Expert Water Damage Restoration Tips - How New Are Your Water Spots?

Water damage restoration is a typical problem for any home, and sometimes the problem is noticeable and other times it's concealed. Things such as flooding toilets, sinks and bathtubs are typical problems connected to water damage and you know there is an issue when this occurs. However, plumbing lines run all over your home, and this involves places you can't see such as between the floors and inside the walls. Unfortunately a pipe leaking in a concealed area can happen. It's a frustrating obstacle since you can't see what's going on and you won't know before the water damage appears.

You can discover how new or old your water problems are by analyzing the water damage itself since the pipes aren't in sight. Unfortunately, it's hard to find out an exact timeline, but we have some advice on how to examine the damage so you can come up with an estimated time on how long you've had water in the area.

Evaluate How Old the Damage Caused by Water is with This Guidance

You can figure out whether your water damage is new or old by using these tips:

  • History of the House: When your house has any water spots, it's important to keep a record of them when determining whether damage generated from water is new or old. Also, you'll want to be conscious of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as heavy rain. Know your home, since pipes with a slow drip can take months to surface, and if you know what's old and what's new, you'll be able to identify your problem quicker.
  • History of the House: An older residence could already have some previous water damage, so it's essential to keep a record of what's there and to note if the damage changes overtime. Tracking the weather is a good idea as well, since, if you have a a slow leak, it can take some time for a spot to surface. Taking note of your water damages can save you a lot of hassle when finding out whether the damage generated from water is new or old.
  • Touch the Spot: You can feel the spot- this can disclose a lot about the age of the water damage. A newer spot will be wet but your drywall or ceiling will still be durable, while an older spot will be mushy and squishy because your material would have absorbed a fair amount of moisture.
  • Look for Rings: Remember how rings on a tree show the age of the tree? The same method can be used towards spots generated by water. An older water spot is going to have rings around it. They can also be discolored since the spot gets wet then dries and gets wet again then dries again, etcetera. A newer spot will be darker with no rings circling it.
  • Examine the Materials: It's critical to be aware of the materials that make up your walls or ceilings, since things such as tiles or thick paint can trap the water. When 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 you see that bacteria is present, your water damage has been there for approximately two to three days.
  • Decomposition: Decaying material means that your water damage is either a repeat offender or that it's extensive because there's standing water. A first instance of water damage usually won't cause deterioration.

Reach out to Paul Davis - Your Experienced Water Damage Restoration Contractors

For all your water damage restoration needs, get in touch with Paul Davis. If there's a pipe dripping that you can't find, it's fundamental to get in touch with an expert. The expert team at Paul Davis has the industry knowledge and response time required to maintain your house. For a local franchise near your location, call us at (403)342-4666 and we'll get an expert for your assistance.