Figuring Out the Age of a Water Spot - Water Damage Repair

Water damage restoration is a common problem for any home, and sometimes the problem is obvious and other times it's indistinct. Things like flooding sinks, bathtubs or toilets are typical issues connected to water damage and you know there is a problem when this happens. However, plumbing lines run all over your home, and this includes places you can't see like between the floors and inside the walls. It's safe to say that a leaky pipe in a hidden location can happen. It's an annoying problem because you can't see the leak and you won't know until the water damage appears.

Nevertheless, when you notice water spots on your ceiling or damage to your walls, these are flags indicating a leaky pipe or condensation generating the issue. Because the area is concealed, though, it's difficult to figure out how long the problem has lasted. While there isn't a way to find out exactly how long your water damage issue has persisted, there are some ways to diagnose whether the water damage is new or old.

Discover How Old Your Water Damage is with These Tips

You can get an estimated time frame of the damage caused from water by taking this step-by-step process:

• History of the House: When your property has any spots from water damage, it's critical to keep a record of them when finding out whether your water damage is new or old. Additionally, you'll want to be aware of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like heavy rain. Know your home, because modest leaks can take months to appear, and if you know what's new and what's old, you'll be able to diagnose your problem faster.
• History of the House: An old residence could already have some previous water damage, so it's fundamental to keep a record of what's there and to note if the damage changes over a period of time. Keeping track of the weather is a good idea as well, because if you have a small leak, it can take months for a spot to appear. Keeping track of your water damages can save you lots of time when pinpointing whether the damage produced from water is new or old.
• Touch the Spot: You'll be able to check whether your water damage is new or old just by touching it. An old spot will be mushy since the material has absorbed a good amount of water. A new spot will be moist, but the material will still feel solid.
• Look for Rings: Having rings around your water damage spot shows its age. Remember it like a tree- the more rings, the longer the water damage has been around. Different shadings of the stain is useful because it shows that the area leaks, dries, gets saturated, dries, etcetera. If it's a brand new water spot, the area will be a single stain with zero rings.
• Examine the Materials: Materials like thick paint and tiles can trap water, so if you have a water spot leaking through one of these, this can indicate there's been a buildup of water for awhile. Knowing the materials around your home can help you address your water damage issues more effectively.
• Mold Inspection: If you find that bacteria, or mold, is there, your water damage has been present for approximately two to three days.
• Decomposition: Rotting material indicates that your water damage is either happening consistently or that it's serious because there's standing water. A first instance of water damage typically doesn't cause decay.

Get Help from an Experienced Water Damage Restoration Specialist

When you're having complications with damages that are caused by water, Paul Davis is here to assist you. It's essential to remedy any leaks in your residence before the damage becomes serious. Our water damage repair professionals can detect a leak and restore your home back to normal no matter the size of the job. Call Paul today at (403)342-4666 and franchise near you is there to assist you.