Hidden Water Damage: The Silent Threat and How to Detect It
websitebuilder • July 10, 2024
As homeowners in beautiful central Florida, particularly Ocala and The Villages, we are blessed with a subtropical climate for most of the year that fosters lush landscapes and vibrant communities. However, subtropical is associated with high levels of humidity, which also comes with its challenges, particularly regarding water damage. While visible water damage from storms or plumbing mishaps is obvious, hidden water damage is a silent menace that can wreak havoc on your home's structural integrity and your family's health.
At PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages, we've witnessed the devastating effects of hidden water damage firsthand. This article aims to empower homeowners and business owners with knowledge about the subtle signs of this insidious threat and the proactive steps you can take to protect your property.
Why Hidden Water Damage is a Serious Concern in Our Region
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of hidden water damage in Ocala, FL and The Villages, FL:
- Humid Climate: We have consistently set record-high temperatures for the last month. Our high humidity levels create an environment which accelerates the growth of mold and mildew. For example, this is a mold remediation we performed that was exacerbated due to no AC and high humidity levels within the home.
- Seasonal Residents (a/k/a “Snowbirds”): Many homeowners in The Villages, FL are seasonal residents. When homes are left unoccupied for extended periods, small leaks or plumbing issues can go unnoticed, allowing water damage to escalate.
- Aging Infrastructure: Older homes tend to have older plumbing or roofs that are more susceptible to leaks and deterioration.
- Sinkhole Activity: While not as common as other causes, sinkholes can cause sudden structural shifts, potentially damaging underground pipes and leading to hidden leaks.
The Silent Signs of Hidden Water Damage
Hidden water damage often manifests through subtle clues that might be easily overlooked. Here are the key signs to watch for:
- Musty Odors: A persistent musty smell, especially in basements, crawl spaces, or closed-off rooms, is often the first indicator of mold growth or hidden moisture.
- Unexplained Stains or Discoloration: Look for yellowish or brownish stains on walls, ceilings, or floors. These could be signs of water seepage or leakage from hidden pipes.
- Warped or Buckling Surfaces: Water can cause wooden floors to warp or buckle, tiles to loosen, and drywall or plaster to bulge or crack.
- Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Moisture buildup behind walls can cause paint or wallpaper to bubble, peel, or blister.
- Increased Humidity: A sudden increase in humidity levels inside your home, especially in specific areas, could signal a hidden moisture source.
- Sudden Increase in Water Bills: If your water usage hasn't changed but your bill has spiked, it could be a sign of an undetected leak.
- Mold Growth: While not always hidden, mold often thrives in concealed spaces like behind walls, under sinks, or in attics. Look for black, green, or white fuzzy patches.
- Insect Infestations: Moisture attracts pests like termites, cockroaches, and silverfish, which can be an indirect sign of hidden water damage.
- Sound of Running Water: If you hear running water when no faucets are on, it could indicate a leak within your walls or plumbing system.
Proactive Measures to Prevent and Detect Hidden Water Damage
Don't wait for hidden water damage to become a costly problem. Take these preventative steps:
- Regular Inspections: Schedule routine plumbing, roof, and attic inspections. A professional inspection can identify potential issues before they escalate. PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages offers comprehensive home inspections to detect hidden leaks and vulnerabilities.
- Prompt Repairs: Don't delay addressing even minor leaks or plumbing problems. A small leak can quickly turn into a significant disaster if left unattended.
- Moisture Monitoring: Consider installing a smart water leak sensor that can alert you to leaks or abnormal moisture levels in your home.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to reduce humidity and prevent moisture buildup.
- Landscaping: Grade your property to ensure water drains away from your foundation.
- Seasonal Precautions: Before leaving your home for an extended period, turn off the main water supply and drain the pipes to minimize the risk of leaks.
Addressing Hidden Water Damage
If you suspect hidden water damage in your home, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Our experienced team at PUDDLES Restoration is equipped with advanced technology to detect hidden moisture, locate leaks, and develop a comprehensive restoration plan tailored to your needs. We'll work diligently to mitigate further damage, eliminate mold growth, and restore your home to its pre-loss condition.
Whether Business or Residential: Protect It From Hidden Threats
By being vigilant about the signs of hidden water damage and taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your property and ensure a safe, healthy environment for your business, customers, and/or your family.
PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages is committed to helping you protect your property from water damage, seen and unseen.
Contact us today at (352) 722-3790.
Remember, early detection is critical to preventing costly repairs and ensuring the longevity of your home and/or business.
What Happened In Ocala, Florida in November 2024, PUDDLES conducted an water damage inspection and informed the homeowner that numerous rooms had elevated moisture readings that required drying. The property owner decided to hire a cheaper company. Four months later, in March 2025, the insurance company issued the insurance check/payment to both the homeowner and the mortgage company (i.e., the bank). However, the bank insisted on getting a mold test before endorsing the check over to the homeowner. It gets both hot and humid in Ocala, Florida. Unfortunately, the mold test confirmed that mold is now throughout the entire house, including: The Kitchen Master Bedroom Hall Bathroom Guest Bedroom Living Room Etc. Everything tested was confirmed to have mold, including the TV stand, barstool, etc.
What Happened A contractor in Williston, Florida stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Belleview, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Ocala, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
What Happened Ocala, Fl: An elderly mother’s cat repeatedly urinated throughout the house, including on the carpet. When the mother passed away, the daughter inherited the house. Unfortunately, the daughter was unable to sell the house because prospective buyers complained about the odor . Given Florida’s temperature and humidity levels, it was not surprising that the odor remained in Ocala, FL. PUDDLES is often asked if we use an ozone machine to remove odors. According to the EPA, “When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation.” See https://www.epa.gov/.../ozone-generators-are-sold-air... “Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.” Id. “There is a large body of written material on ozone and the use of ozone indoors. However, much of this material makes claims or draws conclusions without substantiation and sound science. … Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims … Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces.” Id. Because ozone can kill living things, such as plants, pets, and YOU; we do not use ozone machines. What We Did Removed the glued down carpet Utilize chlorine dioxide Implemented a Hydroxyl Machine Added a HEPA Air Scrubber with a charcoal filter Sprayed the entire house (walls and floors) with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial Fogged the entire house with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial approved for fogging Even if you do not plan to be in the property while the ozone machine is operational, ozone also breaks down organic substance, and rubber, plastics, fabrics, paint, and metals. That Gucci or Louis V handbag you love can deteriorate.
What Happened After removing the old flooring from a home in Belleview, Florida , the flooring company uncovered water on the slab that was trapped under the underlayment. Unbeknownst to the homeowner, water was slowly penetrating the vertical exterior walls via hairline fractures. Both the cracks in the stucco and in the concrete slab itself were resolved, but the flooring company wanted the concrete slab moisture levels below a specific percentage. What We Did Florida tends to have elevated levels of humidity, including Belleview, Florida. To increase the drying efficiency, we sealed all the windows throughout the house with 4 mil plastic to prevent any moisture penetration. We placed a Phoenix DryMax XL Pro dehumidifier and a Dri-Eaz Stealth AV3000 axial air mover in each room. We also implemented the use of a heater to increase the internal temperature slowly to draw the moisture out of the concrete.
Homeowners in Crystal River and West Central Florida dealing with insurance claims related to water damage and mold can trust PUDDLES Restoration for assistance. Learn about the complexities of the process and how we can help in this blog article.
WE REMOVED AND DISCARDED THE AFFECTED MATERIALS, CLEANED THE SUBSTRATE, THEN ENCAPSULATED RESULTING IN A CLEAN PRV.
The Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) certification covers scoping, mitigation, cleaning, deodorization, subrogation, spoliation, documentation of residential and commercial fire and smoke damaged structures and contents. Upon completing this certification, you demonstrate that you are prepared to perform and document cleaning and deodorization of typical residential or commercial fire and smoke damage projects. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@ PUDDLES restoration.com Website: www. PUDDLES restoration.com
