The most obvious causes of water damage, and those that cannot be avoided, are severe forces of nature, such as hurricanes or floods. Water damage also can occur when a fire is extinguished, from leaking pipes, and malfunctioning washing machines and heaters, as well as leaks in your roofing and siding and from defective gutters, which will cause water to pool around your property and potentially leak into your basement.

Water damage can occur in every area of your home and property, but there are certain areas that, if damaged, are more problematic and should be watched closely. Check the plumbing pipes and connections in your home’s bathrooms and kitchen as well as any pipelines in your basement or crawl spaces for standing water and leaks.

Some of these signs include peeling paint and wallpaper, splotches of mold, moisture and condensation, a musty smell and moisture in your carpet or other flooring.

Immediately following a water-related incident, call your insurance provider to inform him/her of the damage. If your home is severely damaged, determine whether it is structurally safe to enter. If not or you are unsure, immediately make arrangements to stay elsewhere.

Water damage certainly has the potential to cause the growth of mildew and mold. Because mold thrives in moist and warm environments, any place that is wet (and especially humid) is a perfect place for mold to grow.