During fall, winter and spring, there’s nothing better than arriving home after a long workday and shaking off the rain. Drippy coats and hats are hung up, damp socks changed for warm slippers and we finally start to feel human again. But when moisture seeps into your house, it can be more than simple annoyance. Water damage can harm structures and even your family’s health. At Boggs Inspection Services, their trained inspectors will spot the tell-tale signs of water, mold and mildew and can even provide a vetted list of local companies to make repairs.
Let Boggs Inspection Services Find Leaks Before Moisture Damages Home and Health
Boggs Inspection Services’ Manager George Green says between 40% and 60% of home inspections nationwide find some type of water-related issue. He explains that inspectors often note roof leaks, foundation seepage, grading or drainage problems, bathroom ventilation issues, small sink or appliance leaks and early-stage mold growth.
Water – whether from rain, plumbing, humidity or condensation – can sneak in where folks least expect it, says Green. And sometimes, there may not even be a puddle or annoying drip-drip-drip to indicate larger problems.
Green explains that common trouble spots include older or poorly caulked window frames, in the attic around fan ducts and chimneys, behind a home’s siding when the flashing is compromised, around joists or irrigation lines, and under or behind appliances that use water lines like dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines.
How to Spot Water Damage or Mold Growth Before It Becomes a Problem
The Mayo Clinic says that mold can cause upper respiratory issues like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and throat, and dry or irritated skin. But, for the nearly one in 10 Americans with asthma, mold can cause flare-ups or even severe attacks.
If you’re suffering and suspect mold might be the culprit, Green says to look for:
- Musty or earthy smells that persist even after cleaning
- Peeling paint
- Bubbling drywall
- Baseboards swelling or pulling away from the wall
- Discoloration or dirty-looking patches on walls and ceilings
- High window condensation
- Areas that feel cold or damp to the touch
“These subtle clues often indicate hidden moisture long before it becomes a major issue,” he explains.
An inspection can catch problems before they require an expensive, large-scale clean-up. Mold remediation gets expensive, Green explains, if it covers more than 10 square feet, is inside the walls or your HVAC ducts or when it compromises structural materials to the extent they need replacement.
Hiring a Pro is the Way to Go when Dealing with Moisture in Your Home
Professionals can determine the extent of the problem and how to stop further moisture from getting indoors. They can also help diagnose damage and ways to move forward with cleaning or repair.
“Small, localized mold problems like surface growth on bathroom drywall, under a sink or around a window,” says Green, “are often simple, inexpensive fixes when caught early. Most mold types, not just black mold, are handled the same way: stop the moisture source, remove affected materials if needed, and clean or treat the area. The real cost driver is how long the moisture was present, not the mold’s color.”
Moisture is also a year-round issue that can be caused in the summer by high humidity plus attic condensation, air conditioning drain issues or warm, humid rooms. Fall brings clogged gutters and downspouts, which pushes water towards the foundation. Green says that any situation that combines moisture, warmth and time is a recipe for mold.
Ways You Can Keep an Eye Out for Water Where it Shouldn’t Be
Boggs’ inspectors come with special tools and years of know-how when troubleshooting problems, but there are out-of-the-way places homeowners can check to stop issues early before lasting damage occurs.
Green says to look over your refrigerator water lines, washing machine hoses and under sinks, especially around the garbage disposal connection. Also monitor behind your toilet near the shutoff valve, your hot water heater’s overflow and pressure relief valve areas, caulking seams around bathtubs and showers, sump pump, window tracks and attic around bathroom fan ducting where steam can accidentally vent into the attic instead of outdoors. “A quick walkthrough can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs,” he says.
Consider investing in an inexpensive hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, fixing clogged or misaligned gutters and running the kitchen and bathroom fans during showers and cooking. “If something smells off, feels damp or looks a little weird,” says Green, “inspect it sooner rather than later.” Or, bring in the Boggs team to help.
Boggs Inspection Services can do mold and indoor air quality testing, residential and commercial inspections, and pre-listing, post-purchase or annual maintenance inspections. You can request a free quote, book online or call 360.837.6629 to get started. Then dig out some warm, dry slippers and put your feet up until spring.
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