The Tiny Home Detail That Can Signal Big Moisture Problems

Few things can be as destructive to a house as water damage. It can seep into a house's foundation and structural elements and weaken them. Water leaks can also lead to mold growth and electrical issues. If you're buying a house, you need to know if it's had previous water damage, since this can affect its value. Because repairing water damage can be expensive and time-consuming, you don't want to be surprised by it after you purchase a house. However, sellers may not be willing or motivated to disclose water damage. There are many ways to hide it, such as painting over water stains. However, there's one small thing most people overlook that can be a tell-tale sign of water damage: rusted door screws and hinges.

Door hinges and screws will rust after being exposed to moisture for an extended time. However, this isn't a guaranteed sign that a home has had extensive water damage, so you should put it into context. Doors in high-humidity rooms, such as bathrooms and basements, may have rusty hinges even if they haven't been directly exposed to water leaks. Still, houses in areas where there's a lot of humidity in the air may be more prone to developing rust issues. If you notice rusty hinges or screws on doors in a house you're considering buying, your best bet is to consider it a clue that deserves further investigation. Ask the homeowner questions and look for other signs of water damage. On the other hand, if you notice rusty hinges in your own home, you'll want to figure out what's causing the problem.

Hinges can rust for many different reasons. Some, such as a humid environment, aren't serious, while others, such as ongoing leaks, can signal significant damage that will be expensive to repair. Hiring a home inspector and asking questions can help you determine if there's water damage and how extensive it is. They'll look for problems such as ruptured pipes, which can happen if the pipes freeze during cold weather. Even small pipe leaks can lead to big problems if they go undetected long enough. Many pipes are hidden behind drywall panels, so there are often no signs of leaks until they damage walls or floors. Other common sources of water damage include overflowing sinks or toilets, appliance or HVAC issues, or sewage backup.

However, not all rusty hinges are a result of water damage. Poor ventilation and humid environments can also cause door hinges to rust. These problems usually have easier, less expensive fixes. Regardless of what's causing door hinges to rust, the earlier you can find the problem, the cheaper it will be to fix. For rooms exposed to high humidity, such as bathrooms, one of the easiest ways to prevent rusty door hinges is to choose hinges made from rust-resistant metal like brass. You can also use protective sealants designed to prevent rust on your hinges. Turning on the bathroom fan during showers and making sure your basement is well-ventilated will also keep destructive moisture from building up and rusting your door hinges.