Hidden Problems That Can Cause Water Damage to Your Home

While it still might not be a welcome sight, visible water damage is usually better than hidden water damage because it can be addressed right away. Unfortunately, many homeowners find themselves dealing with problems that are less obvious. In fact, there are a variety of hidden problems that can cause significant water damage to homes and businesses, emphasizing the necessity of prompt water damage restoration or cleanup.

In order to catch water damage before it starts, homeowners should familiarize themselves with some of the most common types of water damage and hidden problems. Fortunately, this guide from Swift Restoration & Remodeling can provide more insight into some of the things that homeowners should watch out for if they hope to prevent leaks and flooding in their homes.

Tree & Shrub Roots

While a beautiful tree in the front yard can add a lot of curb appeal to a home, it can also cause many problems if the roots intercept water lines. In fact, roots from trees and shrubs are one of the most common culprits of structural damage that can lead to water damage. Since roots naturally seek out water, they often make their way into drains or supply lines. It’s especially common for roots to clog drainage lines until a sewage backup occurs.

They can even put pressure on a home’s foundation until it cracks. This will leave the home vulnerable to groundwater leaking into the basement or foundation. Unfortunately, it is difficult to see when roots are starting to penetrate a home or its water lines. Therefore, it’s important that homeowners routinely inspect their foundation or hire a plumber to check the lines for blockages.

Shifting Ground Conditions

Homeowners may also find themselves dealing with water damage if changing ground conditions stress the structural components of their house. Shifting typically occurs as water is absorbed and soil expands. When the moisture dries up, the ground sinks back to its original position, and this movement can cause issues with the foundation. In fact, it can crack as the ground settles, and these cracks allow runoff and groundwater to enter a home. 

Homeowners should also be aware of ground condition changes caused by pools or other water features on their property. The extra weight of the water can lead to more shifting and settling that can lead to cracks, underscoring the significance of addressing these issues through thorough water damage cleanup measures.

Poor Landscaping

Again, landscaping is a great way to improve the appearance of a home’s exterior, but if not done right, it can cause water to pool around a home’s foundation. For example, a home with a yard that slopes upward away from the house will end up with runoff accumulating around the foundation. Flowerbeds should also be graded with a slope away from the house to prevent pooling.

Sidewalk or Driveway Slopes

Homeowners might find themselves dealing with similar challenges if their sidewalks or driveways weren’t sloped properly. The concrete should also have expansion joints that allow for movement between slabs because they also create a space for water runoff. In some cases, these joints might not be enough, so homeowners may need to add a drainage pipe. 

Leaking Windows

Over time, window seals can start to deteriorate. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t realize it until they notice that mold is growing around the window frames. Therefore, it’s important that they learn to check for signs of moisture or pool seals before water damage actually occurs.

Old Roofs

While there are many home maintenance projects that people have to complete on a regular basis, roofs often go unnoticed and uncared for for years. Most homeowners simply don’t think about their roofs until they cause a problem. As a result, a roof could start to leak, and most people wouldn’t know it until the leak turned into a bigger issue. Taking time to perform routine inspections can help to prevent a lot of expensive water damage restoration projects.

Bad Pipes

The final drying phase is usually the step that takes the water remediation company the longest. While there are techniques and tools they can use to expedite the process, it can still take several days or longer to make sure the property is completely dry. Air movers and dehumidifiers are especially useful in this phase.

Condensation from Air Conditioning

Finally, homeowners should make a habit of checking their air conditioning units to make sure that the condensation is draining properly. Otherwise, it could start to accumulate around the unit and lead to rot and mold growth.

Request an Inspection for Hidden Problems That Can Cause Water Damage

Homeowners who suspect they have hidden water damage should contact Swift Restoration & Remodeling to have their property inspected. The professionals are easy to contact by phone for 24/7 emergency services. They also have a simple online form that customers can submit for a free quote.