Homeowners: Quick Reaction Time is of the Essence During a Water Emergency

One must act fairly quickly during a water damage emergency to a commercial or residential property. If left untreated, water will continue to cause damage for weeks after the initial loss. The following is the destructive pattern that 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 disintegra
• 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.

The dangers to a property and homeowner obviously begin to escalate the longer that water damage is not treated.