Figuring Out the Age of Water Damage - Water Damage Repair
Repairs for water damage is a typical problem for any home, and every now and then the problem is discernible and other times it isn't. Things such as overflowing bathtubs, toilets and sinks are typical problems linked with water damage and you know there is an issue when this happens. However, pipes run all over your home, and this includes places you can't see like between the floors and inside the walls. Unfortunately a pipe leaking in an unseen location can happen. It's a frustrating problem since you can't see what's going on and you won't notice it until the water damage appears.
It's hard to find out how old the the damage caused by water is for these areas that can't be seen. After all, you could have a leaky pipe that was slightly dripping for a period of time but because it's been hidden, you don't have a timeline. There's no sure way to indicate exactly how long the problem has persisted, but there are some approaches to approximate the age of the water damage.
Find Out the Time Frame of the Damage Produced by Water
The following tips can help you judge whether your water damage is new or old:
- History of the House: Take note of any spots on your walls or ceilings and take into account any strong weather you had in your area like a downpour. Water spots and damages can take months to surface if the leak is small. If you reside in an older home, the spots caused by water damage might have been there for awhile. So it's critical to take note of the spots you see while indicating whether this is old water damage or old water damage.
- History of the House: An older home might already have some previous damage provoked from water, so it's critical to keep track of what's there and to note if the damage changes over a period of time. Keeping track of the weather is a great idea as well, since, if you have a small leak, it can take some time for a spot to surface. Keeping track of your water damages can save you lots of time when figuring out whether your water damage is new or old.
- Touch the Spot: You can touch the spot- this can disclose a lot about the age of the damage caused by water. A newer spot will be wet but your drywall or ceiling will still be the same, while an older spot will be soft and spongy since your material would have taken in a fair amount of water.
- Look for Rings: Outlining rings around your water damage spot indicates age. Think about it as if it was a tree- the more rings it has, the older the damage caused by water is. Color variations of the spot is also helpful since it reveals that the area gets soaked, dries, leaks, dries, etc. If it's a brand new spot damaged by water, the area will be a single blemish with zero rings.
- Examine the Materials: It's crucial to be aware of the materials that make up your walls or ceilings, since things like tiles or thick paint can trap moisture. If this is the circumstance, even a water spot that's small can indicate the buildup of water has been lingering for a while.
- Mold Inspection: If bacteria has had time to settle in, this indicates that your water damage has been there for about two to three days.
- Rot: If your materials decompose from damage caused by water, this is normally the outcome of repeat flooding or standing water. Decay normally doesn't happen from the first case of a leak.
Get Rid of Water Damage & Call Paul
For any water damage repair emergencies, contact Paul Davis. If there's a pipe dripping that you can't find, it's crucial to call a professional. The professional team at Paul Davis has the experience and response time you need to get your home back in order. To find a local franchise near your area, give us a call at (403)342-4666 and we'll get an expert for your assistance.
