Water damage can be frustrating for homeowners, as it can indicate leaks that could worsen. The biggest challenge when dealing with water damage is determining if the issue is new. It’s important to distinguish between new and old water damage because the former may still be manageable. Still, older damage can lead to more severe issues like structural weakening or mold growth.
Here’s some information to help you differentiate between old and new water damage, look out for signs, and know when to contact an expert water restoration service.
- Assess The Color And Stain
If you look at the color, it’s easy to tell if the damage is recent or older. Fresh water damage can appear as a dark or moist spot. It is typically brown or gray. This color is indicative of a damp area. Over time, the color may change to a lighter, yellow, or brown shade as the stain and water evaporate.
If you see rings or marks of water, this could be a sign that the damage may be old. Water leaks repeatedly over some time to form these rings. Each one represents a unique incident. Most water damage from the past doesn’t show these rings because they are uniformly colored.
- Check For Changes In Texture
Water damage can be dated by examining the area’s texture. New water damage often feels damp to the touch. If the material is still pliable, recent water damage may have occurred.
If the water damage is old, it can often lead to visible texture changes. These include warping, buckling, and cracking. If wood or drywall has become brittle and begun peeling, the damage will likely have occurred for some time. You may also notice a residue of chalk or powder on the surface. This is an indication of older damage.
- Examine All The Materials Around The Damaged Area
Different materials react differently to prolonged moisture exposure: Different materials react to prolonged moist exposure differently:
- Water: Water tends for wood to swell. The damage may have been recent if the wood is swollen while retaining its natural color. In older cases of wood rotting, discoloration and cracking may be visible.
- Drywall: new water damage will have a soft, damp texture. Over time, drywall exposed to prolonged water may start to crack, crumble, or bulge.
- Carpet: New water damage may be evident if there are wet spots or the carpet feels moist. The presence of discoloration or stiffness in the carpet and an unpleasant odor could indicate that there has been water damage for some time.
- Take Into Account The Location And Source
Another way to determine age is to consider the water’s source and location. For example, damage under a window or sink could indicate an ongoing problem if you haven’t fixed the leak. Investigating the cause can help you determine whether the damage was caused recently (after a heavy downpour) or is due to an ongoing issue (such as a slow leak in a pipe).
If you don’t know the source or extent of your damage, an expert water restoration company can perform an inspection to provide a better assessment. They can also detect hidden water damage behind walls or even under the floor, which homeowners often find difficult to notice.
- The Affected Area Will Smell
It is also possible to use the odor to determine how old the water damage is. New water damage can be damp or not smell. Older water damage can emit a musty or stale smell due to the growth of mold and mildew. If you notice a persistent musty scent, water damage could have been in your home for years. Professional assistance may be needed.
Conclusion
To determine the right course of action, it is crucial to identify whether or not water damage is recent. If you examine factors like the color of the stain, the texture of the surface, the amount of mold, and the condition of the materials, you can get a better idea of how old the damage is. A water restoration company will be able to inspect your home and make repairs if there is any doubt or damage.
