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What Causes Water Damage to Your Home’s Baseboards and How to Deal with Them?

Water damage is the most dreaded situation for any homeowner. No matter what you do after that, the damage, once done, cannot be undone. Water damage can be costly if not detected in time.

The baseboard being in the middle of the wall and floor takes many brunts, especially when it comes to water damage. And, any possible signs of water damage on the baseboards call for immediate attention by a water restoration expert.

So, if you are still confused about the tell-tale signs of water damage in your home, here is the list of things you should pay attention to.

Staining In The Wall And Ceilings

You will see visible staining on your ceilings and walls. The stains on the ceiling are round, while the stains on the walls are straight lines going down the wall. You may see the paint or the wallpaper peeling off.

But even if you don’t, don’t ignore the staining on the walls. Let your home be examined by a professional who can tell you the reasons for the staining.

Deteriorating Wood

A dilapidated baseboard and molding indicate water damage. If the wood around the windows or doors is deteriorating, it may also be a possible sign of water damage.

The deterioration in the wood is a clear sign that it is or was exposed to water. So, whenever you see such an issue, call your local water restoration services for analysis.

Warped Wallboard

Warped drywall is another indication that your house is facing a water damage issue. When the drywall gets wet, it buckles and usually arises when there is a leak behind the wood or the drywall.

Another reason wood warps is due to exposure to excessive moisture. You can immediately notice it when walking on the floor barefoot or with socks.

Smelly Odors

The best way to detect water damage is a smell test. A damp smell is a sign that water is seeping or leaking behind the walls. Another thing you will notice is mold or mildew smell. This is usually an early sign of water damage that comes from the dampness behind the wall.

Old houses that have been locked for a long time can have a similar smell, but it is better to get it looked over by a water restoration expert before moving in.

Reasons For Water Damage

Damage to the baseboard is usually an early sign of something wrong happening behind the walls. As they are really low to the ground, any water damage on the baseboard signals a lurking plumbing issue.

Many things can cause water damage to floors, such as overflowing sinks or bathtubs, flooding from faulty appliances, and old, damaged pipes.

In the first situation, when your sink or bathtub overflows or a supply line is broken, it causes clean water leakage. A damaged faucet, washing machine, or dishwasher can also cause lead to clean water damage.

The second is the gray water leak caused by an appliance malfunction discharged from the washing machines and dishwashers. It can also include human waste. It is contaminated and a health hazard.

The last category is black water leaking from the sewage. It can be toxic and come from clogged drain pipes.

What Can You Do?

Baseboards soak the moisture and water, but this can also reach the wall’s inner structure and cause structural damage in the wall. Dampness also leads to bacterial growth, fungus and, if ignored for a longer period, can be a potential health hazard.

Hiring a water restoration company is the best way to tackle water damage in your home. They can detect the exact cause of water damage in your house and provide you an immediate solution. They can also help you save your flooring, paneling, drywall, and carpets.

First, they detect and repair the plumbing or structural issue causing the leak and allowing the mold to grow. Then, they can use suction and compression equipment to push the water away. Due to their expertise, they can quickly fix broken pipes and plumbing fixtures. They are also adept in repairing water heater failure or your other leaking appliances such as dishwasher, washing machine, and ice maker.

Once the root cause of the leak is solved, they remove the mold using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air scrubbers, vacuums, and dehumidifiers. After cleaning, they deodorize with antimicrobial chemicals and dry the structure affected by the water damage. Finally, after the work is done, they clean up the whole place and estimate the damage done to your property.

Usually, the water restoration services also work together with the insurance companies to determine the cost of damage to the property and help you make claims.

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