Identifying Subtle Water Damage

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

There are many possible causes of water damage. Oftentimes it can appear to come "out of nowhere". Addressing these concerns before they become costly to your Wellesley, MA commercial property begins by identifying the source of the damage, which can sometimes hide behind layers of a wall system or ceiling materials. In some situations, you might not be sure that a water loss incident exists until you can recognize some of the symptoms these incidents can leave behind.  

How To Identify Subtle Water Damage

How can you tell if your commercial property is suffering from a small water loss? Several indicative symptoms can showcase water or moisture, even if the majority of this damaged area exists behind surface materials in wall cavities or structural openings. Start by looking for:  

• Yellowing – Drywall is one of the most common structural materials used in office spaces. While you do not typically have to worry about the metal framework becoming damaged by water, drywall can quickly and readily absorb moisture and water from a persistent leak. The surface around this water-damaged area of the sheetrock can often show yellowing in an uneven blotch. 

• Spotting - Prolonged exposure to moisture, or the unresolved saturation of materials, can facilitate mold growth in areas that you cannot see. The migration of mold colonies can show as spotting on the surface of the drywall, which can be multiple colors: black, green, blue, or even orange.  

• Material Deterioration – Sagging or damaged materials are often an excellent indication of water damage. As materials get saturated, they can become too heavy for screws or nails used to install them to support them. Sagging ceilings or bloated wall surfaces can indicate a substantial water loss concern. 

When you first suspect water damage to your commercial property, immediate resolution will save you time and money. Prolonged exposure to moisture or damp, structural elements allows for more compromising effects like deterioration or mold growth. The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley have a fast and thorough response that will help you identify the cause of your water loss. Call us at (617) 332-9000!  We will make it, "Like it never even happened."