Summer storms do a lot more damage than ruining weekend plans. We’ve seen overflowing gutters cause major mold issues inside stucco walls, minuscule pin holes lead to long term water damage, and countless other situations where minor or invisible leaks have led to structure damage and health risks for homeowners in Atlanta. Many of these problems are caused by moisture problems that are nearly invisible to the eye. So how can you protect your home from leaks and mold?

5 Signs of Hidden Water Leaks

Many mold problems are caused by poor ventilation, hidden leaks, and inadequate drainage. Homes in Atlanta are at higher risk of mold due to the high humidity of our climate. Learn to spot moisture problems before they impact your health with these five ways to spot hidden leaks.

1. Musty odors. Moisture problems go hand in hand with musty smelling homes. While there can be other causes to musty smells — such as pet odors or stale air — odors caused by mold are usually more potent than other smells. Pay close attention to the mustiness in your home. Does it get worse after rain? Is it localized in moisture-heavy areas like the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen? If so, that’s a good sign that you’re dealing with mold.
2. Staining. When leaks are absorbed into porous materials like drywall, sheetrock, or stucco, they often create visible stains, even if no mold is visible. If you have yellow, brown, or otherwise discolored stains on your walls or ceilings, that’s a sure sign of water damage.
3. Peeling or bubbling paint. Have you ever tried gluing something to a wet surface? The water repels the adhesive, making the process 10x harder. The same thing happens when your walls absorb too much moisture. Paint and wallpaper have to work harder to adhere to the sheetrock, resulting in peeling wallpaper and bubbling paint.
4. Warped walls, ceilings, and floors. If sheetrock, hardwood, or other building materials become oversaturated, they often buckle. The more these materials warp, the more damage they cause — damage that’s both expensive and difficult to fix. By finding and fixing the hidden leak, you remove the danger of both mold growth and structural damage to your home.
5. Inconsistent meter readings. If you suspect a hidden leak in your home, check the water meter. First, make sure no water is running in your home. Record the readings on your water meter. Wait several hours, then take another reading. Do the numbers match up? If not, you probably have a leaky pipe somewhere.

Left unchecked, mold can lead to respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, tiredness, and nausea. Hidden mold is difficult to remove and many DIY mold remedies only address surface-level problems. Guarantee your home is mold free. Call Clean Environmental Group to schedule your mold remediation today.