Checking for Hidden Water Damage Around the Home | SERVPRO® of Wilson County

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

Severe weather can increase the chances for water damage, but it is far from the only reason it can occur. There are many causes of water damage that homeowners can face, with a multitude of instances occurring in secluded areas that are not often inspected.

The longer water damage is left untreated, the more difficult it is to restore—that’s why hidden water damage is so complicated. Many insurances will not extend coverage to instances of water damage, and for ones that do, most claims are over $6,500. Being aware of how to check for hidden water damage around the home will ensure that homeowners are preventing costly repairs to the best of their ability.

<h3to-look-for-hidden-water-damage-around-the-home">Where to Look for Hidden Water Damage Around the Home

• Watch walls under windows. Windows are sealed with the wall to keep moisture out, but this does not always work as intended, especially in older homes. Check for discoloration around the window often.

• Siding seals can falter. Where panels of siding come together, the seal can begin to falter over time and expose the plywood underneath to weather and water.

• Check threshold panels. The metal plate that covers the wood of a door threshold is not weather-tight, so it is important to watch the wood underneath for swelling or softness.

• Inspect exterior paint. With the multiple layers of paint on most windowsills and porches, water can slip between them and cause the paint to soften.

• Move the dishwasher often. Most dishwashers only get moved when they need to be replaced, but it is then that many homeowners discover the damage. Moving the dishwasher regularly to check for water damage is a good preventive measure.

If your home has suffered water damage (even in a hidden place like one of these), we are happy to help! Give us a call right away, and we’ll get there quickly.