Pro Water Damage Repair Guide – How New Are Your Water Spots?

Water damage restoration is a typical problem for any property, and every now and then the problem is apparent and other times it‘s concealed. Things such as flooding bathtubs, toilets and sinks are typical problems related to water damage and you know there is an issue when this occurs. However, plumbing lines run all over your house, and this includes places you can’t see such as between the floors and inside the walls. Unfortunately a leaky pipe in a hidden area can happen. It’s a frustrating obstacle since you can’t see what’s going on and you won’t know before the water damage appears.

However, when you detect damage to your walls or water spots on your ceiling, these are the sure signs of a leaky pipe or condensation causing a problem. Because the space is hidden, though, it’s difficult to figure out how long the problem has lasted. Even though there isn’t a way to know exactly how long your water damage problem has lingered, there are some ways to indicate whether the water damage is old or new.

Find Out the Lifetime of the Damage Produced by Water

The following step-by-step process can help you understand whether your water damage is old or new:

  • History of the House: When your house has any water spots, it’s fundamental to keep track of them when finding out whether your water damage is old or new. Also, you’ll want to be cognizant of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a rain storm. Know your property, since smaller leaks can take months to surface, and if you understand what’s old and what’s new, you’ll be able to diagnose your problem faster.
  • History of the House: Keep track of any spots on your ceiling or walls and take into account any strong weather you had in your area such as a downpour. Damages and spots caused by water can take months to pop up if it’s a slight leak. Older properties may already have some water spots and damages that were sustained previously. So it’s fundamental to keep track of the spots you see while determining whether this is old water damage or old water damage.
  • Touch the Spot: You’ll be able to verify whether your water damage is old or new just by feeling it. An older spot is going to be soft since the material has taken in a good amount of moisture. A newer spot is going to be wet, but the material will have a solid feel to it.
  • Look for Rings: Remember how tree rings show how old a tree is? The same method can be used for spots produced by water. An older water spot is going to have rings around it. They can also be discolored since the area gets soaked then dries and gets soaked again then dries again, etc. A newer spot will be darker with no rings around it.
  • Examine the Materials: It’s essential to be cognizant of the materials that comprise your ceiling or walls, since things such as tiles or thick paint can actually trap the water. When this is the situation, even a small water spot can mean the accumulation of water has been lingering for a while.
  • Mold Inspection: If you find that bacteria, or mold, is present, your water damage has been present for approximately two to three days.
  • Decay: Deteriorated material means that your water damage is either happening consistently or that it’s serious because there’s standing water. A first instance of damage produced by water usually doesn’t cause decomposition.

Get in Touch with Paul Davis – Your Skillful Water Damage Repair Contractors

For any water damage repair needs, call Paul Davis. When there’s a pipe dripping that you can’t identify, it’s crucial to call an expert. Paul Davis’ skillful team has the industry knowledge and response time required to maintain your house. For a local franchise near your area, get in touch with us at (505) 471-1357 and we’ll get an expert for your assistance.