Water Damage Inspection

Water damage of any kind requires a qualified inspection.

Water damage in a building or home can be caused by many things. Plumbing and roofing leaks, irrigation problems, floods and even extended periods of high humidity can lead to water damage. These circumstances create a variety of repair issues, from the minor replacement of a section of wall to major remodeling efforts. An inspection by a qualified contractor is recommended whenever there is water damage in a home or other building.

Major Water Damage

The aftermath of a flood or a fire is one of the areas where a water damage inspection will be critical. It will be important not only to the property owner, but to their insurance company as well. Large water events such as these will normally require the services of a professional water damage inspector who is trained and qualified to correctly assess the extent of repairs needed. The inspector will check for any damage that will allow water to enter the structure--this includes holes in the roofing, exterior walls or foundation as well as interior evidence of water damage, such as wet ceiling joists in the attic, damaged walls and floors, plumbing damage and any existing water in the subfloor, basement or walls.

Minor Water Damage

When minor damage has occurred from a small plumbing or roof leak, it can be inspected by a licensed contractor, such as a plumber, roofer or general construction repair contractor. It is best to contact a qualified and licensed professional for this inspection. The nature of water damage is that a problem in one area may be affecting adjoining structural areas, such as wall studs and subfloors. It is important to hire licensed professionals to have legal recourse in the event of a misdiagnosis or insufficient repair.

Aspects of Inspection

Water damage requires an involved inspection that goes beyond a visual assessment. The absorption capability of wood and other building materials, such as drywall, make it necessary to test the extent of the water damage. Water damage inspectors often use electronic devices to assess the amount of retained moisture in structural components. This is important in any effort to successfully repair water damage, and it requires an understanding of structural drying.

Mold Issues

One of the larger issues involved with water damage and its lasting effects on a building involves mold. Mold is not only a hazard to human health and well-being, but can also negatively affect the structure of a building as well. Inspection for mold also requires the services of a qualified contractor who is certified to accurately assess the potential for mold growth after water damage. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests a comprehensive assessment of damage after a major water event, including hiring a professional mold remediator to correctly address the problem.

Water Damage Repair

The removal and replacement of damaged items should be left to the professionals, especially when major structural components are at risk. Water damage will present a problem in the future if damaged wall framing, floors and other elements are not adequately repaired. Mold is just one of the problems that can arise if existing water is not addressed. Weakened support members, such as floor joists and wall plates, can eventually give way causing other major damage in the future.

References

• What Is Involved in a Water Damage Inspection?
• Water Damage Removal
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings