Water Damage – How Old is it? – Learn by Taking These Steps

Water damage restoration is a common problem for any house, and sometimes the problem is discernible and other times it‘s indistinct. Things such as overflowing toilets, sinks and bathtubs are typical issues connected to water damage and you know there is a problem when this occurs. But plumbing lines run all over your home, and this includes areas you can’t see such as inside the walls and between the floors. It’s safe to say that a pipe leaking in a concealed space can happen. It’s an aggravating problem because you can’t see what’s going on and you won’t be aware until the water damage appears.

Because the pipes are hidden, you can get an approximation of how long you’ve had water issues by examining the water damage itself. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find out a precise timeline, but we have some guidance on how to examine the damage so you can come up with an estimated time on how long you’ve had water in the area.

Learn How Old the Damage Generated by Water is with This Guidance

By practicing the tips listed below, you can learn the age of your water damage:

  • History of the House: Take note of any spots on your ceiling or walls and take into account any strong weather you had in your area such as a downpour. Water spots can take months to occur if the leak is modest. Older properties might already have some water spots that were sustained previously. So it’s important to take note of the spots you notice while indicating whether this is old water damage or old water damage.
  • History of the House: An older home might already have some previous water damage, so it’s essential to keep track of what’s there and to note if the damage changes over a period of time. Tracking the weather is a great idea as well, because if you have a a slow leak, it can take some time for a water spot to appear. Keeping track of your water damages can save you a lot of hassle when diagnosing whether the damage produced from water is old or new.
  • Touch the Spot: When the water spot is aged, it will be spongy and soft because during the time of the leaking water, your drywall or ceiling has absorbed a good amount of water. A new spot will feel wet but the surface won’t be soft like an older spot.
  • Look for Rings: You know how rings on a tree presents the age of the tree? The same method can be used towards spots created by water. An old water spot will have rings around it. They will also be shaded differently because the spot gets soaked then dries and gets soaked again then dries again, etcetera. A new spot will be dark with no rings around it.
  • Examine the Materials: It’s fundamental to know about the materials that make up your ceiling or walls, because things such as tiles or thick paint can actually trap moisture. When this is the situation, even a small water spot can mean the buildup of water has been remaining for a period of time.
  • Mold Inspection: If you find that bacteria is present, the damage produced by water has lingered for nearly two to three days.
  • Decay: Rotting 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 instance of damage produced by water usually doesn’t lead to decay.

Water Damage Restoration Technicians – Contact Paul Today

For any water damage repair needs, get in touch with Paul Davis. If there’s a pipe dripping that you can’t find, it’s vital to contact an expert. Paul Davis’ professional team has the industry knowledge and response time required to get your house back in order. To find a local franchise near your area, get in touch with us at (904) 739-6047 and we’ll get a professional for your assistance.