Water damage restoration can turn into an expensive headache if you are not vigilant about the signs of water damage in your home. Not only is water damaging to the structure of your home, but it becomes a ripe environment for mold to grow and can lead to possible health issues. Here are signs of water damage to help you identify if you should call a local water restoration company:

1. Stains on walls and ceilings
   This often appears as discoloration of paint or obvious stains on walls and ceilings. Painting over these stains is not a fix and the issue will often resurface through the new paint or over a larger area of the affected wall or ceiling
    
2. Flaking or peeling paint
   Similar to stains, peeling or flaking paint is a major tell of water damage. When drywall is exposed to too much moisture, the moisture will try to escape through the wall or ceiling causing paint to lift off its surface.
    
3. Soft or swollen drywall
   Water damage, when left unaddressed, causes walls and ceilings to appear swollen and often times causes ceilings to sag.
    
4. Mold
   Mold thrives in dark damp places, therefore, spotting it in your home may be more difficult. Typically mold can be seen behind furniture and in crevices that aren’t often obvious in our homes.
    

 
If you spot any evidence of water damage, be proactive in containing the issue. Start by checking surrounding rooms or ceilings of rooms below the affected area for signs of water damage. Once you have evaluated the extent of damage, check roof or plumbing for leaks to prevent any future water damage. If you aren’t sure, your restoration expert can help identify problem areas in your home.