Count the water rings: An old water spot will be surrounded with one or more rings.
2. Touch the damaged surface: New water damage feels firm to the touch. Older water damage has the opposite feel: soft and squishy.
3. Find mold colonies: If the water damaged walls or ceilings show mold spots, the area has remained damaged for at least a few days. Mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure.
4. Noticing structural decay: The deterioration of the home’s walls, ceilings, tiles, and other structural materials happens over an extensive period of time. When a home’s interior structures break down due to the presence of moisture, it usually means water damage has occurred multiple times.