Figuring Out the Age of Water Damage - Water Damage Restoration

A common issue that a lot of homes run into is some form of damage caused by water. As water damage restoration experts, Paul Davis is aware of the complications that water damage leads to, especially when it can't be seen. Your home has plumbing everywhere, this includes the inside of your ceilings and walls. When these pipes leak or have condensation on them, they can gradually erode your walls and ceilings. One of the more frustrating situations to this is checking whether or not the damage caused by water is old or new.

Since the pipes aren't visible, you can get an approximation of how long you've had water problems by examining the water damage itself. Unfortunately, it's hard to figure out an exact timeline, but we have some tips 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.

A Step-by-Step On Water Damage - Evaluate its Age

By taking the steps listed below, you can determine the age of the damage produced by water:

  • History of the House: When your house has any spots from water damage, it's essential to keep a record of them when finding out whether your water damage is old or new. In addition, you'll want to be cognizant of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a rain storm. Know your home, since smaller leaks can take awhile to appear, and if you understand what's old and what's new, you'll be able to pinpoint your issue faster.
  • History of the House: When your house has any spots from water damage, it's essential to keep a record of them when finding out whether your water damage is old or new. In addition, you'll want to be cognizant of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a rain storm. Know your home, since smaller leaks can take awhile to appear, and if you understand what's old and what's new, you'll be able to pinpoint your issue faster.
  • Touch the Spot: You'll can indicate whether the damage produced by water is old or new just by feeling it. An older spot will be spongy because the material has taken in a good amount of moisture. A newer spot will be moist, however, the material will still have a solid feel to it.
  • Look for Rings: Remember how tree rings show the age of the tree? The same method can be used towards water spots. An older water spot is going to have rings around it. They can also be discolored since the area gets soaked then dries and gets soaked again then dries again, etc. A newer spot will be darker with no rings circling it.
  • Examine the Materials: Materials like thick paint and tiles can actually trap water, so if you have a water spot leaking through one of these, this can mean there's been water lingering for a period of time. Being aware of the materials around your property can help you address your water damage issues more effectively.
  • Mold Inspection: If you see that bacteria is present, the damage produced by water has lingered for about two to three days.
  • Deterioration: Decaying material indicates that the damage produced by water is either a repeat offender or that it's serious because there's standing water. A first case of water damage usually doesn't cause rot.

Water Damage Restoration Contractors - Reach Out to Paul Davis Today

When you're having problems with damages that are created by water, look to Paul Davis. It's crucial to fix any leaks in your home before the damage becomes serious. Our water damage restoration professionals can detect dripping pipes and restore your home back to normal no matter how big or small the job is. Call us now at +1-403-696-8886 and a local franchise will be there to assist you.