Water-damaged trim can be caused by natural disasters, plumbing mishaps, and human error. Regardless of the cause, the trim must be replaced, repaired, or restored. Water-damaged trim can breed mold if it is not removed or treated appropriately. If the damage is on the exterior of the home, replacement of the siding may be advisable. A contractor experienced in carpentry can advise homeowners of whether to repair or replace water-damaged siding.

Given the current state of the real estate market in much of the country, many homes are being abandoned by the homeowners. Some homeowners move in and out of homes multiple times while trying to convince the bank to modify their home loan. During these moves, homeowners often forget to shut off the ice maker line on the refrigerator. When the water is then turned back on, the resulting flood can damage interior baseboards. Wet baseboards can lead to mold issues, so the baseboards must be removed and replaced or dried and restored as quickly as possible.

Soft wood damage caused by a leaking roof can damage crown molding. This molding should be replaced before mold spreads to the ceiling and attic. There are paints on the market that can inhibit the growth of mold in areas prone to moisture. Homeowners would be advised to use this paint as a base coat in any areas that might be prone to water damage. This type of preventative maintenance is especially useful in areas that are prone to flooding. By treating the baseboards with a mold-inhibiting base coat, homeowners will potentially save themselves from having to pay for replacement baseboards in the event of damage.

Rotted wood and trim on the exterior can cause mold and mildew issues. These hazards can be eliminated by replacing damaged siding as quickly as possible. If the water damage is caused by wind-driven rain, potential water damage to the boards underneath should be considered. Again, an experienced contractor is a very useful resource when a home has sustained water damage. Such a contractor will be able to verify the potential for mold and recommend adequate mitigation methods.

Homeowners seeking to purchase a home that has sustained this type of damage should hire a reputable inspector to thoroughly check the home for signs of mold. Because mitigating existing mold is very expensive and very time-consuming, a thorough mold inspection is necessary if any signs of previous water damage are present. It is always best to deal with the damage as soon as possible after it has occurred. Failure to do so can cause homeowners to incur significant mitigation expenses in the future.

TJ Bass is the owner of the Austin Handyman Matters Franchise. http://www.handymanmatters.com/austin

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