Determining the Age of Water Damage - Water Damage Restoration

When you have clogged bathtubs, toilets or sinks that flood, it's obvious that water damage restorations will be needed. Though, your property can experience water damage in ways that aren't as evident. Since you have pipes running all over your house, you can have a leaky pipe or an accumulation of condensation between your ceilings and walls. It's a troublesome incident because this isn't visible- you won't notice it until you have water damage, and then it's hard to pinpoint how long the issue has lingered.

Nevertheless, when you recognize water spots on your ceiling or damage to your walls, these are clues indicating a pipe that's leaking or condensation causing a issue. Because the space is hidden, though, it's challenging to ascertain how long the problem has been at hand. Although there isn't a way to find out precisely how long your water damage issue has lingered, there are some ways to indicate whether the water damage is old or new.

Determine the Time Frame of the Damage Produced by Water

By practicing the tips listed below, you'll be able to indicate the age of your water damage:

  • History of the House: When your house has any spots from water damage, it's important to take note of them when determining whether damage caused from water is old or new. Also, you'll want to be observant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a downpour. Know your house, since pipes with a slow drip can take months to surface, and if you understand what's new and what's old, you'll be able to pinpoint your problem faster.
  • History of the House: When your house has any spots from water damage, it's important to take note of them when determining whether damage caused from water is old or new. Also, you'll want to be observant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a downpour. Know your house, since pipes with a slow drip can take months to surface, and if you understand what's new and what's old, you'll be able to pinpoint your problem faster.
  • Touch the Spot: When the water spot is old, it will be soft and mushy since during the time of the leaking water, your ceiling or drywall has taken in a good amount of water. You'll feel moisture with a new spot but it won't be soft like an older spot.
  • Look for Rings: Having rings around your water damage spot presents age. Remember it like a tree- the more rings, the older the water damage is. Discoloration of the spot is useful since it indicates that the area leaks, dries, leaks, dries, etc. If it's a new water spot, the area will be a single blemish with no rings.
  • Examine the Materials: Materials like tiles and thick paint can trap water, so if you have a spot produced by water seeping through one of these, this can mean there's been a buildup of water for awhile. Knowing the materials around your house can help you address your water damage issues more effectively.
  • Mold Inspection: When bacteria has had time to inhabit the area, this indicates your water damage has lingered for approximately two to three days.
  • Deterioration: When your materials rot from water damage, this is typically the outcome of regular flooding or standing water. Decay typically won't occur from the first case of leakage.

Remove Water Damage & Call Paul Davis

When you're having issues with damages that are produced by water, Paul Davis is here to assist you. It's essential to take care of any dripping pipes on your property prior to the damage becoming more serious. Our water damage restoration professionals can find dripping pipes and repair your house back to normal conditions no matter how big or small the job is. Contact Paul now at +1-403-696-8886 and near your location is there to assist you.