As expert home inspectors, we’ve seen more than our fair share of houses that have been victim to water damage. Whether a pipe burst inside the home, the foundation is faulty, or the house is in an area prone to flooding, water damage can mean a lot of headaches and costly repairs for you as a homeowner.

Let’s take a look at what types of water damage can occur, and what to do when you discover any of these water-related issues in your home.

Water Stains

When you have a leaky pipe in your home, one of the first signs you’ll notice is water spots or stains on the walls or ceilings. In addition to leaky pipes, holes in your roof or poorly placed caulking can also cause water seepage throughout the home. If a seller is trying to make a sale as quickly as possible, they may try to cover up stains with paint, but if you hire a reliable Maryland home inspector, they’ll look quite a bit deeper and know exactly what else to look for in order to detect water issues for you in a potential new home.

Cracks in the Foundation

Foundation damage can be either structural or non-structural. The former occurs when water damage is extensive, and the latter when water has seeped through small cracks in a home’s foundation. There are corrections that can be made to non-structural damage that may prevent future issues, but large foundation cracks and water damage that is considered structural will often require extensive work to restabilize the foundation.

Mold and Rot

Mold often grows on surfaces, so it can be easier to spot than other concerning issues in the home that are found via home inspection. Moist and humid conditions are where bacteria, mold, and rot thrive. If left to grow and multiply, mold and rot can lead to fungi growth which is known to cause structural damage to your home. Not only do mold and fungi signify the presence of water where it shouldn’t be, but they cause ugly stains, unpleasant odors, diminished air quality, and in large quantities, illness.

Your Reliable Home Inspector in Maryland

Suspect there is water damage in your home or a house you’re interested in buying? Highland Home Inspections is your best resource for all your home inspection needs in Maryland. Whether you’re moving into a new home or selling your current property, we are the experts you can trust to find water damage and any other concerns that can affect the purchase or sale of your home. Contact us to schedule your inspection today!