& Repair Services in Atlanta
Response Time
5.0 Ratings based on 638 reviews - Local Experts, Local Reviews
Water damage can strike without warning, wreaking havoc on our homes and belongings. An essential aspect of managing water damage is understanding whether it is…
Call Now - 404-900-3852CALL US BEFORE CALLING YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY - Let us work directly with your insurance company to get your loss covered.
Water damage can strike without warning, wreaking havoc on our homes and belongings. An essential aspect of managing water damage is understanding whether it is new or old. Distinguishing between the two can have significant implications for water damage restoration efforts, insurance claims, and overall restoration processes.
In this brief article brought to you by Tidal Wave Response, we provide some valuable insights and practical methods to determine whether water damage is recent or has been around for a while. If you need specialists to handle the water damage cleanup and water damage removal, then call Tidal Wave Response to schedule an appointment or request urgent assistance.
The first step in judging water damage age is careful observation. Begin by examining the affected area and pay close attention to the color and appearance of the water damage. The visual cues of water damage can offer invaluable insights. Fresh water damage often manifests as darker and more vivid discoloration. Over time, these stains may fade and lose their initial intensity. Pay careful attention to any sharp contrast between unaffected and damaged areas.
Moreover, look for secondary effects on materials adjacent to the damaged area. Corrosion, rust on metal surfaces, or discoloration can all serve as indicators of prolonged water exposure.
Hi. I don’t know where to start. John and Tidal wave his company were and still are a blessing from my Lord. One morning in January of this year I went down stairs and stepped in a puddle of water it was flooded. I also passed out. This was the second one in less than a year. I stood there for a minute and just cried. All I could think of was my insurance company may not take care of it a second time even if it was for a different leak. The last claim they paid out $23,000 for…
John Mayer, Principal of Tidal Wave Response, and his project management team, lead by Colin Galubinski, has completed the restoration of my home in record time. The work included, but was not limited to the following: 1) Professional water leak detection 2) Professional plumbing that removed the concrete slab and backfill material, found and repaired the PEX cold water pipe 3) Backfilled and placed concrete to finish grade 4) Packed the furniture to storage. Restored the furniture without incident nor damage. 5) Dehumidified and removed the damaged carpet and hardwoods. 6) Cleaned the concrete surface and installed the new hardwoods.…
I have worked in sales and also have experience in launching my own business. It is rare that you find a company that genuinely has your best interest in mind. Not only was John helpful outside of his business’ expertise, but he sent Chris to do a *free* evaluation of our water damage. John and Chris were both genuine and personable. They cared about what our situation was and they weren’t looking to get any sort of “fee” for their time. These are the kind of people you trust to handle big, catastrophic water damage to. I have previously had…
While others might categorize John as a fast talker, but on the other hand. I saw a man that's passionate about his business and willing to help others elevate their present situation. In early December 2022, our laundry room floor and wall got water damaged due to leakage from the hotline pipe, and other rooms got impacted due to water spreading. So, I reached out to John and he assured me they'll do everything within their power to get our house done before Christmas day. Boy was he right! John and the tidalwave response team were professional, helpful and got…
We did not plan to renovate our terrace level but when the hot water heater leaked and flooded the entire area, Tidal Wave was recommended to us by the plumber who installed the new hot water heater. John, the owner was at our house the same evening and mitigation started early the next morning. The crew professionally removed wet drywall, flooring, and baseboard. Fans and dehumidifiers ran for several days and then the fun began. With Colin's help we were able to choose updated flooring, repaint a color of our choice, and new trim was installed. Everything was completed professionally.…
Wow incredible company! I had a water damage that destroyed my entire main level. John and his team are very quick and efficient. When I was looking on google, tidal wave response was the only water restoration company with a 5 star review. Highly recommended using tidal wave response!!
I had a flood in my downstairs living room. It was devastating. John with Tidal wave was very professional. He had his team show up immediately to get the job done. Great work Tidal Wave. I'm definitely going to refer you to others.
Thank Goodness !!! Johnny on the spot! We had a pipe ruptured in the ceiling and we were looking for a 5 Star Rated Water Restoration company . Johnny came out with a Thermal Camera and found the pipe spraying behind the wall. I wish I would have called him sooner . My wood floors were so damaged by the water, they all will need to be replaced. We highly recommended Johnny with Tidal Wave. Very knowledgeable and even helped us start a claim with our insurance ..
Had a shaky start with this particular project but I must say the owner took charge and corrected all the remaining issues. I will say that this particular job was the absolute worst I have taken on in 45 yrs. My hat is off to Mike and his crew and Allan was superb in making sure everything was done correctly. Thank you for your follow-up on this project guys. And Allan thank you especially for your thoroughness in making sure it was completed correctly.
Unfortunately, my water heater was old, cracked, and leaking water onto the supported area in my garage. I needed to replace the water heater with a new one, but the plumber told me that in order to meet the city code, I would have to handle the water damage first. I called out tidal wave (who I’ve worked with before), and they came out the very next day to cut out the affected area and treat for mold. This is my second issue with water in my house and tidal wave has taken care of both issues. They are fast,…
Next, use a moisture meter on the affected materials. Fresh water damage generally involves higher moisture levels, indicating recent exposure. Conversely, if moisture levels are relatively low, it could suggest that the damage occurred some time ago.
Run your fingers over the damaged surfaces. Fresh water damage can cause materials such as wood, drywall, or flooring to feel soft, swollen, or distorted. Gradually, as moisture evaporates, these materials may regain some of their original texture. Comparing the texture of damaged sections to adjacent unaffected areas can provide a tangible measure of the damage's age.
The presence of mold and mildew is a telling sign of the water damage's age. Mold can take hold within 24-48 hours of water exposure. If you notice substantial mold growth, then it is likely that the water damage has been present for a significant period. However, keep in mind that environmental conditions and the type of material can also influence the rate of mold growth.
Next, engage your sense of smell. Older damage may give off a musty or damp odor due to the growth of mold and mildew. On the other hand, new water damage might lack such distinct smells, as there may not have been sufficient time for microbial growth.
Scrutinize any available maintenance records, repair history, or past incidents involving water leaks or flooding. These documents can provide valuable insights into the timeline of the damage and its potential age.
Water damage can take hold and spread quickly as water spreads and seeps throughout your property. Address water damage as soon as possible by cleaning up and removing water and moisture. If you need professional assistance, you can call Tidal Wave Response for premier water damage restoration services at affordable prices.
From emergency water extraction to full property recovery, Tidal Wave Response provides the fast, expert care you need. Browse our complete suite of 24/7 restoration services below to see how we can help today.
Explore all services
Why Standing Water Creates Health and Safety Risks Stagnant water is a result of many causes, often indicating an underlying problem that needs immediate attention. While a small puddle in the yard or the bathroom may not raise concerns at first, delaying water removal can exacerbate the problem. Research shows that nearly 5 million people globally die every year due to water-related diseases and safety risks. If you don’t want to be a statistic, Tidal Wave Response can help. We…
