Helping to Determine the Age of Water Spots

When you have clogged sinks, bathtubs or toilets that flood, it’s obvious that you’re in need of water damage restoration. Though, your home can experience water damage in ways that aren’t as apparent. Because you have pipes running all over your home, you can have a leaky pipe or a buildup of condensation between your walls or ceilings. It’s a troublesome situation because this isn’t in sight- you won’t know until you there’s water damage, and then it’s difficult to pinpoint how long the issue has lingered.

Because the pipes are hidden, you can get an estimate of how long you’ve had water problems by evaluating the water damage itself. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to figure out a precise timeline, but we have some guidance on how to analyze the damage so you can come up with an estimated time on how long you’ve had water in the damaged space.

Determine the Time Frame of the Damage Caused by Water

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

  • History of the House: If your home has any water spots, it’s important to take note of them when determining whether your water damage is new or old. Also, you’ll want to be cognizant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a rain storm. Know your home, since smaller leaks can take some time to surface, and if you understand what’s new and what’s old, you’ll be able to diagnose your problem quicker.
  • History of the House: If your home has any water spots, it’s important to take note of them when determining whether your water damage is new or old. Also, you’ll want to be cognizant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a rain storm. Know your home, since smaller leaks can take some time to surface, and if you understand what’s new and what’s old, you’ll be able to diagnose your problem quicker.
  • Touch the Spot: You’ll be able to check whether the damage produced by water is old or new just by touching it. An old spot will be spongy because the material has absorbed a lot of water. A new spot will be wet, but the material will feel solid.
  • Look for Rings: Remember how tree rings determine the age of the tree? The same idea can be used towards water spots. An old water spot is going to have rings around it. They will also be shaded differently since the area gets wet then dries and gets wet again then dries again, etcetera. A new spot will be dark with no rings around it.
  • Examine the Materials: Learn about the material in your home, since water and moisture can become trapped by tiles and thick paint. And if spots produced by water show up through these, this means the accumulation of water has been there for a period of time.
  • Mold Inspection: If you find that bacteria, or mold, is present, the damage produced by water has been present for approximately two to three days.
  • Rot: Your material doesn’t usually decompose from the first case of damage produced by water. And if there has been decomposition, this means your material has been exposed to consistent flooding or standing water.

Reach out to Paul – Your Expert Water Damage Restoration Contractors

When you’re having problems with damages that are generated by water, Paul Davis’ expert team is here to assist you. It’s crucial to remedy any leaks on your property prior to the damage becoming more serious. Our water damage restoration professionals can find a leak and restore your home back to normal no matter the size of the job. Reach out to Paul now at (800) 951-9283 and a local franchise will be there to assist you.