When you find water damage in your building – don’t panic. Water damage is actually quite common. While it is extremely frustrating and must be acted on immediately, water damage can typically be resolved. At McMahon Services, we understand the issues that water damage can cause to commercial and residential buildings. We want owners of all types of buildings to be prepared and act quickly when you notice these signs of water damage.

Water damage can occur in areas of high rainfall or extreme weather like Chicago, Oak Park, Naperville, Skokie, and other surrounding areas in northern Illinois. Because water damage is unpredictable and common – it is important to watch for common signs.

What are the Signs of Water Damage?

Since water damage is pretty common in buildings, it can be easy to overlook the signs of the damage. Pipes are hidden behind walls and leaks or condensation can cause wear in your ceiling or walls, but there are a few telltale signs of water damage to be aware of. Be ready to call in a professional water damage restoration company like Roth when you spot these issues.

• Dark or wet spots
• Bubbling or flaking paint
• Damp, musty, or moldy smells
• Pooling water or puddles
• Increased utility bills

If you notice any of these signs in your home or property, it can be frustrating to figure out if the damage is old or new. It is important to work quickly to fix the damage before it gets worse.

How to Determine if the Water Damage is Old or New

While the age of the problem is not always important, it is helpful to understand the extent of the damage you are dealing with. Here are some tips to use to determine the age of your water damage:

1. How old is your property? If you’re dealing with spots caused by water damage, take note of them when trying to figure out the age of the water damage. If a storm hits your property, water to see if any additional spots appear. Smaller leaks can take months to appear – and this can help determine the age of the problem.
2. Is the spot damp to the touch? Feel the problem area. A new spot will be wet but the drywall will not move. If your wall or ceiling is soft and mushy – this is a sign of an older water damage problem.
3. Does the spot have a ring around it? If so, this determines that the damage is older. More rings mean older stains – the water has dried and rewet several times.
4. What types of materials compose your home? If your wall is thicker paint – it can trap water and cause mold to grow in places you cannot see.

Do Not Ignore the Problem of Water Damage

While it may be tempting to let the problem go for a while, especially if it seems like a small leak or a newer issue, water damage can cause major problems to your building structure and the health of the tenants in the building if not treated immediately.

Untreated water damage can lead to mold and mildew issues. Mold can find its way into your home without being noticed and hide behind walls, woodwork, under carpeting, and even ductwork. Working with a professional water damage restoration and mold removal specialist like McMahon Services for clean up purposes will help ensure that all areas impacted by mold are cleaned up properly, and that your problem does not reoccur.

Our technicians are available to clients in our Northern Illinois service area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you suspect your building has been hit by water damage, whether it’s old or new, get the help you need and call us today.