Most homeowners dread the sight or thought of water damage. The longer water sits in your home, the more damage it causes. Therefore, it is essential to call specialists for restoration as soon as you detect the presence of moisture in your home. When the experts arrive, they'll assess the level of damage first to determine the most suitable clean-up strategy. The following are some ways specialists determine the extent of water damage during clean-up and restoration process.

1. How Old Is the House?

Newer homes are less prone to water damage. However, older houses have old plumbing systems, making them more vulnerable to breakage. The restoration specialists seek to know the source of the water before cleaning up the mess. This will allow them to get effective results.

You might want to be present during the inspection to highlight your home's history. Structural deterioration of the drywall, floors, or ceiling can also help identify the source of the leaks.

2. Mold Infestation

Mold and mildew thrive where moisture is present. The specialists conduct tests to detect the moisture level and concentration of mold spores in the air. Visible mold in your house is an obvious sign of damage, sometimes hidden beneath house structures.

The presence of the mold indicates the need to respond quickly to prevent the further spread of spores in your house. Generally, extensive visible mold growth and spore concentration in the air shows you've had water damage for quite some time, and there could also be potential structural damage.

3. Ring Sizes

Another way to assess the level of water damage in your house is by inspecting the size of the rings. When water stands or floods a room, it may leave stains around the wall. The rings leave physical evidence of deterioration as it soaks up or drains. This is particularly true if you are dealing with black or gray water. The specialists will use the ring sizes to gauge how long the water has been standing in your home. They might signal hidden structural damage that needs to be investigated so you'll know whether to replace the drywall and floors or patch up the damage.

4. Mushy Spots

The specialists might identify water spots around the house. Giving the spots a quick touch can tell you the extent of water damage. If it feels too mushy or spongy, this might indicate that water has been sitting around for a long time. There are high chances you might not be able to salvage the affected parts if the damage is too severe.

The above are some approaches the specialists use to assess your house after water damage. They also use the results to determine the most appropriate way to solve the problem.

Contact a company like HiCrest Restoration and Clean for more information.