**How do you know if water damage is permanent?** When water invades your home, it can cause significant damage to your property. This damage can be both structural and aesthetic, and it can be difficult to know how to deal with it. If you're dealing with water damage, it's important to assess the extent of the damage and take steps to clean up and repair your home. ### Assessing Water Damage The first step in dealing with water damage is to assess the extent of the damage. This involves identifying the source of the water, determining how much water has entered your home, and identifying any structural damage that has occurred. Once you have assessed the damage, you can begin to clean up and repair your home. This may involve removing damaged materials, drying out the area, and repairing any structural damage. ### Dealing with Specific Damage The type of water damage cleanup that you need will depend on the specific type of damage that has occurred. Some common types of water damage include: * **Flooding:** Flooding can cause extensive damage to your home, especially if the water is contaminated with sewage or other hazardous materials. * **Leaks:** Leaks can cause significant damage to your home over time, even if they are small. * **Burst pipes:** Burst pipes can cause sudden and severe water damage. * **Roof damage:** Roof damage can allow water to leak into your home, which can cause damage to your ceilings, walls, and floors. ### How to Know if Water Damage is Permanent It can be difficult to know if water damage is permanent, but there are some signs that you can look for. These include: * **Mold:** Mold can grow in damp areas, and it can cause health problems. * **Rot:** Rot can occur in wood that has been exposed to water for an extended period of time. * **Structural damage:** Structural damage can occur if the water has weakened the supports of your home. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to contact a water damage cleanup professional immediately. They can help you assess the damage and determine the best course of action.