Baseboards are commonly used in Lexington homes for both functional and decorative purposes. They act similarly to a picture frame, creating a clean transition between the walls and floors. Otherwise known as a type of trim, baseboards can also cover construction gaps between the drywall and flooring. However, these wall bases can also hide water damage that continues to develop without the occupants knowing. Water damage on the baseboards is often the first visible sign of a water-related issue. That’s why homeowners need to be aware of the signs of water damage on baseboards to look for, especially after leaks, spills, or moisture intrusion.
Visible Signs of Water Damage on Baseboards
So, what do visible signs of water damage on baseboards look like? Water damage can lead to different visible symptoms depending on the material. However, there are common indicators of baseboard water damage that homeowners may be able to quickly spot once they know what to look for. Here are some common visible signs of baseboard water damage.
- Swelling or warping along the bottom edge.
- Peeling or bubbling paint due to trapped moisture.
- Stains or discoloration near the floor.
These signs shouldn’t be taken lightly. They can signal that more extensive water damage restoration is needed. Visible signs of water damage on or near the baseboard often also suggests that moisture is also present behind the wall.
Hidden Indicators of Moisture Behind Baseboards
While visible signs of water damage on baseboards are convenient, moisture damage on trim is often hidden. The water damage will spread underneath surfaces like walls or baseboards, creating hidden indicators of moisture-related issues. In some cases, water intrusion can escalate to cause structural damage or health concerns to the occupants. While subtle signs of hidden water damage do exist, they can also be easy for homeowners to miss.
For example, prolonged moisture in baseboards can lead to mold growth and musty odors around the walls or flooring. Water damage on baseboards can also develop soft spots and crumble when touched. Another key sign to look closely for is the formation of gaps between the baseboard and the wall. Once you identify one sign of hidden moisture, further inspection is typically required to understand the full scope of the damage.
Common Causes of Baseboard Water Damage
It’s best practice to resolve the underlying source of an issue before treating the symptoms. The same principle applies to water damage on baseboards. One of the first steps Kentucky homeowners should take in the event of water damage is identifying the cause of the water intrusion and stopping any further leakage. Finding the source early on can significantly reduce the extent of water damage to your home. Take note of the following common sources of a water leak.
- Plumbing leaks inside walls or below floors.
- Roof or window leaks leading water down the wall.
- Flooding, spills, or wet mopping saturating the flooring edges.
How Water Damage Affects Baseboards and Surrounding Areas
There are many reasons homeowners may procrastinate addressing water damage on baseboards. They may assume the damage is only cosmetic or that they have a lot of time before the issue becomes urgent. Whatever the reason, baseboard water damage left untreated can lead to serious consequences. Here are some of the ways that water damage can negatively affect baseboards and the surrounding areas.
- Mold growth along the trim and lower wall sections.
- Damage spreading into drywall, paint, and flooring.
- Permanent warping or deterioration of wood or MDF baseboards.
One of the primary consequences of delaying water damage repairs is the increased cost of restoration. The longer you wait, the more expensive the services can become.
When to Call a Professional for Baseboard Water Damage
While some minor situations may be manageable for homeowners, other scenarios require experienced professionals to take a look. It can be difficult to understand the full extent of water damage from subtle signs or visible symptoms only. However, experts can use their experience and professional-grade equipment to catch hidden water damage early on before the problem worsens. They can also help with recovery efforts, which include baseboard replacement after water damage and structural drying when necessary.
So, when is expert help needed? We recommend contacting reliable professionals as soon as water damage is discovered. However, the following are situations when expert help is especially critical.
- Moisture affects multiple walls or large sections of trim.
- Mold is present or suspected behind baseboards.
- Water damage comes from plumbing or structural issues.
Work with Trusted Water Damage Restoration Experts in the Lexington Area
At ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration Services, water damage restoration is one of our specialties. We understand how disruptive water damage can be and use our six decades of experience to provide the best service that we can.
All our technicians are highly trained and stay up to date with the latest equipment and methods. We also make ourselves available 24/7 to always respond quickly to Lexington homeowners in need. Call us for help with water damage restoration today!
