Finding the signs of water damage is not always easy, especially in the bathroom. You have to know what to look for in order to prevent bathroom flooding and similar problems. The first signs of water damage are usually well hidden and easily overlooked. However, if you manage to discover them in time, this will save you from great headaches later on. Made Rite has a Snap-On baseboard system that makes detecting potential water concerns in the bathroom fast and easy.
A damp smell in the bathroom should be cause for concern. If you can sense the specific nasty smell even when the bathroom seems to have completely dried up or after it has been cleaned, then moisture is most likely building up and mold is probably growing behind the surface. A hidden leak or water accumulation in some cracks is causing excessive moisture in your bathroom that never has chance to dry.
If water is dripping behind the walls, you will probably have to deal with a leaking pipe. When drywall absorbs water, it swells and feels softer, even slightly wet to the touch. The process is usually slow, so at first the walls will appear just a little uneven or crooked. Uncertainty as to the nature of the problem may cause you to lower your guard thus allowing very serious problems to develop.
If you can see mold growing on the walls, or spreading on the ceiling, or crawling in the corners, it may be too late for preventive measures. Mold or mildew develops from the inside out, so when it becomes visible in your bathroom, there can be only one explanation. Regardless of your cleaning efforts, mold will not go away until you are able to get rid of the leaking source that provides moisture and creates the perfect environment for it to thrive.
Water damage can be a major financial burden and/or affect your health if it is not handled near the onset of the problem. Preventative measures include inspecting the shower area and check all spots around the sink regularly. Remember that cracked tiles or missing grout will allow water to leak into the floor or the walls, so repair them immediately and seal everything as well as you can. Ensure that the shower head and all the faucets are tightly placed and don’t drip. Fix noticeable leaks immediately and replace any rusty old parts. Pay attention to the drainage areas, too – keep them clean and unclogged. Take note of the condition of your toilet. Minor leaks at the base of the toilet can eventually lead to major problems. Use quality exhaust fans to help lower the levels of humidity and prevent excessive moisture accumulation.
Made-Rite Inc. produces a Snap-On baseboard system that is perfect for detecting water damage in the bathroom before it gets out of hand. This easy to install system can be easily snapped off the wall to check the bottom of the wall for water damage before it begins to creep upwards. The PVC baseboards themselves resist mold and water damage, so the humidity or splash of bathroom water on them will not harm this classy addition to your wall. Water damage is not a fun issue to be forced to handle. Catch this before it gets out of hand with Made-Rite’s Snap-On baseboard system.
