Water Damage Repair - Discover the Age of Water Damage

Water damage repair is a typical problem for any property, and sometimes the problem is apparent and other times it isn't. Things like overflowing toilets, sinks and bathtubs are typical problems related to water damage and you know there is an issue when this happens. However, plumbing lines run all over your home, and this involves areas you can't see such as between the floors and inside the walls. It's safe to say that a pipe leaking in a hidden space can occur. It's an irritating problem because you can't see the leak and you won't be aware until the water damage appears.

It's difficult to find out how old the the damage generated by water is for these spaces 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 not in plain sight, you don't have a timeline. There's no sure way to determine exactly how long the problem has persisted, but there are some ways to estimate the age of the water damage.

A Step-by-Step On Damage Produced by Water - Establish its Age

The following steps can help you judge whether your water damage is new or old:

  • History of the House: If your property has any water spots, it's critical to take note of them when finding out whether your water damage is new or old. Additionally, you'll want to be observant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like heavy rain. Know your property, because pipes with a slow drip can take some time to appear, and if you know what's new and what's old, you'll be able to identify your problem faster.
  • History of the House: If your property has any water spots, it's critical to take note of them when finding out whether your water damage is new or old. Additionally, you'll want to be observant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like heavy rain. Know your property, because pipes with a slow drip can take some time to appear, and if you know what's new and what's old, you'll be able to identify your problem faster.
  • Touch the Spot: Go ahead and feel the spot- this can reveal a lot about the age of the water damage. A newer spot will feel wet but your drywall or ceiling will still feel the same, while an older spot will be spongy and squishy since your material would have absorbed a fair amount of water.
  • Look for Rings: Having rings around the damaged spot produced by water shows age. Think about it as if it was a tree- the more rings it has, the older the water damage is. Color variations of the stain is also helpful because it indicates 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 mark with zero rings around it.
  • Examine the Materials: Materials such as tiles and thick paint can trap water and moisture, so when you have a water spot seeping through one of these, this can indicate there's been a buildup of water for a period of time. Knowing the materials in your home can help you address your water damage problems more effectively.
  • Mold Inspection: If you see that bacteria is there, your water damage has lingered for nearly two to three days.
  • Decay: Deteriorated material means that your water damage is either occurring consistently or that it's extensive because there's standing water. A first case of water damage usually won't lead to deterioration.

Water Damage Repair Specialists - Contact Paul Davis

When you're having problems with damages that are caused by water, look no further than Paul Davis. It's important to remedy any dripping pipes on your property prior to the damage becoming more extensive. Our water damage repair experts can locate dripping pipes and restore your property back to normal conditions no matter how big or small the job is. Reach out to us now at (403)342-4666 and franchise near you is there to help out.