Determining the Age of a Water Spot - Water Damage Repair

Repairs for water damage is a typical problem for any home, and sometimes the problem is evident and other times it isn't. Things such as flooding toilets, sinks and bathtubs are common issues related to water damage and you know there is a problem when this happens. However, pipes run all over your property, and this involves places you can't see such as between the floors and inside the walls. Unfortunately a pipe leaking in an unseen location can happen. It's an aggravating obstacle since you can't see what's going on and you won't notice it until the water damage appears.

For these spaces that can't be seen, it's complicated to establish how old the water damage is. Though, you could have a leaky pipe that was slightly dripping for a period of time but because it's been concealed, you don't know how long. There's no sure way to check exactly how long the problem has persisted, but there are approaches to approximate the age of the water damage.

Evaluate How Old Your Water Damage is with This Guidance

By practicing the tips listed below, you'll be able to indicate how old or new your water damage:

  • History of the House: Keep track of any spots on your walls or ceilings and take into account any outside influences such as a downpour. Damages and spots caused by water can take months to pop up if the leak is modest. If your residence is an older house, the water damage spots may have been there for some time. So it's critical to take note of the spots you see while indicating whether this is new water damage or old water damage.
  • History of the House: When your property has any water spots, it's critical to take note of them when figuring out whether your water damage is new or old. Additionally, you'll want to be apprehensive of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a downpour. Know your home, since smaller leaks can take months 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: When the water spot is old, it will be mushy and squishy since during the time of the leaking water, your ceiling or drywall has absorbed a good amount of water. A newer spot will feel wet but the surface won't be soft to the touch.
  • Look for Rings: Outlining rings around the damaged spot produced by water presents age. Consider it like a tree- the more rings it has, the longer the water damage has been lingering. Discoloration of the spot is useful since it indicates that the area leaks, dries, leaks, dries, so on and so forth. If it's a brand new water spot, the area will be a single blemish with no rings.
  • Examine the Materials: Materials such as thick paint and tiles can actually trap water and moisture, so when you have a water spot leaking through one of these, this can indicate there's been a buildup of water for a period of time. Being aware of the materials can help you focus on your water damage issues more effectively.
  • Mold Inspection: If you see that bacteria is there, the damage caused by water has lingered for about two to three days.
  • Deterioration: Decomposed material means that the damage caused by water is either a repeat offender or that it's serious because there's standing water. A first case of water damage usually won't cause decomposition.

Eradicate Water Damage & Call Paul

For all your water damage repair needs, call Paul Davis. When there's a leak that you can't identify, it's important to reach out to a professional. The professional team at Paul Davis has the industry knowledge and response time required to maintain your property. To find a local franchise in your area, give us a call at (403)342-4666 and we'll get an expert for your assistance.