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Hidden Water Damage In Panama City Homes

water damage panama city, water damage cleanup panama city, water damage restoration panama cityWater damage comes in many different ways. If water damage occurs in an area where you don’t spend a lot of time, like utility rooms, storage rooms, or basements, you may be living with water damage without even knowing it. If you suspect water damage in your home in Panama City, here are some signs you should look for:

  • Dark of wet spots on walls and ceilings
  • Cracks or flaking drywall
  • Puddles, drips, or wet spots around pipes, taps, under sinks, and at the base of toilets
  • Unusual dampness or humidity 
  • Damp, musty, or moldy smell
  • Hearing water running when fixtures are turned off
  • Visible mold growth on walls or baseboards
  • Peeling or bubbling on walls
  • Warping or buckling of walls, ceilings, or floors
  • Sudden water bill increase

Hidden water damage poses some serious threats that should not be taken lightly, the first being mold growth

  1. Mold Growth 

Hidden moisture can lead to mold growth. Mold found in homes can be very dangerous, not to mention a costly, problem. Mold reproduces by spores, which are best described as a type of “seed,” and are invisible to the naked eye. Mold spores need a food source, moisture, and time in order to grow. Some food sources for indoor mold include wood, drywall, and even dust. The moisture for mold to grow indoors often comes from leaks or floods. With food and moisture present, mold growth can begin within 24 hours. If mold spores are inhaled or ingested, they can cause a variety of dangerous respiratory symptoms including, but not limited to; coughing, sneezing, rashes, fatigue, headaches, and irritation to eyes, nose, and throat. With the proper equipment and prompt action, the growth of dangerous molds is significantly reduced. 

The next threat is structural damage to your home.

  1. Structural Damage

Moisture trapped inside walls, under carpets, beneath floorboards and in other unseen areas can cause serious structural harm. The integrity of building materials, like sheetrock and wood, is compromised when exposed to water and moisture. Because most of the materials used in structural components of the home are porous, they may begin to expand and wrap when moisture is absorbed. Without complete drying and dehumidification, these structures will continue to weaken and cause major structural damage. Deterioration to structural components is a huge risk of hidden water damage. 

Because the damage that water can do to the structure of a building is often hidden behind walls, behind cabinets, under carpets and floorboards, and in other unseen areas, it can take several weeks or even years to manifest. Water’s destructive tendencies create the need to handle water damage quickly and correctly. If you suffer from water damage in Panama City or surrounding areas, make your first call to Daystar Cleaning. At Daystar, we provide an immediate response, to help mitigate water damage to your home. We specialize in minimizing both your damage and your stress and are dedicated to getting your home back to pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. So give us a call today!