Resource
Signs of Hidden Water Damage
The quiet indicators that moisture is present in an assembly you cannot see into.
Odour arrives before anything visible
A musty smell that comes and goes with humidity is one of the earliest signals. Odour compounds move through air far more readily than water moves through drywall.
Movement in finishes
Cupping hardwood, lifting laminate edges, separating baseboards and hairline cracks in fresh paint all point to material moving as it absorbs and releases moisture.
- Floorboards cupped along their length
- Trim pulling away from the wall
- Nail pops appearing in drywall
- Doors sticking in one frame only
Temperature and touch
A cool patch on an otherwise even wall often indicates evaporative cooling from moisture behind it. This is exactly what thermal imaging highlights during an inspection.
Unexplained readings elsewhere
A rising water bill without a change in use, or a humidity level that stays elevated in one room, is worth investigating even when nothing looks wrong.
This guide is general information for Scarborough property owners and occupants. Conditions at your property should be assessed individually.