Expert Water Damage Repair Help - How New is Your Water Damage?
Restorations for water damage is a common issue for any home, and every now and then the issue is apparent and other times it isn't. Things like flooding bathtubs, toilets and sinks are common issues associated with water damage and you know there is an issue when this occurs. But pipes run all over your property, and this includes areas you can't see such as between the floors and inside the walls. Unfortunately a pipe leaking in an unseen area can occur. It's a frustrating obstacle since you can't see the leak and you won't notice it until the water damage appears.
Since the pipes are hidden, you can get an approximation of how long you've had water complications by evaluating the water damage itself. Unfortunately, it's hard to figure out a precise timeline, but we have some tips on how to evaluate the damage so you can come up with an approximate time on how long you've had water in the damaged space.
Evaluate How Old or New the Damage Caused by Water is with This Guidance
By following the steps listed below, you can discover how old or new the damage caused by water:
- History of the House: Take note of any spots on your ceiling or walls and take into account any outside influences such as a downpour. Damages and spots caused by water can take months to develop if it's a slight leak. If your residence is an older home, the spots caused by water damage could have been there for some time. So it's fundamental to keep a record of the spots you notice while indicating whether this is new water damage or old water damage.
- History of the House: When your residence has any water spots, it's fundamental to keep a record of them when finding out whether your water damage is new or old. Also, you'll want to be conscious of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a rain storm. Know your home, since pipes with a slow drip can take months to surface, and if you know what's new and what's old, you'll be able to diagnose your issue quicker.
- Touch the Spot: Go on and touch the spot- this can inform you a lot about the age of the water damage. A newer spot will be wet but your ceiling or drywall will still be strong, while an older spot will be soft and spongy since your material would have taken in a fair amount of water.
- Look for Rings: When you see just one darker spot with no rings around it, this shows that the water damage is new. Older water damage usually has rings around it, and like trees, the more rings indicates the age. Different colored and shades of rings reveals that the spot has been soaked, dried, soaked, dried, etc.
- Examine the Materials: Materials such as tiles and thick paint can trap water and moisture, so when you have a water spot seeping through one of these, this can mean there's been water lingering for awhile. Knowing the materials can help you focus on your water damage issues more effectively.
- Mold Inspection: If you see that bacteria, or mold, is there, your water damage has been present for about two to three days.
- Decay: Deteriorated material indicates that your water damage is either happening consistently or that it's extensive because there's standing water. A first instance of water damage usually doesn't lead to decomposition.
Get Rid of Water Damage & Call Paul Davis
For any water damage repair emergencies, call Paul Davis. If there's a pipe dripping that you can't identify, it's important to reach out to an expert. The professional team at Paul Davis has the experience and response time you need to maintain your residence. For a local franchise near your location, reach out to us at (506)826-3688 and we'll get an expert for your assistance.