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Signs of Water Damage Under Your Floor
Water damage is often one of the most overlooked issues by homeowners, especially when there are no obvious signs yet. By the time it becomes noticeable, it’s usually too late, requiring major restoration or already causing damage to your property and belongings.
We understand this challenge, which is why Precision Restoration is here to help. We’ll share early signs you can check to confirm if there’s water damage under your floor. Don’t worry, these signs are easy to spot, so anyone can follow along!
Floorboards or Tiles Are Lifting
Look for loose, detached, or shifting floorboards or tiles. Gently step on them, if they move or sound hollow, water has weakened the adhesive underneath.
Wood Flooring Has Started to Rot
Inspect wooden floors for soft, crumbly, or darkened areas. You can press lightly with a screwdriver—if the wood easily flakes or breaks apart, it’s probably rotting due to water intrusion.
Severe Warping or Buckling
Stand back and observe your flooring under natural light. If you see large waves, bulges, or uneven planks, water has penetrated deep into the material, causing it to expand and distort.
Persistent Dampness or Wet Spots
Walk barefoot across your floor, if certain areas feel damp or colder than the rest, or you notice wet spots that never fully dry, there’s an active moisture problem underneath.
Mold Growth Between Floorboards or Under Carpet
Mold is going to be one of the most challenging problems you’ll have if you have water under the flooring. Look closely at floorboard seams, tile grout, or under rugs and carpets for black, green, or white mold patches. A musty odor often accompanies hidden mold.
Unpleasant Musty Smell That Won’t Go Away
If you smell dampness or mildew even after deep cleaning, water has likely seeped into the flooring layers, creating the perfect environment for mold.
Crumbling or Soft Subfloor
Press down firmly on different sections of your floor. If it feels spongy, soft, or sinks slightly under pressure, the subfloor is rotting from moisture damage and losing its strength.
Peeling or Blistering Floor Finishes
Look for bubbling vinyl, cracked tiles, or peeling laminate. If the surface appears swollen or raised, trapped moisture is pushing the material upwards.
Water Stains That Continue to Spread
Check for dark, yellowish, or white stains that seem to grow over time. If cleaning doesn’t remove them and they keep expanding, water is still seeping in.
Condensation or Moisture Between Layers
Lift a rug, floor mat, or furniture that has been in place for a while. If you find moisture, condensation, or water stains underneath, the flooring is trapping excess water.
Rusty Nails or Metal Fixtures in the Flooring
If your flooring has metal screws, nails, or trim, check for rust or corrosion—this means the surrounding materials have absorbed too much moisture.
Sudden Pest Infestation (Termites or Ants)
If you notice an increase in termites, carpenter ants, or silverfish, check the affected areas for dampness. These pests are attracted to wet, decaying wood—a strong sign of hidden water damage.
Why is Water Damage a Serious Problem?
Water damage under flooring isn’t just a minor inconvenience, it can lead to severe consequences if left unaddressed. Here’s why:
Structural Weakening
Prolonged exposure to moisture weakens subfloors and can cause floors to collapse. This will lead to a more expensive and challenging situation.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Damp environments create the perfect conditions for mold, which can spread quickly and we do not want that in our home.
Health Risks
As most people probably already know, mold spores can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
Decreased Property Value
Homes with unresolved water damage issues can lose value and become difficult to sell.
Why do you need Water Damage Professionals?
While minor spills and surface moisture can often be handled with DIY methods, extensive water damage requires help from experts. Here’s when you should call in the experts:
- Water damage extends beyond a tiny area – If the damage covers a large section of the floor, professionals have the tools to assess and repair it properly.
- You see visible mold growth. Mold is a major health risk, and DIY removal might not be enough.
- There’s a persistent musty odor – If the smell lingers even after cleaning, moisture could be trapped beneath the surface.
- Your floors feel unstable – If your flooring feels weak, soft, or bouncy, the subfloor may be compromised.
- Water damage is from a plumbing leak or flood – Situations involving continuous leaks or major flooding require specialized drying and restoration techniques.
Helping with Water Damage in Houston!
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Precision Restoration has you covered with water damage restoration in Houston, TX. Our experts specialize in identifying hidden water damage, preventing mold growth, and restoring your flooring to its original condition.
Contact Precision Restoration today for water damage in your home.
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FAQs
Why does mold keep coming back on my walls?
Mold keeps returning to your walls because the underlying cause—usually excess moisture—has not been fully addressed. Common reasons include leaks, high humidity, poor ventilation, or inadequate cleaning methods that only remove surface mold without eliminating the root issue.
Does bleach kill mold permanently?
No, bleach only removes surface mold and does not kill the spores deep within porous materials like drywall. Instead, use proper mold remediation techniques or consult a professional for long-term solutions.
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