Should I Call a Professional for Hidden Water Damage?
websitebuilder • July 5, 2024
Living in The Villages, Florida, paradise awaits with its sunny skies, friendly community, and active lifestyle. But even in paradise, unexpected events can occur, and hidden water damage is one such concern. If left unchecked, this seemingly small problem can snowball into major structural issues, health hazards, and costly repairs.
This article addresses the crucial question: Should I call a professional for hidden water damage? We'll explore the telltale signs, potential consequences, and the benefits of seeking professional help from
PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages.
The High Risk of Hidden Water Damage in The Villages
The Villages' idyllic location also presents unique challenges regarding water damage. Here are some factors that elevate the risk of hidden water damage in this vibrant community:
- Frequent Rainfall: Florida's rainy season brings heavy downpours that can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to foundation leaks and roof damage.
- High Humidity: The constant moisture in the air breads mold, which thrives in damp environments caused by hidden water leaks.
- Aging Infrastructure: Despite the constant expansion of The Villages, many homes there were built decades ago, and have aging pipes, roofs, and appliances that are more susceptible to cracks, leaks, and malfunctions.
- Soil Conditions: The sandy soil in The Villages can allow water to quickly migrate through the foundation, leading to hidden leaks that go unnoticed. For example: Visit our Facebook!
Silent Threat: Recognizing the Signs of Hidden Water Damage
The nature of hidden water damage makes it a particularly insidious threat. However, subtle signs that can alert you to a potential problem before it escalates. Here are some key indicators to watch for:
- Unexplained Musty Odors: A lingering musty or moldy smell is a telltale sign of hidden water damage and potential mold growth.
- Visible Warping or Discoloration: Warped floorboards, cracked walls, or peeling paint near baseboards or ceilings can indicate water damage behind the surface.
- Increased Utility Bills: Sudden spikes in your water or electricity bills could suggest leaks behind walls or malfunctioning appliances due to water damage.
- Visible Mold Growth: Mold thrives in damp environments, so its presence clearly indicates a hidden water leak.
- Unexplained Allergies or Respiratory Issues: Exposure to mold and mildew spores can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, especially in sensitive individuals.
- Loose Tiles or Flooring: Water damage can cause tiles or flooring to loosen and become uneven.
Don't Ignore It: The Consequences of Untreated Hidden Water Damage
Ignoring the signs of hidden water damage can have severe consequences for your home and your health. Here are some potential risks that you should be aware of:
- Structural Damage: Water can weaken the foundation, walls, and ceilings of your home, leading to costly repairs.
- Mold Growth: Mold thrives in damp environments caused by hidden water leaks. Mold can damage your home and pose serious health risks.
- Electrical Hazards: Hidden water damage can come into contact with electrical wiring, creating a potential fire hazard.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Homeowners insurance may not cover damage caused by neglected water problems.
- Health Issues:
Exposure to mold spores can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergies.
The Benefits of Calling a Professional: Why PUDDLES Restoration Services is Your Partner in The Villages
While the DIY approach might seem tempting for minor issues, attempting to address hidden water damage without professional help can be risky. Here's why calling Alldry Services of Ocala & The Villages is your best course of action:
- Expert Detection & Diagnosis: Our experienced technicians utilize advanced equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact location and source of hidden leaks.
- Safe and Effective Water Removal: We employ professional techniques and high-powered equipment to extract water efficiently and minimize further damage.
- Comprehensive Restoration Services: PUDDLES Restoration Services offers a one-stop solution for all your water damage restoration needs, including drying, dehumidifying, and structural repairs.
- Mold Remediation Expertise: Our certified technicians are experts in safely removing mold growth and preventing its return.
- Peace of Mind:
With PUDDLES Restoration Services handling the problem, you can rest assured that your home is in the hands of qualified professionals, restoring it to its pre-damage condition.
PUDDLES Restoration Services: Committed to Your Wellbeing in The Villages. FL
At PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages, we understand the unique challenges residents face within this vibrant community. Our team is composed of local, licensed, and insured professionals dedicated to prompt, reliable, and professional service. We prioritize clear communication, keeping you informed throughout the restoration process.
The PUDDLES Restoration Services Difference: Why Choose Us in The Villages, FL
- Locally Owned and Operated: We are your neighbors, and we are invested in the well-being of The Villages community.
- 24/7 Emergency Service: We understand that water damage emergencies can strike any time, so we're available around the clock to address the situation swiftly.
- Licensed and Insured: Our team is fully licensed and insured, offering you peace of mind and protection.
- Advanced Equipment and Techniques: We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and proven restoration methods for efficient and effective water damage remediation.
- Commitment to Transparency: We prioritize clear communication, keeping you informed throughout the entire restoration process.
- Focus on Customer Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We strive to provide exceptional customer service and exceed your expectations.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive By Taking Action: Protecting Your Home and Your Health
Ignoring hidden water damage can have devastating consequences for your home and your health. By calling PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages at the first sign of a potential leak, you're taking a proactive step towards protecting your investment and ensuring the well-being of your family.
Contact PUDDLES Restoration Services Today!
Our phone number: (352) 722-3790
By choosing PUDDLES Restoration Services, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to restoring your home to its pre-damage condition and ensuring the safety and health of your loved ones. Live worry-free in paradise with PUDDLES Restoration Services by your side!
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
