It may seem like you spend the majority of your time at your commercial office building in Pittsburgh (and let’s face it, you probably do), but because they are not our primary residence things can often go unnoticed that you wouldn’t miss in your home. Water damage can be slow and subtle like a leak, or quick and obvious like a flood. Because we are not at our commercial buildings every minute of every day, water damage can sometimes go unnoticed. When left unresolved for too long, water damage will only worsen and a repair will be needed. From the commercial water damage repair experts at GS Jones, here are some signs you should be looking out for at your commercial office building that may indicate there is water damage.
Commercial Water Damage Repair In Pittsburgh
Musty Odors
Standing or leaking water will eventually create a musty smell as it is absorbed into porous materials like wood, drywall, sheetrock, and insulation. Because areas where excess water and moisture are present are extremely vulnerable to mold growth, they may begin to have a strong musty odor. The odor will only grow stronger as mold grows and spreads. If you notice a pungent moldy smell in a certain area of your building, it is usually a good indicator that there is water damage present and commercial damage repair may be necessary .
Stains and Discoloration
Water from a leak in the ceiling or behind a wall will begin to absorb into drywall and sheetrock. Once these materials become saturated, discoloration and staining will occur. Brown, tan, dark, and wet spots on walls and ceilings are often indicators of water leaks. If you notice spots that are changing in color or growing in size, have them checked – odds are they are being caused by water damage.
Peeling Paint of Wallpaper
Moisture buildup behind the walls will eventually cause paint and wallpaper to peel and bubble. Once sheetrock has become fully saturated, the water will be pushed through it and come up behind paint and wallpaper. Flaking, peeling, and bubbling on walls are almost always signs of water damage.
Warping or Buckling Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
When water damage is left for extended periods of time, the sheetrock will bend and curve under the weight of the excess water. Warping can lead to structural damage, which compromises the integrity of the home. Ceilings can also begin to buckle when too much water has been absorbed, and floorboards can warp. Any changes in structures like walls, ceilings, and floors should be evaluated for water damage.
Visible Mold
Mold growth first appears in areas that have excess water and moisture. If a leak is occurring somewhere in your building, mold growth will begin within 48 hours of water exposure. Once mold begins growing, it will also begin to spread. If mold appears on your walls, baseboards, ceilings, or anywhere else (especially in areas that are not near any plumbing fixtures), there is a source of water feeding the mold growth somewhere. Mold can appear as tiny spots, fuzzy in appearance, or in larger clumps. Ranging from greens to browns, blacks and even whites, mold can be many different colors. If you notice or suspect mold growth, do not attempt to clean it or remove it on your own. Call in the commercial water damage repair professionals right away, who can not only handle mold cleanup but who can also address the water leak causing mold to grow.
We know how much you invest in your commercial office building, so we know that when something goes wrong it can be devastating. If you need commercial water damage repair in Pittsburgh, call the experts at GS Jones.