Does a Musty Smell Always Indicate Water Damage?
Problems caused by floods are common in areas with frequent storms. Knowing the signs of water damage is critical to protect your home. Some signs are fairly obvious, while other not so much. In order to prevent more damage, it is essential to learn the telltale signs of damage. This can make it easier to detect them early on.
If you notice a musty smell, you have to immediately contact Triangle Legacy at 1-301-523-9419 to avoid potential water damage problems.
Early detection is the key to minimizing water damage and the negative effects excess water can have on your home. For example, the most common sign of water damage is discoloration on the floor, walls, and ceiling. This can appear as warping, paint peeling, or bubbles as well and normally occurs near standing water. Odors can be a bit harder to notice; however, mold and excess moisture has a very distinct musk.
How to Tackle a Moldy Smell
All homes have a unique odor. If your home doesn’t smell like your neighbors, that’s perfectly normal. Each home is a reflection of the people living inside it. Musty smells are a bit different. This is the smell of leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long. It can also be the smell of excess moisture trapped within your home. If you don’t remedy the issue, such as rewashing your clothes or removing the excess water, it can create more mold and bacteria in the air. In a worst-case scenario, the musty smell will never go away.
Musty smells are often caused by water damage that is sitting in the walls, floors, and furniture of the home. A musty smell is usually noticeable by a human nose because it isn’t always as strong as mold. It can be a bit harder to detect and often occurs before visible damage. Musk smells are often an indicator of serious water problems.
If you aren’t sure if the smell is a concern or not, invite a friend or family member over. They aren’t used to the unique scent of your home, so they may be able to pick up on it easier. Another indicator is frequent illness. If people living in the home get colds that don’t seem to go away or are frequently sick, it could be a sign of mold exposure in the home.
You don’t have to experience a storm or flood to have mold growing in your home. Water damage can be caused by a number of different things. Common examples include:
- Leaky pipes
- Toilet leaks
- Clogged gutters
- Sprinkler systems
- Water heaters
- Blocked drains
An unpleasant musk or mold smell is a clear indication that something is amiss. Investigate all of the possible sources of excess water and clean all areas that could be contributing immediately. Time is always of the essence when it comes to mold mitigation, as the problem could spread and cause significant damage to your home.
Find Water Damage Mitigation and Restoration Services
If you need assistance addressing mold or excess water in your home, contact us today. Our team of specialists can help clean the area and minimize the risks to your home.