Hidden Water Damage: The Silent Threat and How to Detect It
websitebuilder • July 10, 2024
As homeowners in beautiful central Florida, particularly Gainesville, we are blessed with a subtropical climate for most of the year that fosters lush landscapes and vibrant communities. However, subtropical is associated with high levels of humidity, which also comes with its challenges, particularly regarding water damage. While visible water damage from storms or plumbing mishaps is obvious, hidden water damage is a silent menace that can wreak havoc on your home's structural integrity and your family's health.
At PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville, we've witnessed the devastating effects of hidden water damage firsthand. This article aims to empower homeowners and business owners with knowledge about the subtle signs of this insidious threat and the proactive steps you can take to protect your property.
Why Hidden Water Damage is a Serious Concern in Our Region
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of hidden water damage in Gainesville, FL:
- Humid Climate: We have consistently set record-high temperatures for the last month. Our high humidity levels create an environment which accelerates the growth of mold and mildew. For example, this is a mold remediation we performed that was exacerbated due to no AC and high humidity levels within the home.
- Seasonal Residents (a/k/a “Snowbirds”): Many homeowners in Gainesville, FL are seasonal residents. When homes are left unoccupied for extended periods, small leaks or plumbing issues can go unnoticed, allowing water damage to escalate.
- Aging Infrastructure: Older homes tend to have older plumbing or roofs that are more susceptible to leaks and deterioration.
- Sinkhole Activity: While not as common as other causes, sinkholes can cause sudden structural shifts, potentially damaging underground pipes and leading to hidden leaks.
The Silent Signs of Hidden Water Damage
Hidden water damage often manifests through subtle clues that might be easily overlooked. Here are the key signs to watch for:
- Musty Odors: A persistent musty smell, especially in basements, crawl spaces, or closed-off rooms, is often the first indicator of mold growth or hidden moisture.
- Unexplained Stains or Discoloration: Look for yellowish or brownish stains on walls, ceilings, or floors. These could be signs of water seepage or leakage from hidden pipes.
- Warped or Buckling Surfaces: Water can cause wooden floors to warp or buckle, tiles to loosen, and drywall or plaster to bulge or crack.
- Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Moisture buildup behind walls can cause paint or wallpaper to bubble, peel, or blister.
- Increased Humidity: A sudden increase in humidity levels inside your home, especially in specific areas, could signal a hidden moisture source.
- Sudden Increase in Water Bills: If your water usage hasn't changed but your bill has spiked, it could be a sign of an undetected leak.
- Mold Growth: While not always hidden, mold often thrives in concealed spaces like behind walls, under sinks, or in attics. Look for black, green, or white fuzzy patches.
- Insect Infestations: Moisture attracts pests like termites, cockroaches, and silverfish, which can be an indirect sign of hidden water damage.
- Sound of Running Water: If you hear running water when no faucets are on, it could indicate a leak within your walls or plumbing system.
Proactive Measures to Prevent and Detect Hidden Water Damage
Don't wait for hidden water damage to become a costly problem. Take these preventative steps:
- Regular Inspections: Schedule routine plumbing, roof, and attic inspections. A professional inspection can identify potential issues before they escalate. PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville offers comprehensive home inspections to detect hidden leaks and vulnerabilities.
- Prompt Repairs: Don't delay addressing even minor leaks or plumbing problems. A small leak can quickly turn into a significant disaster if left unattended.
- Moisture Monitoring: Consider installing a smart water leak sensor that can alert you to leaks or abnormal moisture levels in your home.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to reduce humidity and prevent moisture buildup.
- Landscaping: Grade your property to ensure water drains away from your foundation.
- Seasonal Precautions: Before leaving your home for an extended period, turn off the main water supply and drain the pipes to minimize the risk of leaks.
Addressing Hidden Water Damage
If you suspect hidden water damage in your home, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Our experienced team at PUDDLES Restoration is equipped with advanced technology to detect hidden moisture, locate leaks, and develop a comprehensive restoration plan tailored to your needs. We'll work diligently to mitigate further damage, eliminate mold growth, and restore your home to its pre-loss condition.
Whether Business or Residential: Protect It From Hidden Threats
By being vigilant about the signs of hidden water damage and taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your property and ensure a safe, healthy environment for your business, customers, and/or your family.
PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville is committed to helping you protect your property from water damage, seen and unseen.
Contact us today at (352) 722-3790.
Remember, early detection is critical to preventing costly repairs and ensuring the longevity of your home and/or business.
EXAMINATION: Individuals seeking licensure as a Mold Remediator must first take and pass a department approved exam for mold remediation. For information about the examination, visit the Examination Information webpage. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE : A copy of a transcript is required demonstrating an Associate of Arts degree or higher in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene or occupational safety or related field of science from an accredited institution. The applicant must also demonstrate a minimum of 1 year of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation; or a high school diploma and 4 years of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation. This is not a complete listing of educational and experience requirements. Please see the application instructions page for complete information. FINGERPRINTS: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process. You must submit your fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE immediately after submitting your application for licensure. It may take up to five days for your fingerprint results to be received by the Department after they are submitted to the Florida Department of Law enforcement (FDLE). Please note that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires that an application for licensure should precede the submission of your fingerprints. To learn more about fingerprinting, please visit our Fingerprinting webpage . INSURANCE: Applicants for a Mold Remediator license are required to attest that they have obtained general liability insurance in the amount of no less than $1 million dollars as determined by statute. FEE: Pay the required fee as provided in the application. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, please include a check payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Military veterans, their spouses and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. Please visit our DBPR Military Services page for more information. APPLICATION: Complete the application by clicking on the "Online Services" link or the "Printable Application" link at the bottom of the page. NOTICE FOR APPLICANTS SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS WHERE CRIMINAL RECORD RESULTS WILL BE USED FOR LICENSING PURPOSES PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
In the State of Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses and regulates mold assessors and mold remediators. To become licensed, individuals need to meet specific education and experience requirements, pass an approved examination, and undergo a criminal background check. Licensing Requirements: Requires specific education (e.g., Associate's degree in a related field) and documented field experience, or a high school diploma with more experience. Mold Remediator: Requires the same educational and experience qualifications as a mold assessor, plus passing a department-approved exam. Examination: Both mold assessors and remediators must pass a state-approved examination. Background Check: A criminal background check is part of the licensing process. Fees: Application and licensing fees apply, and are non-refundable. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
Two referral partners (Ref Ptnrs A & B) called us to perform an emergency water damage inspection b/c they were told that houses Y & Z were wet. Ref Ptnr A had one business day left for the inspection period. Ref Ptnr B was accused of causing water to get under ¾ inch solid glued-down wood flooring (these were really nice floors), and the contractor started removing the floor. Fortunately, Ref Ptnr B was able to convince the contractor to STOP removing any more flooring by saying, “My guy is licensed and certified and has the correct equipment to determine if the floor is wet, and he [ PUDDLES ] will be here by 7:00 AM tomorrow to inspect the floor.” CONCLUSION: Neither house Y or Z was wet. If the floors had read wet: Ref Ptnr A’s real estate deal would have failed, and Ref Ptnr B would have incurred 10X what he was paid to fix the floor. Our followers know that green is good when using a Protimeter MMS3 moisture meter, but to be safe, we also used a FLIR infrared camera and a Tramex CMEX5 Moisture meter to inspect the ensuite master bathroom-tiled floor.
Slow Leaks vs Fast Leaks Gainesville, FL 32601 We are often asked which is worse: Slow Leaks or Fast Leaks?
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
What Happened A contractor in Gainesville, FL stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Gainesville, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Gainesville, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
