How We Determine Old and New Water Damage?

Water damage can be a big problem and quite expensive to fix. Many homeowners have faced this issue at some point in Salinas, California. 

Sometimes, water damage can happen without you realizing it. If you don’t take care of it quickly, mold can grow in your home, which can be harmful to your health. 

Fixing recent water damage is usually easier than dealing with older damage.

How do We Determine Old and New Water Damage?

Here are some ways how we figure out when the water damage happened:

Home History:

Older homes have weaker pipes and drains, making leaks more common. If your home has a history of leaks or flooding, the damage might be older than you think.

Touch the Area:

If the damaged area still feels wet, but the wall is firm, it’s probably recent damage. If the area feels soft and squishy, it’s been around for a while.

Look for Rings:

Check the color and pattern of water stains. Rings on drywall with darker water mean old damage. Newer damage won’t have rings, just a dark water spot.

Examine the Mold:

Mold shows up in both new and old damage, but you can tell its age by its appearance. Dry, powdery mold is from old damage. Newer mold stays in the damaged area and looks black, white, or grey with a bushy texture.

Check Building Materials:

Thick walls or tiles can hide damage. If you notice even a small issue, it might have been there for a while.

At Monterey Bay Solutions, we offer water damage restoration. Reach out to us today at 831-444-0811 or visit our website to request the service you need.

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