Time is of the Essence During a Water Damage Emergency
It is critical to act quickly during a commercial or residential water damage emergency since water will continue to cause damage for weeks after the initial loss. Here’s the destructive pattern water tends to follow:
Less Than One Hour
- Moving water quickly spreads to other areas.
- Furniture may stain carpet permanently.
- Moisture-sensitive furniture may discolor.
- Paper goods are ruined.
One to 24 Hours
- Furniture delaminates or swells; legs can split.
- Pressed wood swells and disintegrates.
- Bacterial odor becomes apparent.
- Uncoated metal surfaces may tarnish.
- Normal household odors strengthen.
Two to Seven Days
- Mold and mildew may appear, accompanied by a musty odor.
- Musical instruments swell and warp.
- Drywall swells and disintegrates.
- Uncoated metal surfaces begin to rust.
- Door and window casings swell and distort or delaminate.
- Wood decking and studs begin to swell, warp, or split.
- Electronic components may malfunction.
- Occupants with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems can experience distress.
One Week and Beyond
- Mold and mildew may appear, accompanied by a musty odor.
- Wood components warp and split.
- Chemicals within wood dissolve, discolor, or destroy finishes.
- Claim costs escalate dramatically.
- Serious occupant health hazards may occur.
