How to Search Your House for Water Damage and Mold, Part 2

January 22, 2018

Any homeowner faced with water damage knows how dreadful it can be. Water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. It can destroy your furniture, floors, walls, appliances, electronics, plumbing… and the list goes on. Only reliable water damage Aliso Viejo restoration professionals can deal with the scope of the problem.

Regardless of whether you are about to buy a new house or you want to protect your current home, there are certain steps you can take to make sure that the property is free of mold and water damage. In our last article, we revealed several high-risk areas that you should check. Now you can find out where to look next.

Inspect the basement

Basements aren’t exactly typical in California. However, if your house has one, keep in mind that any amount of water in the basement can cause serious issues and, therefore, calls for immediate action. This is one of the dampest areas in a house and a room where you are most likely to find mold and mildew. The lack of sunlight and poor ventilation in the basement increase the level of humidity, which can be the sole culprit for mold growth.

A musty or moist odor in the air may also point out a hidden leak, such as a plumbing drain leak or mortar joint leak. Leaking pipes are the prevalent cause of water damage and mold growth in basements. Water can easily find its way through cracks in the floor or walls.

Besides floor and wall cracks, look for stains, rust, and condensation. Other common signs of mold and water damage in the basement are swollen baseboards, dampness and lifted flooring. Mold tends to grow in corners, behind storage items, and along the walls.

Examine the attic and roof

Given that most roofs have good solar exposure, attics are likely to be dry areas. A well-built attic shouldn’t have any sources of moisture. The insulation also needs to be in good condition.

Pay attention to roof leaks or dripping pipes. Look for indications of damage, like stains, cracked or warped drywall or wood, and mold. Scan the roof for missing, cracked or curled shingles. Your house can also be exposed to outside elements if the flashing gets damaged or broken.

An attic and roof should be examined regularly because even small issues that go unnoticed can lead to serious damage. You can hire water damage Aliso Viejo experts to perform a comprehensive inspection, detect any water damage and mold, resolve the problem and restore the area to optimum condition.

Check the exterior

Take a walk and look for water pulling up near the house. The danger of water standing along the foundation is sometimes difficult to notice.

Be sure that water always works its way. Over time, it can cause a variety of problems, including a significant foundation damage and cracks in the walls and ceilings. Cracks in the foundation can be seen inside as well as outside.

Examine the siding and watch for soft wood, peeling paint or protruding nails. If you spot mold growing along the ground near the house or on the side of the building, there’s a strong possibility that you will also find it inside.

Check the windows for cracks and a soft brick mold. Also, a puddle of water can appear on the property due to leaky rain gutters and poor drainage in the yard.

Premier water damage Aliso Viejo restoration

If you come across water damage or mold in your house, don’t hesitate to contact Emergency Home Solutions, the leading full-service restoration company in Orange County.

Our skilled technicians with vast experience and proper equipment will identify the source and perform exceptional water damage Aliso Viejo restoration service to ensure that the damage is repaired in no time. We provide emergency plumbing, mold removal, and water damage restoration services 24 hours 7 days a week.

Call us anytime at (949) 916-0549 and we’ll promptly take care of any type of emergency you may have.