Water Damage Repair - Determine the Age of Water Spots

Repairs for water damage is a typical issue for any house, and sometimes the issue is distinct and other times it isn’t. Things like flooding sinks, bathtubs or toilets are common problems related to water damage and you know there is an issue when this happens. However, pipes run all over your home, and this includes areas you can’t see like between the floors and inside the walls. It’s safe to say that a leaky pipe in a concealed area can happen. It’s an irritating problem since you can’t see what’s going on and you won’t know before the water damage appears.

Nevertheless, when you recognize damage to your walls or water spots on your ceiling, these are the sure signs of a pipe that’s leaking or condensation generating the issue. Because the space is unseen, though, it’s challenging to verify how long the issue has lasted. Even though there isn’t an approach to know precisely how long your water damage issue has lingered, there are some ways to diagnose whether the water damage is new or old.

Learn How Old the Damage Produced by Water is with These Steps

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

  • History of the House: An old property could already have some previous damage caused from water, so it’s essential to keep a record of what’s there and to note if the damage changes overtime. Keeping track of the weather is a good idea as well, since, if you have a small leak, it can take awhile for a water spot to surface. Keeping track of your water spots and damages can save you lots of time when diagnosing whether your water damage is new or old.
  • History of the House: If your home has any spots caused from water damage, it’s essential to keep a record of them when finding out whether your water damage is new or old. Furthermore, 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 smaller leaks can take months to surface, and if you understand what’s old and what’s new, you’ll be able to identify your issue faster.
  • Touch the Spot: If the water spot is aged, it will be soft and mushy since during the time of the leaking water, your ceiling or drywall has absorbed a good amount of water. You’ll feel moisture with a newer spot but it won’t be soft to the touch.
  • Look for Rings: Outlining rings around the damaged spot generated by water presents its age. Think about it like a tree- the more rings, the longer the water damage has been present. Discoloration of the blemish is also helpful since it indicates that the area leaks, dries, gets saturated, dries, etc. If it’s a brand new spot created by water, the area will be a single mark with no rings.
  • Examine the Materials: It’s vital to know about the materials that make up your ceiling or walls, since things like tiles or thick paint can trap moisture. If this is the case, even a water spot that’s small can mean the accumulation of water has been around for a period of time.
  • Mold Inspection: Bacteria, or mold, development normally means the damage generated by water has been present for approximately two to three days.
  • Rot: Your material won’t decay from the first occurrence of water damage. And if there has been rot, this indicates your material has been susceptible to constant standing water or flooding.

Remove Damage Generated by Water & Call Paul

No matter the amount of the damage generated by water, Paul Davis is here to assist. Our team of expert water damage repair contractors can fix the issue and have your home back in good condition. Remedy the issue now before it gets even worse and get in touch with us at (614) 367-9611 for a local franchise near you.