How To Tell If Water Damage Is Old or New

11/18/2024 (Permalink)

If you suspect signs of water damage, seek professional help!

Water damage in your home, whether it's discoloration on the ceiling or rings on the walls, can sometimes seem like a minor issue—but it might be a sign of something more serious. If left untreated, it can affect the structure of your home, leading to costly repairs. Understanding the age of the water damage is key to deciding on the necessary repairs. Here’s how you can tell whether the damage is old or new, and what repairs might be needed. 

Inspect the Affected Material

The type of material affected can provide clues about how long the water damage has been there. Harder materials like brick or tile typically take longer to show visible signs, so damage on these surfaces is often older. On the other hand, materials like drywall or wood absorb water more quickly and usually show signs of damage sooner, indicating a more recent issue.

Check for Moisture Levels

Touch the affected area to see if it feels wet or dry. Old water intrusion has most likely dried, while newer water damage will feel wet. If you press slightly and the material feels mushy, it implies that the water has penetrated deeply. This suggests that the damage started at least a few days ago. A firm material either indicates a very recent leak or residual damage from a resolved issue.

Look for Water Rings

Water rings typically appear as circular stains on surfaces like wood, drywall, or ceilings, and they can vary in color, ranging from light white or yellowish to brown. New water rings usually appear as fresh, lighter stains with a clearly defined circular shape, oftentimes from a leak. Old water rings may be darker or more faded, indicating prolonged water damage. Multiple layers of rings can also form over time if the water issue recurs, signaling that the damage has been ongoing.

Presence of Mold

Mold is a strong sign of recent water damage, usually within the past few days. New and old molds differ in their appearance and texture. New mold growth is typically fuzzy or bushy, often appearing in lighter colors like white, green, or black and feels moist or soft to the touch. Old mold tends to be dry, powdery, and crumbly, with darker discoloration. If you suspect or see mold, seek professional assistance.

Get Professional Help With SERVPRO of Oyster Bay

When faced with water damage in your home or business, whether old or new, look no further than SERVPRO of Oyster Bay. Hidden water damage can get very costly, call SERVPRO® for an inspection of your property, to avoid further damage and more expensive costs. Our team has extensive experience with mold remediation on large or small-scale areas of mold. We are available 24/7 for emergency response, don’t hesitate to contact us!