Methods to Tell if Water Damage is New or Old

Restorations for water damage is a common issue for any home, and sometimes the issue is apparent and other times it isn't. Things like overflowing sinks, bathtubs or toilets are common problems linked with water damage and you know there is an issue when this happens. However, plumbing lines run all over your house, and this involves places you can't see such as inside the walls and between the floors. It's safe to say that a pipe leaking in an unseen area can happen. It's a frustrating obstacle because you can't see what's going on and you won't know until the water damage appears.

Because the pipes aren't visible, you can get an approximation of how long you've had water complications by evaluating the water damage itself. Unfortunately, it's hard to find out a precise timeline, but we have some guidance on how to examine the damage so you can come up with an approximate time on how long you've had water in the area.

Discover the Age of the Damage Caused by Water

By following the step-by-step process listed below, you'll be able to indicate the age of your water damage:

• History of the House: An old home may already have some previous damage produced from water, so it's important to keep a record of what's there and to note if the damage alters over a period of time. Keeping track of the weather is a great idea as well, because if you have a modest leak, it can take some time for a spot to appear. Keeping track of your water damages can save you a lot of hassle when pinpointing whether the damage caused from water is new or old.
• History of the House: Take note of any spots on your ceiling or walls and take into account any outside influences such as a downpour. Water spots can take months to present themselves if the leak is modest. Older properties may already have some water spots that were sustained previously. So it's fundamental to keep a record of the spots you perceive while finding out whether this is new water damage or old water damage.
• Touch the Spot: If the water spot is aged, it will be mushy and soft because during the time of the water leak, your ceiling or drywall has taken in a good amount of water. You'll feel moisture with a new spot but it won't be soft like an older spot.
• Look for Rings: Remember how rings on a tree presents the age of the tree? The same idea can be used towards water spots. An old water spot is going to have rings around it. They will also be discolored because the spot gets wet then dries and gets wet again then dries again, etc. A new spot will be dark with no rings around it.
• Examine the Materials: Get to know the material in your home, because water and moisture can become trapped by thick paint and tiles. And if spots created by water show up through these, this indicates the buildup of moisture has remained for a period of time.
• Mold Inspection: Bacteria growth usually implies that the damage caused by water has lingered for approximately two to three days.
• Deterioration: If your materials decay from damage caused by water, this is typically the result of repeat flooding or standing water. Decomposition typically doesn't happen from the first situation of a leak.

Get an Experienced Water Damage Repair Contractor

If you're having water damage complications, look to Paul Davis. It's crucial to take care of any dripping pipes in your home before the damage becomes extensive. Our water damage restoration experts can find dripping pipes and restore your home back to normal conditions no matter the size of the job. Call us now at (403)342-4666 and near your area will be there to assist you.