8 Ways to Spot Signs of Water Damage In Your Home
Doug Stockman • April 4, 2025
From Our Friends at Puroclean of Spartanburg*
This type of damage poses a frequent challenge for homeowners, manifesting in issues ranging from minor discoloration to substantial structural harm. Determining the precise timing of when such structural damage occurred can be difficult, as some of the signs of moist damage may not be immediately visible.
Assessing the situation and establishing the timeline of when it happened is crucial in preventing further damage. Even seemingly minor issues can have a significant impact on your home. In this blog, we’ve gathered valuable information to help you understand potential causes of water damage, what to look out for, and how to tell if it’s new or old.
What Is Moist Damage?
Moist damage occurs when water infiltrates a property, causing harm to the building or its contents. Various factors can lead to water intrusion, including leaks, floods, burst pipes, and heavy rainfall. Prolonged exposure to standing water can also cause damage. Moist damage can affect a range of surfaces, such as walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and electronic equipment.
Identifying the Causes of Moist Damage
There are several potential causes of damage, including leaks, floods, and humidity, that homeowners and property managers should keep in mind.
Plumbing Issues
This is often the primary cause of moist damage. Leaky pipes, broken lines, or faulty appliances like heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers can malfunction and cause water-related problems. If left unattended, even a tiny leak can lead to significant water damage as it can seep into the walls and floors, resulting in mold growth and compromising the property’s structural integrity.
Natural Disasters
Severe damage is caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and heavy rainfall. Heavy rains can cause flooding, while storm surges often accompany hurricanes, which can damage property. It is important to note that floodwaters contain dangerous contaminants and pollutants that risk human health.
Faulty Roofing
Moist damage often occurs due to roof leaks. If your roof has any damaged or missing shingles or tiles, or if the flashing around the chimney requires repair, there’s a chance that water can infiltrate into the attic and affect walls, ceilings, and floors.
HVAC Systems
Improper functioning of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including cooling units and heaters, can also lead to moist damage. When a unit’s condensation line gets clogged due to a malfunction, water can flow into the property and cause damage. A leaking or broken heater installed in the attic or basement can pose a significant threat as the moist damage directly affects the property’s interior.
Determining Whether Water Damage is New or Old
Identifying the signs of water damage can be challenging, particularly if it has dried. One of the vital steps in addressing moist damage is verifying its age. Below are some valuable tips that can help you figure out whether the damage is new or old.
Analyze Your House’s History and Building Materials
Water damage affects various materials in different ways. For example, thick paint and tiles retain water more efficiently than thin ones, making the latter more susceptible to damage even from small amounts of water. This often appears as peeling paint.
Understanding the materials used in your home is beneficial, as moist affects each one differently. If your property features hard materials like tiles or bricks and exhibits signs of damage, the damage has likely been present for some time.
Check for Water Rings and Water Stains
One of the most telltale signs of water damage is stains and rings. If you notice a dark spot or stain on your wall or ceiling, there’s a chance it’s fresh damage. On the other hand, older moist damage can develop rings on the surface. The more rings there are, the older the damage. Observing colour changes in the circles can indicate whether the moist is wet, dry, or has been there for a long time. Rings are more likely to occur when the leak is occasional, such as spots below a roof leak that only gets wet during rain.
Check for Warping
When excess seeps into materials, it can cause them to warp, swell, or buckle. To identify whether the moist damage is new or old, examine the condition of your wooden floors, walls, or ceilings. If they look distorted, the damage could be old.
On the other hand, if there is no noticeable warping or damage, it could be a recent leak. This visual cue can help you determine the timeline of the damage and make informed decisions about necessary repairs or interventions.
Smell for Musty Odors
There can be a lingering smell when an area suffers from damage. This smell can be musty. If you notice it, the damage will likely be old. If there is no unpleasant odor, it could indicate that the damage is recent.
Search for Watermarks or Decay
Watch for watermarks if you’re trying to determine whether moist damage is new or old. Generally, newer water damage will have a visible mark that is still wet, while older moist damage may have a dry and faded watermark. If you notice signs of decay, your property has likely been exposed to water for an extended period. While decay is typically only seen in extreme situations, like flooding, taking action as soon as you notice it is important.
A professional cleanup restoration company can help resolve the issue quickly and efficiently due to the property and health risks of damage.
If you find obvious signs of damage on your property, contact PuroClean today. Our IICRC-certified professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to target all water-affected areas and restore your property to its pre-loss condition quickly and safely. Contact us as soon as possible to learn more about our services. To find your nearest PuroClean of Spartanburg office, visit our online office locator or dial (864) 285-3530 today.
PuroClean is a leading commercial and residential restoration franchising company. Founded in 2001, the company offers fire and cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation and remediation, and biohazard cleanup and removal throughout the United States.
*"Please note that Select Source Insurance does not endorse or recommend Puroclean of Spartanburg. Puroclean has provided excellent service to our clients. Any mention of Puroclean of Spartanburg is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement. We have no affiliation with Puroclean and are not responsible for their products, services, or business practices. Customers are advised to conduct their own independent research and due diligence before engaging with Puroclean.."
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