Recognizing the signs of water intrusion to prevent water damage and mold

Proactive measures for your home or business

   Knowing the signs of water damage is key to prevention of widespread damages caused by both water and mold.  A NE Ohio home or business may often show signs of water intrusion before the occurrence of water damage, and may already have a mold issue due to the intrusion.  Even in the case widespread rainfall and storms (exactly like the past month in Akron, Ohio!), water and mold damage can often be mitigated by a well maintained structure.

   However, accidents still happen, despite the best efforts of property owners.  Local Professional Restoration Companies, like Unified Restoration Systems of Akron, OH are needed when water or mold overwhelms a structure and individuals who own it.

   But what are some of the signs of water intrusion?  What are the clues to let us know that your property may be vulnerable?  Lets go over where to check on the inside and outside of your home or office.

A routine visual check outside of the building is a good starting point

   Here are some outdoor places to check for warning signs of future water damage:

• Inspect the roof for damaged, displaced, or missing shingles
• Take a look at the siding on the building, are there any cracks, holes, or misaligned sections?
• If the foundation is visible, does it have any cracks or staining?
• Check around windows and doors for good seals to prevent leaks
• Notice if there are any areas of pooling water or places that are slow to drain

Indoor locations to check for signs of water

   Conduct a walk around the inside of the building and be on the look out for these symptoms:

• Warps in floors, ceilings, and drywall can be due to the presence of water
• Bubbling or peeling paint can be due to age -or- a sign that water is present behind the layer of paint
• Dark pooling spots on walls or ceilings indicate that water has entered the area and dried up many times, leaving leftover mineral staining
• Sounds of dripping water may mean that there is an active leak somewhere
• Dampness (Humidity) on indoor walls and flooring, around windows, door frames

Signs of mold growth due to water intrusion

   When water is allowed to flow, and doesn't have anywhere to drain or dry out, mold will begin to grow and eventually colonize - because mold spores travel via water.  As this happens it effects the health of everyone in the building, bringing coughing and sneezing from lung irritants.

   It can start as a stuffy or musty odor that gets stronger as you approach the main source of the mold. There may be discolorations of the area where the water brought in the mold spores and even fungus growing that, when entering the lungs of people, can cause fungal infections that are no joke!  You can see why Unified Restoration Systems takes water and mold damage so seriously!

   If you suspect that you have water damage, or can confirm that water and/or mold are present, give Unified Restoration Systems a call, we're available 24 hours every day, we always have teams on standby!  Acting quickly when you've spotted a water intrusion in your business or home is the most economical way to deal with water damage, before its a big problem!

   Think of Unified Restoration as the 'Big Guns' when you have water damage and are in over your head.  We will mitigate your water and mold damage, then make any restorations to your home or office, and hand you back a newly rebuilt structure, all while working with your insurance company for any and all payments!  Call Unified Restoration Systems (234) 571-2005 for water damage restoration