Home water damage is among the most frequent and expensive problems many homeowners experience. Accidents caused by leakage, poor drainage, or internal floods can create issues that may prove hard to fix if not corrected in time. 

Water damage in homes is not difficult to spot during a home inspection. Home inspectors also look for signs of moisture intrusion. But how do they check for these issues? Let’s take a closer look at the process itself.

What Is Home Water Damage?

Home water damage refers to any harm caused by water seeping into areas it shouldn’t be. This could be water dripping from the pipes, basement seepage, or roof leakage during a shower. 

Water seepage affects the foundation, walls, floors, and even the air within the home.

If the water remains in the home for an extended period, the wood will begin to rot, mold will develop, and the structure may weaken or be damaged, which is why early diagnosis is important.

Why Home Inspectors Emphasize On Water Damage

Home inspectors focus on home water damage and moisture intrusion in a building, as these can wreak havoc on the structure. Water accumulation in the wrong place threatens the structural soundness of any home and promotes unhealthy living. 

How Home Inspectors Check Water Damage

We will now learn how inspectors determine if there is water damage in homes and understand its importance.

Visual Inspection

It is almost a routine to begin any home inspection process with an observation. Inspectors look for obvious signs of water damage, including:

  • Stains and fading colors on walls and ceilings. 
  • Wavy, bent, or bowed down floors due to humidity.
  • Peeling paint or wallpaper.
  • Presence of molds or mildew in parts of the home with humidity signs.
  • Water marks and stains around the windows and doors. 

They will pay special attention to areas that are damp, including basements, bathrooms, and the attic.

Checking The Roof And Gutters

They also look for signs of damage on the roof. Water can easily seep into the house through a cracked or broken roof. The inspectors will look for:

  • Missing or broken shingles.
  • Cracks in walls around chimneys, vents, or skylights.
  • Damaged flashing 

Another area that often poses concern is the gutters. Most homeowners are not very particular about cleaning the gutters or downspouts, which, if blocked, will cause water to drip on the walls or even destroy the foundations.

Foundation And Basement Check

The foundation is one of the most essential parts of a home, and it must be checked for water damage. Inspectors check for:

  • Breaches in the foundation that may let in water.
  • Stagnant water in the basement.
  • Presence of mold on the walls or floor of the basement.

Signs of moisture, especially in the foundation, are dangerous since water exposure can result in extreme structural loss.

Checking And Testing Plumbing And Appliances

Plumbing complications are the most common causes of water damage in the home. Inspectors will look for evidence of leaks in pipes, taps, and geysers. They might also check:

  • The condition of water pipes (the older the pipes, the higher the chances that water will leak out)
  • Dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator connections
  • Water pressure levels

Any problem in this system can cause extensive water infiltration if the problem is left unresolved.

Using Specialized Tools

Home inspectors employ specialized tools for the detection of hidden moisture. They use these tools to identify cases of water damage, which may be externally hard to locate. Common tools include:

  • Moisture Meters: These portable gadgets assess the level of dampness in timber and gypsum boards, facilitating the identification of troublesome spots.
  • Infrared Cameras: With IRT (Infrared thermography), an inspector can detect temperature variations within the structure, indicating moisture absorbed by the wall or ceiling.

These tools are also handy in detecting hidden leaks or water infiltration behind walls or floors.

Attic Inspection

The attic is another hotspot for water damage. The inspectors look for: 

  • Stains on the walls and ceilings
  • Damp patches at the sides of the roofs 
  • Accumulation of moisture or dampness at beams or insulation.
  • Mold or mildew formation.

If there is any sign of water damage in the attic, it may be due to roof leakage or poor ventilation.

The Effect Of Moisture Intrusion

The penetration of water doesn’t just lead to aesthetic problems in buildings. It can result in:

  • Mold Growth: Mold is commonly spread through water-damaged buildings and can grow fast within 24 to 48 hours if not controlled. It is dangerous to human health, affects the respiratory system, and causes skin allergies.
  • Wood Rot: Moisture also causes wooden structures to rot, and because replacing wooden structures is very expensive, this will lead to a lot of expenses.
  • Electrical Damage: Home water damage may cause short circuits, especially when it comes into contact with electrical wiring; this poses a great threat to fire outbreaks.

Why Early Detection Is The Key

Water damage in homes sometimes occurs slowly. When homeowners realize that there is an issue, it may well have spread out. That is why early detection is important, especially for homes built for some years or in areas commonly flooded. It is advisable to find out the cause of water leaking in the house so that you won’t have to dig deep into your pocket to carry out repairs.

Below are some signs you should check for to confirm that you have water damage.

  • Musty Odors: If the home or building smells slightly moldy or musty, mold and other sources of moisture are a possibility.
  • Peeling Paint Or Wallpaper: This can indicate water penetration behind the walls.
  • Visible Mold: Mold growth around the windows, the doors, and other damp places indicates a problem with humidity.
  • Water Pooling: Standing water on floors, mainly in the basement or crawl space, is always a bad sign.

Conclusion

Home water damage requires expensive repairs and poses severe health risks. Home inspectors are knowledgeable about all probable signs of water damage, so they can assist homeowners in noting the first indicators of a problem. However, it is important to carry out a home inspection for water damage and moisture intrusion more often to avoid long-term damage.

Whether you notice signs of water damage or want to make sure your home is protected against potential leaks, don’t wait. 

Elite Inspections is a professional home inspection company  that provides detailed home inspections to identify whether there is any water damage in your house and maintain it without incurring huge losses on repair costs. Call us today to select the time for the inspection and feel safe in your home.