What does minor water damage look like?

‘Tis the season for summer storms. After a flurry of hurricanes in the Mexican Gulf, Tropical Storm Barry has led to flooding, power outages and evacuations across Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. Plenty of other places across the southerly parts of the US have also experienced extreme rainfall.

With storms, people are generally good at preparing for major damage. However, big problems can also stem from what tend to be regarded as “minor” issues, especially those caused by water damage. Even if you are only on the fingers of a storm, leaks and other water intrusions are common. Assumed “minor” water issues don’t receive the attention of national news reports, Federal disaster funding, or storm-chasing damage restoration contractors. But left unattended, they can become very troublesome, causing odors, wood rot, and mold growth. They can even lead to major structural damage and adverse health effects.

If you’re experiencing these so-called “minor” water issues, there are critical actions you should take, on your own, even before the rain stops.

Mitigate the Storm Damage

Mitigation means acting quickly to stop the damage from getting worse, without necessarily fixing the damage. The key to storm mitigation is stopping water leaks and minor flooding so materials can dry within 24-48 hours. This prevents the further water damage of structural weakening or wood rot, and stops the growth of mold on damp surfaces. Even before the hurricane moves on, even while it is still raining, there are ways to mitigate the damage. The key is to not wait, but to go ahead and do the best you can, as soon as you can, with what you have on hand.

• You can stop minor leaks from the roof or windows by covering them with a tarp or plastic sheeting. This will prevent additional water intrusion while it continues to rain – and for the next time it rains – while waiting for repairs to be made.
• Get all standing water out of rooms, walls, attics, basements, or crawlspaces and off of floors.
• If walls became wet, the most effective action is to cut small openings or drill holes along the bottom of the sheetrock to drain the water from inside the structure.
• If there is insulation inside the wet wall, remove it, because it acts like a sponge and holds water inside the walls.
• Loosen the baseboards so the wall behind them can dry.
• If you aren’t sure about what may be damp, how far dampness may have spread, or if there is hidden dampness, use a pad-type moisture meter and check surfaces for elevated moisture content. Simple meters that are “good enough” can cost as little as $50 and are available at most hardware stores.
• If damp surfaces do not have visible mold growth, direct fans and blowers against the obviously damp structures to get them dry before mold can grow.
• If damp surfaces already have visible mold growth, do not blow air against them – it will spread mold spores and fragments throughout the house. Instead, tape plastic over the entire area of suspected growth to keep the dampness and mold contained. The damage may continue behind the isolation barrier, but mold won’t spread throughout the house and therefore it won’t expose you and your family.

Don’t wait to contact your insurance company

Once damage is discovered, take pictures of everything that you can and contact your insurance company and find out if the damage is covered by your policy. Don’t wait. Coverage is not always obvious or intuitive, so be sure to check your policy carefully and confirm coverage with your adjustor (this is not the same person who sold you the policy).

Remember, it takes time for wood to rot and for mold to grow so stay aware in the days and weeks after storms have abated for signs of swelling or warping of wood, flaking paint, and for musty smells or other off-odors – they are all signs of water damage and/or mold.

Certain states, including Texas and Louisiana, have legislation governing the conduct of mold inspectors and mold contractors. Regulations differ, so check with your state’s Department of Health as a starting point.

Hurricanes and storms cause havoc, and the weather on the fringes can also. With the above steps, you can react quickly and effectively to mitigate the risk of long-term serious damage escalating from the initial “minor” damage. For more information, read our article on how to Minimize Mold Risk After Wet Weather.

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