Older homes are often incredibly distinctive, with stunning architectural details, unique charm, and lots of history. But keeping them in good condition may require more consideration than a modern home. In particular, older homes are frequently prone to water damage issues and may even require water damage restoration services.
These issues aren’t always immediately obvious in older homes, making it even harder to take action when needed. How do you know when water damage has occurred? And for owners of older homes, when is it too late to get water damage restoration services?
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we deliver water damage restoration across the country. Today, we’ll review why older homes are prone to damage issues, how to spot potential issues, and what we can do to help.
Understanding Water Damage in Older Homes
How Older Homes Are More Prone to Water Damage
A brand-new home is likely to be in better shape than an older home, and there’s a reason for that. Any building will wear down over the years, and that wear and tear can be compounded by inclement weather, frequent use, and outdoor elements. And that’s just the start. Here are three other factors that may contribute to water damage in older homes:
- Out-of-date systems. Roofing and plumbing systems are two big concerns for older homes. That’s because they require ongoing maintenance to keep in good condition. Depending on the type of roof and other factors, they typically require replacement after about 20 years. Out-of-date or worn-down systems are more likely to let in leaks, moisture, and other water damage issues.
- Inadequate insulation. New technology has made modern insulation more energy-efficient and robust, allowing for better performance over the years. An older home may have insulation that’s simply not performing its job, allowing for the buildup of humidity, moisture, and even water intrusion.
- Foundation issues. Over the years, a home’s foundation is likely to settle. Older homes are especially prone to this, due to age and other factors. This means more risk of cracks in the foundation, walls, and basement. When these cracks appear, they open up a house or property to the potential for leaks and other issues related to water damage.
Ongoing maintenance of a home can limit the potential for water damage or the need for subsequent water damage restoration services. But for a variety of properties, sometimes these issues are inevitable. Let’s take a look at how to spot them.
3 Common Signs of Water Damage Issues
When water accumulates in a home, it’s time for water damage restoration. But sometimes, water damage problems aren’t obvious. Here are three common indicators to watch out for:
- Mold or poor air quality. Any mold growth on the surfaces of a home or property is an immediate cause for concern. Where there’s mold, there’s moisture buildup, too. But poor air quality, mildew, and stuffiness are also worth investigating. These can be signs of humidity or other water-related concerns.
- Discoloration, stains, and bubbling. Walls and ceilings are two places where water damage issues tend to show up. Monitor these for signs of discoloration or staining. If the paint or wallpaper near these areas starts to bubble, that’s also a potential indicator of water damage problems.
- Warped flooring. When enough water has accumulated below the surface, it will start to warp the surface itself. Flooring is especially vulnerable: look out for signs of buckling, warping, or sagging, which can all signal the presence of moisture buildup.
When in doubt, you can always reach out to 1-800 WATER DAMAGE. As part of our water damage restoration services, we can investigate for moisture beneath surfaces, then take action to treat the home and repair damage.
Water Damage Restoration for Older Homes
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we make it easy to get comprehensive water damage restoration for an older home. That’s because we offer it all: from initial assessment to water removal, mold and odor cleanup, and structural repairs, our team has it covered.
When it comes to water damage, speed is always a crucial factor in limiting the scope of issues. It means that when you suspect there’s an issue, you’ll want to act right away. It can help reduce the extent of damage and save time, money, and plenty of hassle along the way.
Contact Us for Water Damage Restoration
For older homes, you need water damage restoration from a trusted team. Contact 1-800 WATER DAMAGE to get started with our services.
