Understanding and Addressing Water Damage in Kansas City Properties

Water damage is a common issue for Kansas City properties due to a variety of potential sources. Whether it's natural causes like heavy rain and floods or internal problems like burst pipes and sewer backups, water can infiltrate and damage your home or business.

Often, water damage isn't immediately visible, making it challenging to determine when it occurred. The longer water damage goes untreated, the worse it becomes, leading to more significant issues. Recognizing when the damage happened can help you understand its severity and urgency for repair.

Identifying the Age of Water Damage

When you discover water damage but are unsure of its age, follow these tips to determine if it's recent or longstanding:

Feel the Affected Area

Recent water damage will feel damp but firm. Over time, water causes materials to become soft and squishy. For example, if the drywall in your Kansas City property has recently been exposed to water, it will be moist yet retain its structural integrity. In contrast, drywall exposed to water over a long period becomes soft and weak.

Sage Tip: Water can wick up drywall at a rate of one inch per hour for the first 24 hours. This knowledge can help you estimate how long the drywall has been wet.

Watch for Stains and Rings

Stains and color changes are common indicators of water damage. Dark areas without rings suggest recent damage, while older damage, such as from a slow leak, often shows multiple rings. These rings, similar to tree rings, indicate the age and frequency of wetting and drying cycles.

Look for Mold Growth

Mold needs water and organic material to grow, making water-damaged areas ideal for mold development. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure, affecting health and damaging the surfaces it grows on. If you find mold, it's a sign of ongoing water damage.

Professional Water Damage Restoration

Regardless of whether water damage in your Kansas City property is recent or old, large or small, it's crucial to address it quickly to prevent further damage and higher restoration costs.

Sage Restoration offers expert water damage repair and ensures your property is thoroughly dried. If mold is present, we also provide comprehensive mold remediation. With our professional services, your property will be restored, cleaned, and protected from future damage.

Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your property from water damage.