Water Damage Signs: How To Tell if Water Damage Is New or Old

One day you’re gazing at your home and you notice something funny: water spots in the ceiling or wall. You panic inside and wonder, “has that always been there?” “Is it old or new?

Water damage is a common house problem that is far from cheap. On average, homeowners spend $3,000 to correct the problem.

If you have water damage signs in your home, you may want to know how long it’s been there. Keep reading to learn how to spot the difference.

Factors Determine if Water Damage Is Old or New

You’re going to need to use all your senses to figure out the age of your water damage. The issue could arise from a leaky pipe or bad weather. The cost for water damage restoration will involve the severity and longevity of the issue.

Know the History of Your Home

If you have observant eyes, you will make it a point to look at your walls and ceilings following a storm or pipe issue. Small leaks will take weeks to months to surface. You will see larger leaks quicker.

Touch the Spot

Don’t be afraid to touch the water spot. This alone can help you guess the age. New spots are wet, but you will notice the strength of your wall or ceiling remains intact.

However, older spots will feel squishy with all the water being absorbed. There’s a high chance the foundation is compromised, making it more prone to breakdown.

Check for Rings

A major sign of water damage is the appearance of rings. New water damage will be wet with no rings. The older the water damage is, the more rings you will see. The number of rings you spot can also indicate the age.

Take a good look at the color as well. Rings with various shades inform you whether the water damage is still soaking wet, dried, or in the process of drying.

Examine Your Materials

You will want to check out other materials around your home surrounding the location of the water damage. New water spots may or may not affect other items in your house.

Older water damage is more likely to affect other areas such as tiles or built-in fans. Always check to see if your electricity is intact. Any type of damage can compromise it.

Look For Mold or Decay

New or old water damage can produce mold. It all depends on the location and other factors such as darkness or light. Mold harbors bacteria that have time to multiply over a few days.

New water damage rarely has signs of decay. You will often find these issues with older water damage. At this point, the still water allows the wall and ceiling to break down.

Contact a Professional for Water Damage Signs in Your Home

If you notice water damage signs in your house, you need to act quickly whether it is old or new. Leaving the problem alone will cost you more in repairs.

If you aren’t sure how long the water damage has been in your home, you can contact us for a free inspection. We are available 24/7 and can offer you a competitive price to work towards a solution.

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