8 Signs of Water Damage Under Your Floors

Water damage under floorboards can be a problem in your home that, if not caught early, can lead to extensive and costly repairs. It can escalate into major structural issues, mold growth, and other health and safety hazards when left unchecked. 

For homeowners, recognizing the early signs of water damage beneath flooring is crucial in preventing these problems from spiraling out of control. This guide will walk you through the key signs of water damage under floors to spot the signs early and take action before the damage worsens.

Water damage can lurk beneath your floors, causing costly and unseen damage—do you know the signs?

Signs of Water Damage Under Floors

These common signs signify visible or underlying water damage in your property.

1. Warping or Buckling Floors

Warping or buckling floors are among the earliest and most noticeable signs of water damage. When water seeps into wood or laminate flooring, it causes the material to swell and change shape. 

Warping can manifest in different ways. Your flooring can start cupping, where the edges of a wood plank are higher than the center due to the moisture imbalance. It can also begin crowning, where the center of the wood plank becomes higher than the edges.

2. Discoloration or Staining

Water seepage can cause certain materials to change color over time, leaving dark or discolored spots, often brown, black, or greenish in hue. This can usually be spotted among certain flooring types:

• Hardwood Floors: Look for dark spots or a general dulling of the wood.
• Carpet: Stains may appear as dark or damp patches that don’t dry out.
• Tiles: Water damage may cause grout to become darker or even create patches of discoloration under the tiles.

Addressing discoloration quickly is vital, as it can lead to mold growth if left untreated.

3. Soft or Spongy Spots

If you walk across your floor and notice areas that feel soft or unstable underfoot, this could indicate significant water damage. Soft spots usually mean water under floorboards has penetrated deep into the subfloor, causing the materials to weaken and deteriorate.

Soft or spongy spots are a red flag that water damage has gone beyond surface-level issues and requires immediate attention. This could be a sign of structural damage, which could lead to injuries if left unchecked. 

4. Musty Odors

A musty smell can be an unmistakable sign of mold growth beneath your floors. Mold thrives in damp environments, and if water has seeped under your floors, mold will likely follow.

If you notice a musty smell that won’t disappear, it’s essential to investigate. Regular household odors are different from the stale, musty smell of mold. Ignoring musty odors could lead to long-term mold exposure, which could affect indoor air quality and cause health issues.

5. Cracks in Flooring

Water can weaken flooring materials over time, leading to visible cracking and separation. Cracks in tiles or grout lines are often caused by the underlying subfloor expanding or contracting due to moisture. Water damage can also lead to wooden planks cracking or splitting. These can allow more water to seep into your floors, worsening your problem. 

6. Increased Humidity and Condensation

Poor ventilation can lead to moisture problems. You can look for condensation on windows, walls, or floors, especially in bathrooms or basements. It’s essential to address them, as unchecked humidity can promote mold growth and further water damage.

7. Mold or Mildew Growth

Visible mold or mildew growth on or around the flooring clearly indicates water damage. Mold can appear on various surfaces as black, green, or white fuzzy spots. Mold exposure can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems.

If you find mold, it's best to seek professional mold removal services to prevent recurring growth. Mold growth is often a sign that water damage has been ongoing for some time, and addressing the mold and the underlying water issue is crucial.

8. Unexplained Increase in Water Bills

An unexplained spike in your water bill could indicate a hidden leak causing water damage under your floors. If your water usage hasn’t changed, but your bill has increased, inspect for leaks under sinks, around toilets, or in your basement. Ignoring high water bills could mean letting a hidden water problem grow, so it’s essential to investigate promptly.

Get Your Floors Back in Shape with Restoration 1 

Signs of water damage under floors require immediate attention. If you notice water coming up from floors, you need a professional property restoration team like Restoration 1 of North Sound to restore your property to its original condition. 

At Restoration 1, our experienced technicians provide all the services needed to address water damage. Our comprehensive water damage restoration services handle your damaged flooring and address the underlying causes affecting your property. From professional water removal to mold remediation, we can swiftly restore the structural and safety hazards caused by water damage. 

Contact us today to schedule a visit from a certified technician.