Water Damage Timeline

8/22/2016 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial.

WITHIN MINUTES 

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing staining to carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp 

HOURS 1-24

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• A Musty odor appears

48 HOURS TO 1 WEEK

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
• Furniture warps and show signs of mold
• Paint begins to blister
• Wood flooring swells and warps

MORE THAN 1 WEEK

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated and structural rebuilding may be extensive
• Structural safety, mold growth, and bio hazard contaminants pose serious risk to occupants