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Slow Leaks Can Lead To Indoor Mold Growth

Moisture Damage Via Slow Leaks in Louisiana Properties 

A single drop of water in your home is seemingly harmless. Even several drops of water may only cause a minor inconvenience in your Louisiana property. However, overtime one droplet can lead to a slow buildup of moisture damage from an unaddressed leak. This will easily penetrate your home’s porous building materials causing severe structural damage and leading to significant mold development. It is important that Louisiana property owners understand how slow leaks can be equally as damaging as another major water intrusion such as a flood or major leak, if not more damaging. Unlike major water damage, a slow leak has the potential to go unnoticed for an extended period of time, giving it the opportunity to cause widespread structural damage & mold development. Oftentimes, property owners may not detect that a slow leak has been occurring until it has been leaking for an extended period of time, especially if the leak is hidden by drywall or other materials. As water slowly collects overtime, it begins to saturate any porous building materials in the surrounding area, giving mold not only a moisture source, but a food source as well. This creates the perfect breeding ground for mold to thrive. As the water collects, you may begin to notice peeling wall finishes (paint, wallpaper, etc.) discoloration or staining on walls & ceilings, warped walls & ceilings, or other visible damage to the structure of your home. 

Mold & Water Damage From Slow Leakage

Constant dripping water from a slow water leak can build up over time, leading to severe water damage, structural damage & mold growth. In some situations, it may be difficult to identify a leak if it is hidden. This allows leakage to continue for long periods of time, saturating building materials to the point where it is visibly apparent. If this is the case, it is likely that significant water damage is hidden, waiting to be uncovered. It’s important that when you notice signs of water damage that lead to the uncovering of a slow leak, you fix the leak immediately and promptly address the damage that has taken place. Louisiana homeowners need to educate themselves on how to manage mold growth & structural damage that stems from the aftermath of a slow leak. Addressing the damage as soon as possible ensures that no further damage is permitted to take place & avoids further costly repairs.

If you’ve discovered mold growth & water damage resulting from a slow leak in your home, you may need to consult a professional mold inspection & remediation company local to your area to assess the damage.

Checking For Signs Of Slow Leaks

Accidents happen. It’s all part of homeownership. That is why it’s so important for Louisiana homeowners to not only know how to deal with accidents when they happen, but to know what to look out for as well. Not all leaks are going to be visibly apparent and easy to find. It could be very difficult to identify a slow leak in its early stage. The best way to combat hidden, slow leaks is by being aware of the signs that indicate a leak has taken place. Conducting routine checks throughout your home as part of your regular maintenance routine can help you to stay on top of any leaks that may be occurring within your home. Start with the most obvious areas, behind or underneath sinks & toilets, behind cabinets, and areas where plumbing is visible and accessible. You should be having an annual inspection performed by a professional plumber to ensure that everything is in good working order and to check for any potential leaks or issues. Signs to look out for hidden water damage & slow leaks include:

  • Staining or discoloration
  • Peeling, bubbling & separating wallpaper or paint 
  • Floor effects
  • Sagging or swelling walls & ceilings
  • Distorted wall & door trim
  • Odor 
  • Visible mold growth

Mold Remediation Following A Slow Leak In Louisiana

If you’ve recently uncovered a long-term slow leak, your Louisiana home may be left with severe water damage & mold growth. Contact a local mold remediation & inspection company in your area to assess the damage, find the source of the leak & determine whether or not mold is present. Don’t hesitate - the sooner you get mold & water damage repaired the better.

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