Water Damage Timeline

7/26/2020 (Permalink)

Water extraction from flooring

After a water loss, water begins to spread and creep until stopped. Often times homeowners try to care for water losses on their own. No matter how big or small, water damage becomes worse with time if not properly extracted and dried. SERVPRO understands and tries to educate customers on the timeline of water damage. The negative effects of water damage increase quickly over time. Read below to find out how water can cause compounding complications over time:

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, baseboards, upholstery, curtains and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on 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.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears indicating the beginning of mold and mildew growth.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may start grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister and peel.
• Wood flooring swells, lifts and warps.
• Serious bio-hazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

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

If you experience water loss, consider the damages that may occur if you do not have professional help. SERVPRO of Mankato/Owatonna is prepared, day or night, to respond to water losses quickly and reduce the damages. We focus on saving your property and possessions rather than replacing. Call us at 507-200-3700 after your water loss.