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Finding Water Damage in Older Homes
1/27/2020 (Permalink)
There is no doubt that many old houses are plagued by problems. One of the biggest issues, whether the house is new or old, is the threat of water damage. It can inflict severe punishment on a home, and unfortunately, it doesn't take long -- one serious storm could be enough to result in damage that requires many hours of labor and thousands of dollars to repair.
Spotting water damage
Here is a list of signs that you may have damage, from the clear to the more subtle, sneaky ones:
Water stains. That telltale stain on the ceiling or wall can be an obvious sign. If it suddenly pops up, it's time to get a professional into your house to check it out and find out where the water came from. If you are looking into purchasing an old house and you see water stains, be wary. Ask for proof that the source of the damage has been repaired.
Buckling floors and walls. This is another very clear sign, and it is often the mark of an extensive problem. The drywall or wood absorbs water, which makes it swell. The result is a buckling that you can see or feel when you walk over the area. This can happen over time, such as through a small shower leak, or it can happen all at once, especially after a major storm.
Crumbling areas. Pay attention to the area around the windows. Do you see crumbling wood? The same holds true for baseboards or molding. Any sort of crumbling could indicate the wood is falling apart because of water infiltration.
Trust your nose. The damage might be able to hide from your sight, but you can often find it with your nose. If you walk into a room and are assaulted with the scent of mold or mildew, there could be moisture damage lurking behind the walls. Many old houses have an old, musty smell -- but in rooms where water has caused damage, that smell is often much more pronounced.