The Dangers of Water Damage Under Flooring

The Dangers

There are several risks associated with water damage under the floor. Leaks can often be hard to detect and the resulting issues — structural weakening, electrical fires, and mold growth — are only exacerbated the longer they go unaddressed. Let’s take a look at some of the hazards caused by water damage under the floor and how to catch leaks early.

Structural Weakening

Floors of almost any material are susceptible to water damage. They can weaken over time and break from persistent leaks. Walls and outlets can also be affected as water damage spreads, and the foundational integrity of your home could be at risk if the damage is not expertly assessed.

Electrical Fires

Electrical currents increase rapidly when they come into contact with water, so any electrical components under floorboards can lead to an electrical fire when exposed to leaks. Wiring damaged by water should only be handled and repaired by experts. Amateur electrical remedies are not recommended. 

Mold Growth

Leaks in the floor and damp floorboards provide an ideal breeding ground for mold. Mold colonizes quite quickly and can lead to a plethora of health problems, so if you notice a stale, musty smell or see discolorations in your floor, contact a professional to assess the Aspergillus, clean up the Cladosporium, and expel the Penicillium posthaste.

Identifying Leaks

To prevent substantial damage from a major leak, it is recommended that the issue be addressed within 24 hours. Leaks under the floor, however, are not necessarily noticeable until structural weakening has already occurred or the stale stench of mold becomes unbearable. 

If the leak is on an upper floor of a multi-level structure, evidence will likely present itself in the ceiling below. Sudden changes in your water bill is another key indication that there may be a leak.

 

Check Your Meter

One way to check for suspected leaks is to turn off your water at the source and then check the flow indicator on your water meter or perform a meter reading by monitoring any changes after a couple of hours.

Even if you do not suspect a leak or experience fluctuations in your water bill, it is a good idea to periodically check your flow indicator throughout the year to be on the safe side.

Call an Expert

If you are fairly certain there is a leak — whether or not any indicators are evident — it might be best to contact a pro whose leak location expertise can quickly examine any potential issues and pinpoint the problem before it becomes more prevalent. The team at 24hr Flood Pros can assess your situation and offer the best solution for your water damage dilemma. 

Catching leaks early is crucial, so you may even want to opt for a leak detector to alert you of leaks as soon as possible. This will make your life and the technician’s job a lot easier.