If you’re a wholesaler, building supply store owner or roofer, you’re likely aware of the damage water intrusion can cause. Recommending or installing low-quality solutions can affect buildings, your reputation and the trust your clients have in you. It can be challenging to avoid these issues when water damage signs aren’t always easy to spot. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can minimize these problems.
This guide will help you identify signs of water damage.
Water damage doesn’t always start with a burst pipe or roof leak. It often shows subtle changes in a home or building that might seem insignificant. Knowing these early signs can help you address the issue before it becomes major.
When water leaks from a roof or pipe, it saturates drywall, plaster or paint. This causes pigments to change and create noticeable stains. Stains often appear as yellow, brown or rust-colored patches. It’s vital not to ignore discoloration, even if the stain is small or seems to dry out. The underlying causes may still exist. If left unchecked, it can lead to structural deterioration. Schedule regular inspections to assess vulnerable areas and suggest appropriate solutions for proper drainage.
If you’ve noticed paint bubbles or wallpaper peeling off the wall, it’s often a sign of moisture trapped beneath the surface. Water can infiltrate through windows, cracks in walls or roofing. This can disrupt the adhesive bond between the paint or wallpaper and the wall. Peeling shows that the area underneath is damp and possibly harboring mold or mildew. A professional can check the area to help prevent moisture from spreading.
A musty smell in a home or building often comes from mold, which flourishes in moist environments. If you detect this odor, it’s worth investigating the source. Look for damp areas around roof-wall intersections, near vents or in basements. These places trap moisture that allows mold to grow undisturbed. Have a professional inspect to address any lingering water. Roofing contractors and suppliers can also recommend that clients seek the assistance of relevant professionals who may provide lasting protection.
Drywall is naturally porous, so it absorbs water readily when exposed to leaks or high humidity. The moisture could be from roof leaks, wall condensation or plumbing issues. These issues cause the drywall to feel soft, spongy or damp to the touch. Typically, this can lead to cracks, sagging or collapse. Check and manage the root cause of the issue. You can fully inspect the building or home and address poor drainage or inadequate sealing.
Water damage can alter the materials in your home. For example, wood flooring is susceptible to swelling and warping because it absorbs water and expands. You might notice slight bumps or uneven surfaces. In more severe cases, floors can buckle, and walls can bulge. The swelling strains the material, and it may not return to its original shape once it dries out.
Best practices in building design highlight the importance of directing water away from wall cladding. Proper drainage, including installing kickout flashing, minimizes the risk of warping and preserves structural integrity.
Ice dams form at the roof’s edge and create a barrier that traps water. This water can seep under shingles and into a home or building. The best fix is to ensure ventilation and runoff into gutters or provide adequate insulation to prevent ice buildup. You may even install flashing at roof-wall intersections, chimneys and gutters to help guide water away from a roof.
A faint dripping or trickling sound in a ceiling or roof after a rainstorm could indicate a leak, even if there are no visible stains or puddles. One common cause of these hidden leaks is inadequate or damaged components, such as a missing, damaged or poorly installed kickout flashing. This water can pool in hidden areas and damage the building’s structure. Listen for these subtle leaks during or after storms. Solutions like improved gutter systems and proper roof sloping can minimize the issue.
Common water damage symptoms often reveal a more advanced problem left unaddressed for some time.
Mold is one of the clearest and most concerning signs of water damage. It often appears as green, black or white fuzzy patches on walls, ceilings or other surfaces. Mold thrives in damp, humid environments where water has infiltrated and stagnated. Beyond the unsightly appearance, mold poses serious health risks. It can aggravate allergies, trigger asthma attacks and lead to respiratory infections.
If you spot mold, it’s a sign that water damage has lingered long enough to create a breeding ground for fungi and requires a professional to stop further growth.
Water stains often appear as rings or blotchy spots on ceilings or walls. Unlike discoloration, they are larger, more defined and can spread. Water stains often signal a roof leak, faulty plumbing, or inadequate or deteriorating flashing. If you or your client notice stains growing or darkening, it’s time to investigate and fix the issue.
The weight of waterlogged materials leads to sagging and may collapse the ceiling. This type of damage is a cosmetic issue and a safety hazard. A sagging ceiling could give way unexpectedly and put people and property at risk. Repairing a sagging ceiling can be costly, but preventing the issue is much easier. Safeguarding intersections is a quick way to keep water from pooling and causing damage.
Rust on metal components suggests moisture has been present for a while. This is common in attics, basements or near skylights where water might collect unnoticed. Rust can compromise metal strength and lead to faulty structural components or hardware. For example, rusted nails or screws could lead to loose shingles and increase the risk of water intrusion. Fixing these areas can prevent structural issues and ensure roofing systems last longer.
Exposure to water can cause wood to soften, rot and disintegrate. The wood may feel spongy to the touch or crumble when pressed. Rotting wood can weaken the structural integrity and create an inviting environment for termites and carpenter ants. This problem often begins in areas with poor water diverters. This makes it easier for water to pool and seep into wooden components. Seal exposed edges and confirm gutters are free of debris to keep water flowing away from a structure.
Stucco is a durable material, but it can become compromised if it’s constantly in contact with water. Cracks, crumbling or bulging in stucco often suggest trapped moisture. This issue can arise from poor drainage, faulty flashing or unsealed roof-wall intersections. If you notice signs of damage around chimneys or rooflines, it’s best to fix the issue. For wholesalers or roofers, recommending durable materials to contractors and clients can help maintain stucco exteriors and minimize expensive repairs.
Water damage can weaken insulation and cause it to lose its ability to trap heat or cool air effectively. When this happens, your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy costs. Unexplained spikes in energy bills could mean you’re dealing with wet insulation. Addressing the root cause, like properly insulating a home or building or adding or replacing kickout flashing, could help prevent further damage.
Kickout Flashing by PBZ provides high-quality kickout flashing to address common water intrusion points. Our flashing is made from durable aluminum and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welded. This construction allows for superior strength, so it won’t crack or become brittle in the field. We also provide powder-coated flashings to add an extra layer of protection against wear and tear.
Whether you’re working on a single property or managing bulk projects, we offer discounts for large orders to make getting the materials you need easy and affordable. Fill out the form, and one of our team members will contact you today.
