Water Damage? Watch Out for this Warning Sign

water damage cleanup boston maWater damage can be very dangerous and cause serious harm to your home. If you see any of these warning signs, call a professional immediately. Water damage can be very dangerous and cause serious harm. In today’s post, we’ll look at the warning signs of water damage, and how to prevent it. Even if you’re on a budget or short on weeks to move, there are ways you can avoid water damage and ensure the safety of your home.

Water Damage Cleanup in Boston, MA

Buckling hardwood floors

Buckling hardwood floors are a common sign of water damage. When water gets underneath the floorboards and swells them, they can begin to buckle. Buckling happens mostly in older homes where the subflooring may not be sturdy enough to support the weight of a growing tree branch or storm debris. But even if your home has newer wood floors or you haven’t experienced any extreme weather lately, it’s still important to pay attention to any signs that something might be wrong with your house’s foundation.

If you think your home might have been damaged by flooding or any other natural disaster, talk with an insurance agent as soon as possible so they can help determine whether there is any chance of recovery and what steps need to be taken next.

Mold and mildew growth

Mold and mildew growth are common after a flood because they feed off moisture. If you find black or green spots on your walls, ceilings and other surfaces that look like mold, you should avoid cleaning them up yourself. Instead, call in an experienced restoration company to help identify the problem and clean it out safely.

Mold is dangerous for a number of reasons: it can affect one’s health (causing breathing problems), it can cause allergies to develop in some people and it can damage your home’s structure if left unchecked.

Unexplained odors

If you notice an unexplained musty smell, that could be a sign of water damage. If you can’t find the source of the odor and it’s only happening in one room, that could mean there’s moisture trapped under your flooring or walls. A qualified technician will be able to detect where the problem is coming from and how to solve it before any more damage occurs.

Damaged wallpaper

If you notice any of the following on your wallpaper, it’s time to get out the mop:

  • Discoloration. This may be yellow or brown and can appear as spots, lines or larger areas. If the discoloration is subtle, you might also notice a change in color tone from one section of wall to another.
  • Bubbling. Bubbles form when water gets trapped under wallpaper as it begins to swell due to moisture damage. Water bubbles are usually small and unevenly spaced throughout the wall but they can grow significantly if left unchecked.
  • Peeling/warping/flaking off pieces of wallpaper in clumps rather than small bits over time should be taken seriously since this is an indication that there is significant moisture damage happening behind your walls which could lead to mold growth if left untreated.

Visible staining on floors, walls, ceilings and furniture

If you see visible staining on floors, walls, ceilings and furniture in your home—or if the carpeting is wet—that could be a sign of water damage.

  • Carpeting: Water can soak through carpets, causing them to become moldy and smelly. The padding below can also start to rot after being exposed to water for too long.
  • Cabinets: If you see any signs of mold or mildew on the insides of your cabinets (such as behind a dishwasher or washing machine), there’s a good chance that they’ve been damaged by flooding or leaks over time; these types of cabinets should be replaced immediately by a professional if possible.
  • Fixtures: If you notice that one particular fixture seems darker than usual or is developing spots or discoloration around it (like sinks), then it might mean that the fixtures have been damaged by flooding at some point before now; having them replaced will help avoid further problems with mold growth down the road.

If you’re in need of water damage cleanup in Boston, MA, call Bostonian Cleaning. We’re a local company and we provide emergency flood restoration services to the greater Boston area. Our team has been providing reliable flood relief services to homeowners, businesses and property managers throughout the city.

We know how stressful it can be when your property is damaged by water or sewage – especially if you were not prepared for this type of situation! Fortunately, we have experience handling all forms of water damage situations so that your home or business can be restored as quickly as possible.