It could cause potential health effects and worsen your air quality, as well as ruin the structural integrity and longevity of your home.

How do you identify and repair water-damaged wood? We're here to tell you 5 signs so you can protect wood from water damage and catch the problem early. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Bubbling or Cracked Walls
Have you noticed small "bubbles" on your wall? Do you see cracks that you can't identify? These might be signs that your home has water damage.

When a wall gets wet, it causes the paint or wallpaper to lift from the surface. This presents the "bubble" look. A wet wall can also cause small amounts of expansion beneath the surface, causing a crack.

While there are many reasons that a wall might have small cracks, consider checking for underlying water damage first.

2. A "Musty" Smell
There's a telltale "musty" or damp smell associated with water getting deep into the wood. It may start off smelling like the outdoors after a rainstorm, but over time, it gets less pleasant.
This smell means that somewhere in your home, dampness is causing mildew or mold.

3. Visible Mold
This is a more obvious sign that you have water damage. Where there's mold, there's water.
You might have to do a thorough inspection to find mold. Sometimes mold spores are too small to see, but other times, mold presents as dark green, brown, or black patches with lighter edges around the sides where the mold isn't as dense.
Mold can be dangerous, so don't hesitate to call in professionals if you see it.

4. Dark Spots
Dark spots in your ceiling or walls are a clear sign that there's a leak somewhere. These spots can spread quickly, but they're obvious enough that it's easy to catch the problem early.

Look for spots that seem almost like coffee stains. Check the area above the spot (if it's accessible to you) to find the source of the water.

5. A "Spongy" Texture
By the time this has occurred, you know that you need professional restoration or damage control. When wood has enough water damage, it softens and becomes spongy.

If the wood is part of the structure of your home, this can cause serious problems. Don't hesitate to contact someone to inspect and repair your wood damage before it's too late.

When your home has water damage in wood, it can lead to structural issues in the future. In the short term, it can lead to mold in the air and ruined paint or wallpaper.

If you identify water damage in your home, it's best to hire professionals to fix it. That's where we come in. When you need an experienced professional to assess and restore your home in Pensacola, we're here for you. Contact us at any hour of the day and we'll be there to help.