New or Old: Spot the Signs of Water Damage

Water damage presents a common challenge for homeowners, resulting in issues that span from minor discoloration to significant structural deterioration. Pinpointing the exact timing of such structural harm can be challenging since some indications of water damage may not immediately surface.

It’s essential to assess the situation and establish when the damage occurred to prevent further deterioration. Even seemingly insignificant problems can profoundly affect your home. In this article, we’ve compiled valuable insights to help you comprehend the potential origins of water damage, what warning signs to watch for, and how to differentiate between recent and older damage.

Understanding Water Damage

Water damage arises when water infiltrates a property, causing harm to the structure or its contents. Several factors can contribute to water intrusion, including leaks, floods, burst pipes, heavy rainfall, and prolonged exposure to standing water. Various surfaces, including walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and electronic devices, can be affected by water damage.

Identifying Causes of Water Damage

Homeowners and property managers should remain aware of several potential causes of damage, such as leaks, floods, and humidity.

Plumbing Issues

This is often the primary cause of water damage. Leaky pipes, broken water lines, or faulty appliances like water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers can malfunction and cause water-related problems. If left unattended, even a tiny leak can lead to significant water damage as it can seep into the walls and floors, resulting in mould growth and compromising the property’s structural integrity.

Natural Disasters

Severe damage is caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and heavy rainfall. Heavy rains can cause flooding, while storm surges often accompany hurricanes, which can damage property. It is important to note that floodwaters contain dangerous contaminants and pollutants that risk human health.

Faulty Roofing

Water damage often occurs due to roof leaks. If your roof has any damaged or missing shingles or tiles, or if the flashing around the chimney requires repair, there’s a chance that water can infiltrate into the attic and affect walls, ceilings, and floors.

HVAC Systems

Improper functioning of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including cooling units and heaters, can also lead to water damage. When a unit’s condensation line gets clogged due to a malfunction, water can flow into the property and cause damage. A leaking or broken heater installed in the attic or basement can pose a significant threat as the water damage directly affects the property’s interior.

Determining Whether Water Damage is New or Old

Identifying the signs of water damage can be challenging, particularly if it has dried. One of the vital steps in addressing water damage is verifying its age. Below are some valuable tips that can help you figure out whether the water damage is new or old.

Analyze Your House’s History and Building Materials

Water damage affects various materials in different ways. For example, thick paint and tiles retain water more efficiently than thin ones, making the latter more susceptible to damage even from small amounts of water. This often appears as peeling paint.

Understanding the materials used in your home is beneficial, as water affects each one differently. If your property features hard materials like tiles or bricks and exhibits signs of water damage, the damage has likely been present for some time.

Check for Water Rings and Water Stains

One of the most telltale signs of water damage is water stains and rings. If you notice a dark spot or stain on your wall or ceiling, there’s a chance it’s fresh water damage. On the other hand, older water damage can develop rings on the surface. The more rings there are, the older the damage. Observing colour changes in the circles can indicate whether the water is wet, dry, or has been there for a long time. Rings are more likely to occur when the water leak is occasional, such as water spots below a roof leak that only gets wet during rain.

Check for Warping

When excess water seeps into materials, it can cause them to warp, swell, or buckle. To identify whether the water damage is new or old, examine the condition of your wooden floors, walls, or ceilings. If they look distorted, the damage could be old.

On the other hand, if there is no noticeable warping or damage, it could be a recent leak. This visual cue can help you determine the timeline of the damage and make informed decisions about necessary repairs or interventions.

Smell for Musty Odours

There can be a lingering smell when an area suffers from water damage. This smell can be musty. If you notice it, the damage will likely be old. If there is no unpleasant odour, it could indicate that the damage is recent.

Search for Watermarks or Decay

Watch for watermarks if you’re trying to determine whether water damage is new or old. Generally, newer water damage will have a visible watermark that is still wet, while older water damage may have a dry and faded watermark. If you notice signs of decay, your property has likely been exposed to water for an extended period. While decay is typically only seen in extreme situations, like flooding, taking action as soon as you notice it is important. 

A professional water damage restoration company can help resolve the issue quickly and efficiently due to the property and health risks of water damage.

In Need of Property Damage Restoration? Call PuroClean Today!

When unforeseen disasters strike and leave your property in disarray, swift and effective restoration is paramount. That’s when it’s time to call PuroClean Restoration Richmond! Whether it’s water damage, fire damage, mould infestations, or other emergencies, our highly skilled and compassionate team is ready to respond 24/7. With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to restoring your property and peace of mind, we bring expertise to every restoration project. Please get in touch with us today for emergency property damage restoration at (604) 841-9879!

PuroClean is a leading commercial and residential restoration franchising company. Founded in 2001, the company offers fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mould mitigation and remediation, and biohazard cleanup and removal throughout North America, through its franchise network of 400 offices.