Expert Water Damage Restoration Tips

When you have clogged sinks, bathtubs or toilets that overflow, it's obvious that you're in need of water damage restoration. Unfortunately, your home can experience water damage in ways that aren't as apparent. Since you have plumbing running all over your residence, you can have a leaky pipe or a buildup of condensation between your walls or ceilings. It's a troublesome circumstance because this isn't visible- you won't recognize it until you have water damage, and then it's difficult to identify how long the issue has persisted.

For these spaces that aren't visible, it's hard to figure out how old the damage caused by water is. Nevertheless, you could have a pipe that's been slightly leaking for a period of time but because it's been hidden, you don't know how long. There's no sure way to figure out exactly how long the problem has persisted, but there are ways to estimate the age of the water damage.

Figure Out the Age of Your Water Damage

You can learn whether your water damage is old or new by following these steps:

  • History of the House: If your residence has any spots caused from water damage, it's critical to take note of them when determining whether your water damage is new or old. In addition, you'll want to be observant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a downpour. Know your house, because modest leaks can take months to appear, and if you understand what's new and what's old, you'll be able to identify your issue faster.
  • History of the House: If your residence has any spots caused from water damage, it's critical to take note of them when determining whether your water damage is new or old. In addition, you'll want to be observant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a downpour. Know your house, because modest leaks can take months to appear, and if you understand what's new and what's old, you'll be able to identify your issue faster.
  • Touch the Spot: You'll be able to establish whether your water damage is old or new just by touching it. An older spot will be soft because the material has absorbed a lot of water. A newer spot will be moist, but the material will feel solid.
  • Look for Rings: You know how tree rings determine how old a tree is? The same method can be used for spots created by water. An older water spot is going to have rings around it. They will also be shaded differently because the area gets wet then dries and gets wet again then dries again, etc. A newer spot will be darker with zero rings around it.
  • Examine the Materials: Materials like tiles and thick paint can trap water and moisture, so when you have a spot created by water leaking through one of these, this can mean there's been a buildup of water for awhile. Knowing the materials can help you address your water damage problems more efficiently.
  • Mold Inspection: If mold has had time to inhabit the area, this implies your water damage has been there for nearly two to three days.
  • Deterioration: Deteriorated material indicates that your water damage is either occurring consistently or that it's extensive because there's standing water. A first instance of damage caused by water usually won't cause decomposition.

Reach out to Paul Davis - Your Expert Water Damage Restoration Specialists

If you're having water damage problems, Paul Davis is here to help out. It's essential to fix any leaks on your property before the damage becomes extensive. Our water damage restoration experts can detect dripping pipes and fix your house back to normal conditions no matter how big or small the job is. Get in touch with Paul today at (403)342-4666 and in your area will be there to help out.