How to Tell if Water Damage Is Old or New?

Overall Knowledge About Your House

Every material has a different interaction and different ways of showing the interaction with water. So, having a good grasp of what kinds of materials are found inside the house will give you a good idea about whether the water damage is new or not. For example, thick paint is able to capture water much easier compared to other materials. Even the smallest amount of water can affect it, so if you see water around the paint, most likely the damage is new. On the other hand, materials like brick take some time before showing the signs, so if you see any stain, most likely the water damage has been present for some time.

Understand The Texture of The Wall

Try to understand the texture of the area using your hands, but of course, make sure to wear all the safety equipment first in case of mold. If the area feels firm but a little moist, the damage is probably new. On the other hand, if there’s a spongier texture to it, the water found enough time to soak, and this is a sign the damage is older.

Look For Mold

Suppose you see sudden spots of grayish-blackish dots on the walls or the ceiling forming on a specific area that indicates a recent mold growth which means recent water damage. On the other hand, if you see mold in areas other than the damage and get to the point where rotting has started, that means it’s been a while since the water damage hit, and most likely, it happened multiple times.

Detect Any Smells

If you smell a musty odor in the area, you suspect there is water damage; it most likely means the moisture and humidity have been there for a while. On the other hand, if there’s no smell, the damage is probably more recent.

See if Rust Is Present

Rust needs a certain amount of time to form, so any signs of rust can be interpreted as old water damage.

Seeing Any Signs? Call the Professionals of Tidal Wave Restoration

If you see any of the signs we covered in this article, call the professionals of Tidal Wave Restoration so you know the extent of the water damage. If early action is taken, this can save you from major floods in the future. If you’ve already experienced water damage in your house, we can still help you with the water damage cleanup and the restoration services afterward. Water damage restoration is an important part of the process and should be handled by professionals. Call our representatives to schedule your appointment today.