Follow These Steps to Find Out the Age of Water Spots

Repairs for water damage is a typical problem for any property, and every now and then the problem is apparent and other times it isn't. Things like overflowing sinks, bathtubs or toilets are typical problems associated with water damage and you know there is an issue when this happens. But pipes run all over your home, and this includes areas you can't see such as inside the walls and between the floors. It's safe to say that a leaky pipe in a concealed area can happen. It's a frustrating obstacle since you can't see what's going on and you won't notice it before the water damage appears.

It's hard to find out how old or new the the damage generated by water is for these spaces that can't be seen. After all, you could have a pipe that's been slightly leaking for awhile but because it's been concealed, you don't have a timeline. There's no way to determine exactly how long the problem has persisted, but there are some methods to approximate the age of the water damage.

Discover the Age of the Damage Produced by Water

The following step-by-step process can help you understand whether the damage generated by water is old or new:

  • History of the House: An older residence could already have some previous damage provoked from water, so it's essential to keep track of what's there and to note if the damage changes overtime. Tracking the weather is a good idea too, since, if you have a a slow leak, it can take awhile for a spot to surface. Keeping track of your water spots and damages can save you lots of time when figuring out whether the damage generated from water is old or new.
  • History of the House: Keep track of any spots on your ceiling or walls and take into account any strong weather you had in your area such as a downpour. Water spots can take awhile to materialize if it's a slight leak. Older properties could have some water spots that were sustained previously. So it's critical to keep track of the spots you perceive while determining whether this is new water damage or old water damage.
  • Touch the Spot: You can touch the spot- this can disclose a lot about the age of the water damage. A newer spot will feel wet but your ceiling or drywall will still feel strong, while an older spot will be spongy and soft since your material would have absorbed a fair amount of moisture.
  • Look for Rings: You know how rings on a tree show the age of the tree? The same approach can be used for water spots. An older water spot will have rings around it. They can also be shaded differently since the area gets wet then dries and gets wet again then dries again, etcetera. A newer spot will be darker with no rings around it.
  • Examine the Materials: It's fundamental to be aware of the materials that comprise your ceiling or walls, since things such as thick paint or tiles can trap the water. If this is the situation, even a water spot that's small can mean the buildup of water has been lingering for a while.
  • Mold Inspection: If you see that bacteria, or mold, is present, the damage generated by water has lingered for about two to three days.
  • Decay: If your materials deteriorate from water damage, this is typically the result of consistent flooding or standing water. Decomposition typically won't happen from the first instance of a leak.

Eliminate Water Damage & Call Paul Davis

If you're having complications with damages that are produced by water, Paul Davis is here to assist you. It's important to take care of any dripping pipes on your property before the damage becomes extensive. Our water damage restoration professionals can detect dripping pipes and restore your property back to normal conditions no matter how big or small the job is. Call us today at (403)342-4666 and a local franchise is there to assist you.