Water Damage Restoration - Discover the Age of Water Spots

When you have clogged toilets, sinks or bathtubs that overflow, it's obvious that water damage restorations will be required. Still, your residence can come under water damage in ways that aren't as distinct. Since you have plumbing running throughout your house, you can have a leaky pipe or an accumulation of condensation between your walls or ceilings. It's a difficult incident since this isn't visible- you won't know until you have water damage, and then it's difficult to diagnose how long the problem has persisted.

Yet, when you recognize water spots on your ceiling or damage to your walls, these are the sure signs of a pipe that's leaking or condensation generating the problem. Because the area is hidden, though, it's tough to determine how long the problem has been at hand. Although there isn't a way to figure out precisely how long your water damage problem has persisted, there are some ways to indicate whether the water damage is old or new.

Evaluate How Old Your Water Damage is with These Tips

The following tips can help you understand whether the damage caused by water is old or new:

  • History of the House: If your house has any spots caused from water damage, it's important to keep track of them when figuring out whether damage caused from water is old or new. In addition, you'll want to be aware of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a rain storm. Know your home, because smaller leaks can take some time to surface, and if you know what's old and what's new, you'll be able to pinpoint your problem quicker.
  • History of the House: If your house has any spots caused from water damage, it's important to keep track of them when figuring out whether damage caused from water is old or new. In addition, you'll want to be aware of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a rain storm. Know your home, because smaller leaks can take some time to surface, and if you know what's old and what's new, you'll be able to pinpoint your problem quicker.
  • Touch the Spot: If the water spot is old, it will be soft and mushy because during the period of the water leak, your drywall or ceiling has taken in a good amount of water. You'll feel wetness with a new spot but it won't be soft to the touch.
  • Look for Rings: Remember how rings on a tree determine the age of the tree? The same approach can be used towards water spots. An old water spot will have rings around it. They can also be discolored because the area gets saturated then dries and gets saturated again then dries again, etcetera. A new spot will be dark with no rings around it.
  • Examine the Materials: It's vital to be aware of the materials that comprise your walls or ceilings, because things such as thick paint or tiles can trap the water. If this is the circumstance, even a water spot that's small can indicate the accumulation of water has been lingering for a period of time.
  • Mold Inspection: If you see that bacteria is there, the damage caused by water has been present for approximately two to three days.
  • Rot: Your material doesn't usually decay by the first instance of water damage. And if there has been deterioration, this indicates your material has been vulnerable to persistent standing water or flooding.

Get Help from a Knowledgeable Water Damage Restoration Contractor

The size of the damage caused by water doesn't matter, Paul Davis is here to assist. Our team of skillful water damage restoration contractors can resolve the problem and have your house back in good condition. Fix the problem now before it gets worse and get in touch with us at (403)342-4666 for a local franchise near you.