Determining the Age of a Water Spot - Water Damage Repair
Restorations for water damage is a typical problem for any house, and sometimes the problem is evident and other times it's ambiguous. Things such as overflowing toilets, sinks and bathtubs are common issues linked with water damage and you know there is a problem when this happens. However, plumbing lines run all over your house, and this involves places you can't see like inside the walls and between the floors. Unfortunately a pipe leaking in an unseen space can happen. It's an aggravating obstacle because you can't see what's going on and you won't notice it until the water damage appears.
Since the pipes aren't visible, you can get an estimate of how long you've had water issues by examining the water damage itself. Unfortunately, it's hard to figure out a precise timeline, but we have some advice on how to analyze the damage so you can come up with an approximate time on how long you've had water in the area.
Figure Out How Old Your Water Damage is with This Guidance
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: If your house has any spots caused from water damage, it's important to take note of them when finding out whether your water damage is new or old. In addition, you'll want to be observant of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a downpour. Know your house, because pipes with a slow drip can take awhile to surface, and if you know what's old and what's new, you'll be able to diagnose your problem faster.
- History of the House: An older property 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 alters overtime. Tracking the weather is a great idea too, since, if you have a small leak, it can take months for a spot to surface. Keeping track of your water damages can save you a lot of hassle when determining whether the damage produced from water is new or old.
- Touch the Spot: You can feel the spot, because this will reveal a lot about the age of the water damage. A new spot will be wet but your ceiling or drywall will still be the same, while an old spot will be soft and spongy because your material would have absorbed a good amount of moisture.
- Look for Rings: If you see just a dark spot with zero rings around it, this indicates that the water damage is new. Old water damage will have rings around it, and just like a tree, the more rings determines the age. Different colored and shades of rings reveals that the area has been drenched, dried, drenched, dried, etc.
- Examine the Materials: Materials like tiles and thick paint can actually trap water, so when you have a spot caused by water leaking through one of these, this can mean there's been a buildup of water for a period of time. Knowing the materials in your house can help you focus on your water damage issues more efficiently.
- Mold Inspection: Bacteria growth typically implies the damage produced by water has lingered for approximately two to three days.
- Rot: Deteriorated material means that the damage produced by water is either a repeat offender or that it's extensive because there's standing water. A first instance of water damage typically won't lead to decomposition.
Dispose of Damage Caused by Water & Call Paul Davis
For any water damage repair needs, reach out to Paul Davis. When there's a leak that you can't find, it's crucial to call a professional. Paul Davis' skillful team has the know-how and response time required to get your house back in order. For a local franchise in your area, call us at (403)342-4666 and we'll get an expert to come help you out.
