Water Damage Restoration and Mitigation

The Differences Between a Water Stain and Water Damage

After a flood, burst pipe, or other home disasters, it is essential to quickly mitigate water damage to prevent mold growth and other health hazards. If the damage is not treated promptly, it could impact the structural integrity of a house.

Water leaks or floods can cause water damage to a home, but it’s not always easy to tell the difference between a water stain and actual water damage. Water stains are caused by contact with water, but they don’t necessarily mean that the material is damaged. Water damage is the deterioration of materials due to excessive water exposure.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Water Stain and Water Damage

There are a few key ways to tell the difference between a water stain and water damage:

• Color: Water stains are typically brown or yellow, while water damage can be any color, depending on the type of material that has been damaged.
• Texture: Water stains are usually smooth, while water damage can cause the material to become bumpy or rough.
• Smell: Water stains do not usually have a smell, but water damage can cause a musty or moldy smell.

If you notice any of these signs of water damage, act quickly to mitigate further damage. You can do this by:

• Stopping the source of the water leak. If a pipe has burst, call a plumber immediately. If the source of the leak is not apparent, contact a professional water damage restoration company.
• Removing standing water. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water from the affected area.
• Drying out the area. Open windows and doors to air out the area and remove moisture. You can also use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.

If the water damage is severe, you may need to hire a professional water damage restoration company to clean and repair the damaged area.