Water Damage Inspection And Restoration Steps For A Residential Bathroom
Discolored tiles and caulk, spongy wall or floor materials, and a musty odor may be indicative of a water leak in your bathroom. Water damage can occur behind the scenes and compromise the strength of structural materials. Early detection will ward off extensive repair requirements.
An Assessment Of The Discolored Areas
Moisture can lead to mold growth. Mold can thrive on any surface where moisture management has been problematic. A home mold testing kit or a professional assessment will determine if the discoloration on tiles and caulk is a direct result of mold growth. Before water damage restoration takes place, mold should be eliminated from porous and non-porous surfaces. A remediation specialist can guide you in the removal of mold and the prevention of additional fungal growth.
The Source Of The Problem
If a visible leak is not present, inspecting surfaces within the bathroom can help you determine where the water is leaking. Bathroom plumbing often runs behind walls and under flooring. If a hot water pipe is leaking, you may feel moderate heat along a wall or a portion of the flooring that is covering plumbing that has been compromised. Loose tiles or peeling wallpaper may also point you toward where water has been accumulating.
The main water valve to your home should be turned off to prevent more moisture buildup. A small water damage problem will require targeted repairs. A water damage contractor may need to remove a section of the drywall or flooring. Upon doing so, they will dry affected surfaces and install new materials that will restore the structure of a wall or a floor. A patching compound can be used to repair a section of drywall. A wooden subfloor may need to be installed in areas where flooring was affected by water damage.
Large Repairs
If water damage is severe, plumbing materials, an entire wall section, or the entire floor may need to be replaced. Cabinetry, the toilet, and any other fixtures within the bathroom may need to temporarily be removed. The removal of these items will provide a contractor with full access to the areas where water damage is prevalent.
If rugs or other items have been saturated with water, they may need to be cleaned by a professional who provides restoration services. Once the leak has been remedied and structural materials have been replaced, you may want to have new wallpaper, tiling, or baseboard materials installed in the bathroom.
For more information on water damage restoration, contact a professional near you.
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