Water Damage Repair - Find Out the Age of Water Damage
Repairs for water damage are a common problem for any property, and sometimes the problem is noticeable and other times it‘s indistinct. Things such as overflowing toilets, sinks and bathtubs are typical problems associated with water damage and you know there is a problem when this happens. But pipes run all over your property, and this involves places you can’t see such as inside the walls and between the floors. Unfortunately, a pipe leaking in an unseen area can occur. It’s an annoying problem since you can’t see the leak and you won’t be aware until the water damage appears.
Because the pipes are hidden, you can get an estimate of how long you’ve had water problems by analyzing the water damage itself. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find out an exact 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.
Tips On Water Damage – Evaluate its Age
The following tips can help you understand whether the damage caused by water is old or new:
- History of the House: When your residence has any spots caused from water damage, it’s essential to keep track of them when figuring out whether your water damage is old or new. Additionally, you’ll want to be observant of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a downpour. Know your property, since modest leaks can take a while to appear, and if you understand what’s old and what’s new, you’ll be able to pinpoint your problem faster.
- History of the House: An old home might already have some previous water damage, so it’s fundamental to keep track of what’s there and to note if the damage alters overtime. Tracking the weather is a great idea as well, since, if you have a a slow dripping pipe, it can take a while for a spot to appear. Keeping track of your water spots and damages can save you lots of time when determining whether your water damage is old or new.
- Touch the Spot: When the water spot is old, it will be soft and spongy since during the time of the water leak, your ceiling or drywall has absorbed a good amount of water. You’ll feel wetness with a newer spot but it won’t be soft to the touch.
- Look for Rings: Outlining rings around your water damage spot shows age. Consider it as if it was a tree- the more rings, the older the damage caused by water is. Discoloration of the spot is useful since it indicates that the area leaks, dries, gets saturated, dries, so on and so forth. If it’s a new water spot, the area will be a single mark with zero rings.
- Examine the Materials: It’s essential to know about the materials that make up your walls or ceilings, since things such as tiles or thick paint can trap moisture. When this is the case, even a small water spot can mean the accumulation of water has been remaining for a while.
- Mold Inspection: If bacteria has had time to inhabit the space, this indicates the damage caused by water has lingered for approximately two to three days.
- Decomposition: When your materials decompose from damage produced by water, this is normally the outcome of consistent flooding or standing water. Decomposition normally won’t occur from the first instance of a leak.
Reach out to Paul – Your Skillful Water Damage Repair Contractors
No matter the intensity of the damage caused by water, Paul Davis is here to assist. Our team of expert water damage repair contractors can resolve the problem and have your residence back in great condition. Fix the issue now before it gets even worse and reach out to us at 989-894-4450 to find a local franchise near you.