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water stain ceiling

Do Water Stains Mean Mold?

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Water stains are never a welcome sight. They certainly signal a leak, moisture, or excessive humidity issue.

Does a water stain also mean you have mold?

Water Stains

If you spot a water stain, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a mold problem. But, if the issue isn’t corrected, you will eventually have a mold problem.

The good news about a visible water stain is that unlike hidden moisture problems, you can see the stain and fix it right away before it turns into a bigger issue.

Visible Signs of Water Damage

Here’s what to look for and take immediate action to repair:

  • Brown, yellow or rust colored stains on walls and ceilings
  • Peeling or bubbling of drywall tape on walls behind paint or wallpaper
  • Wet, warped, or bubbling floors
  • Damp or wet carpeting (lift up and check floors underneath)

Corrective Action for Water Stains

A water stain on the ceiling can be caused by a leaky roof or skylight, failing gutters overflowing with pooling water or a plumbing issue on the above floor.

By the time water causes a stain on the ceiling, it has already soaked into and saturated the drywall or other ceiling material. Once the water dries up, it leaves behind a discolored area, or water stain.

The discoloration is usually from mineral deposits left behind from the water, not mold. However, if the ceiling continues to stay wet and never dries out, that’s when mold will begin to grow. Mold will begin to form within a couple of days in wet or overly humid conditions.

Mold differs from a water stain due to its black, dark brown or green color and the area will begin to smell musty.

Decide if the staining has been an on-going issue or a new incident. If it’s a single water stain, it’s probably an isolated incident. But if you notice old water stains in addition to a fresh stain or see multiple water rings, it’s an on-going issue and you may already have hidden mold.

Attempt to locate the cause of the water leak.

Make Repairs

To avoid the onset of mold, it’s important to take action as soon as you notice the water stain. In addition to preventing mold, correcting the water issue is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of your home.

Water that never dries promotes mold and once it sets in, will eat away at wood and drywall.

If the leak is coming from your roof or gutters, either call in a contractor or make the necessary repairs yourself. If it’s due to a faulty appliance or leaking pipe, a plumber can help you make the repairs.

Conclusion

By keeping on top of and repairing the water issues that cause water stains, you can keep your home structurally sound and prevent mold from invading your home.

If you need help finding the source of your water issues or mold has taken over your space, reach out to the water damage and mold remediation specialists at RCS.

woman holding bucket

The Damaging Effects of Roof Leaks

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One of the most obvious signs of a roof leak is a water spot on the ceiling. But did you know that oftentimes, the stain may not be directly under the leak?

Roof leaks are challenging because they can be difficult to locate.

Be on the lookout for these things to prevent greater expense and further damage.

Signs of a Leaky Roof

You know it’s time to do some investigating when you notice any of these potential signs which may result in roof leaks:

  • Active dripping water from the ceiling
  • Water stains on the ceiling
  • Sagging ceiling
  • Bulging walls
  • Warped doors
  • Musty smell
  • Missing or damaged shingles
  • Old or weather-damaged roof

Roof Damage

Depending on several factors and type of shingles, with asphalt shingles being the most common and least expensive material, a roof usually lasts for about 15-30 years.

If you have an older roof, odds of tears, cracks, or missing shingles increase, and it will begin to fail.

While standing on the ground, if you can see active mold, curling, damaged or missing shingles or rust around the flashing, odds are pretty good that you have a leaky roof.

Potential Damage from Roof Leaks

If you suspect you have a leaky roof, don’t put off repairs or replacement. Putting things off will only make things worse.

Some of the damage incurred by roof leaks include:

Structural Damage

  • Damaged trusses which in turn damage fascia, rafters, ceiling joists, and framing.
  • Water damaged rafters result in wood softening and ultimately, rotting.
  • Leaky roofs cause water damage to interior walls and drywall, resulting in sagging, buckling and/or crumbling.
  • Water running down basement walls can negatively impact the foundation.

Energy Efficiency

Water from a roof leak can also destroy insulation in an attic. Poor insulation not only makes things drafty, but compromises overall comfort levels.

Poor insulation makes the furnace or air conditioning run more, work harder, and costs you more money in energy bills.

Miscellaneous Damage

  • Depending on the location of your leak, water coming in can damage the electrical panel or wires within your home. This could short circuit your electrical system, damage wires or cause dangerous arcing or sparking.
  • Water staining on the ceiling, walls, and flooring.
  • Damage to ceiling-mounted fans and lighting.
  • Mold and mildew.
  • Rodents and bugs entering the home.
  • Damage to personal belongings.

Conclusion

As you can see, roof leaks and the resulting damage is not something to ignore.

Once the damage is done and the roof replaced, reach out to RCS for inspection and an action plan to remediate and restore all the water and potential mold damage.

raining wet ground

The Problem With Leaky Roofs

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Roof leaks are a common issue but one that often goes unnoticed. Despite this, they can lead to some very concerning problems. Below you’ll discover the dangers of roof leaks and a few ways you can prevent them.

Signs Your Roof is Leaking

There are a few things to watch out for that indicate your roof might have a leak.

  • Water spots on your ceiling.
  • You notice water dripping from the ceiling.
  • The shingles are falling off.
  • Your home’s walls are buckling or warping.

Is a Roof Leak Serious?

Roof leaks might seem harmless but they can cause serious issues. One is structural damage. The longer water drips through the roof, the more it will seep into your home’s beams, drywall, and insulation. This not only could result in mold but can weaken the pieces and cause them to crumble.

Besides this, leaks could affect surrounding electrical units. Depending on the water quantity, it could coat the wires and result in a fire.

One of the most frequent issues though is mold. As the water drips, it will moisten the areas around it. This encourages mold spores and bacteria to develop in these spots. Over time, you might notice discoloration on the affected sections or a musty smell throughout your home.

How to Prevent Roof Leaks

Have Regular Inspections Done: One of the best ways to confirm your roof is in good condition is by having an expert inspect it. They’ll investigate various areas and can fix smaller issues to prevent significant ones.

Besides this, do your own inspections. You can do quick scans of the exterior and within your attic to ensure there aren’t broken pieces or leaks.

Clean Your Gutters: It’s also good to keep your gutters spotless. If they’re clogged, it will only cause water to back up in them. The longer the water sits, the more likely it will affect the roof around it. This could cause shingles to loosen or allow droplets to seep into hidden cracks.

Trim Nearby Tree Branches: If you notice tree branches hanging over your roof, it might be worthwhile to trim them. By doing so, you can prevent their leaves from constantly falling on your roof – something which could clog the gutters. It will also stop them from dripping water on your roof after it rains.

By keeping this information in mind, you can easily prevent roof leaks. For those concerned that their home might already have structural or mold problems caused by it, contact RCS in Sonoma County. RCS offers extensive services that ensure your living space is free from these severe issues.

Why You Should Determine if You Have A Crawlspace Leak Today

Why You Should Determine if You Have A Crawlspace Leak Today

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When was the last time you visited your crawlspace? It probably was the last time that a major household malfunction forced you into action. Once you closed that trapdoor you were glad the event was over and hoped that you would never to have to venture down there again.

Be a brave soul and venture down there at least twice a year just to check for issues, such as leaks. Leaks begin exactly how they sound, a minor inconvenience. However, they can snowball into a major headache if left to their own devices.

Why You Should Determine if You Have A Crawlspace Leak Today

Crawlspace Leaks Bring Pests

The first headache of a leak in your crawlspace is the accumulation of water. Water will attract a number of pests such as bugs and rodents to take up residence under your home. In addition to the repair bill for the leak, toss in a few visits from pest control. Until that leak is fixed, your home will be also home to colonies of unwanted residents. The result being an indefinite infestation.

Crawlspace Mold Farm

Leaks will accelerate the growth of mold in your crawlspace as well. Warm, dark, and wet give mold all the nutrition it needs to grow. As the mold spreads like wildfire throughout the underside of your home, it’s odor and health-damaging spores will leech up into the living areas.

Smells

Mold has a distinctive and irritating smell that is not only detrimental to your enjoyment of your home but indicates the presence of potentially harmful mold spores.

Do you remember the pests? The smell of their droppings can enter the home too. Your home may be clean otherwise, but you will go crazy trying to figure out what that smell is.

Structural Damage from Crawlspace Leaks

The leaks may get into the wood of your flooring and damage the foundation of the home. The bill for pest control or mold cleanup is going to be chicken feed once you see the cost of having to deal with structural damage.

If you let a leak party in your crawlspace, you may end up with mold, pests, and structural damage. RCS offers water removal, mold remediation, and reconstruction services and can refer you to plumbers and pest control to address any and all of these needs.

3 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

3 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

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Your water heater, while you may not interact with it directly, is an appliance that your entire family uses every day. It is responsible for making water in your home warmer whenever you want it to be, from taking a shower to washing your dishes. The threat of losing your hot water is bad enough, but you also want to avoid the costly and hazardous structural damage caused by a leaky water heater. Below are the main signs of a water heater malfunction so you can get it addressed sooner rather than later.

3 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

Your water is cold.

If cold water is coming from your faucets and sinks all the time, it is because your water heater has little to no more heat left. Sedimentation is a common cause of this, and it is the accumulation of sediment at the base of the heater’s tank. Faulty heating elements also cause this. We use the hot water in our homes often enough that we usually notice when the temperature drops even a little. Unless someone in the home is using more hot water than normal and draining the tank, a temperature drop is a sign that something needs to be repaired.

You hear a weird noise in its vicinity

If your heater is making popping, clunking, or rumbling noises, this is a sign that the water in your heater is boiling or overheating. The noise is primarily coming from water that is trapped under the sediment, similar to how boiled water in a pot will push up a lid that tried to keep it contained. With this in mind, it is possible for your heater to burst as a result of overheating. Again, contact a repair service right away.

There is a puddle or wet material in the water heater’s vicinity

If you notice warer near or underneath your water heater, find out where this water is coming from, fast. This could be caused by one of multiple different things from a leaky gasket to a leaky pipe to a loose fitting. Make sure that your connections are all secure and tight, with no holes or leaks anywhere. If you see a hole or notice something you cannot fix right away, shut off the water and have a repairman solve this problem.

It is also possible for the temperature pressure valve to leak water. If you see puddles forming around this valve, examine it to make sure that it is closing properly. In some cases, this valve will turn out to be defective, and will have to be replaced. A faulty temperature pressure valve needs to be replaced as soon as possible, as it can lead to very serious consequences such an explosion from your heater’s tank.

If you see rusty looking water near the base of your water heater, the base is leaking and rusting out. This is a sign to get a new heater when this happens.

After a leak, seek water extraction services to ensure the area is free of water damage and the opportunity for mold growth.

Regular Examinations

Be sure that you are following a scheduled examination of your water heater from qualified professionals, as it is the most effective way to identify, solve, and prevent these problems in the future. It is also necessary to drain your heater at least once a year to fully clean it of sediment.

 

Flooded Water Leak Don't Extract Water Yourself

Flooded? Water Leak? Don’t Extract Water Yourself

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Yikes! Your room, or home, is flooded. Should you extract the water yourself or should you call a professional? DIY works for many things, but water extraction isn’t one of them. This is a job best left to the professionals, and here’s why:

Floor Coverings

Depending on the type of water damage and the type of floor covering you have, your flooring might be salvaged. If you have carpeting, and it can stay, a professional extraction using a weighted extractor must be used to get all the water out of both the carpet and padding. A rug cleaner or wet/dry vac absolutely will not do the job. The same is true for wood floors; specialized equipment must be used to remove water from underneath a solid wood floor. Floating floors like Pergo must be torn out, but tile can usually stay.

Type of Water

Are you dealing with clean water, grey water, or contaminated (black) water? Industry professionals know the water types and the remediation measures required for each, so leave this job to us. Contaminated water removal requires special safety equipment and procedures so that the rest of your house does not become contaminated.

Environmental Concerns

Your flooded room may seem dry after you’ve used the wet/dry vac, but it is likely not very dry at all. Professionals have electronic sensors, air movers and dehumidifiers to help dry out your house. We use specific formulas to calculate how much equipment you will need to do the job. To do the job right, there must be air movement and dehumidification, otherwise you’ll have a mold issue in no time.

Moisture Mapping

How do you know that your house is truly dry? We bring moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to find the wet spots in your house. We target those areas to make sure your house is dry in every spot.

Insurance Documentation

Not to be overlooked, having a professional document everything that your insurance company needs is a huge timesaver and stress reliever. We use a standard documentation package that’s over 50 pages long, and we guarantee it is what your insurance company needs. Our documents also come in handy when you sell the home and need this paperwork for the new owner.

Water remediation is a very complex business. Every step must be done right. Give us a call. We’re open 24 hours and ready to help with your water damage.