Water Damage Timeline: How Long Does It Take To Cause Harm?

Ignoring water damage might result in a sneaky problem that becomes worse very fast. To minimize damage to your property, you must understand when water can cause it and what the effects are. In this article, we will walk you through all the phases of water loss and show you how a water damage restoration professional can help restore your property.

The Immediate Effects Of The First Minutes

Once water has infiltrated your property, you have only a few minutes to act within minutes of water entering porous materials, such as wood or drywall and carpets. It is important to note that the longer water remains in the area, the greater the damage it can do.

• Electrical Safety: If water gets into electrical systems, this can lead to short circuits, causing power outages or, in more severe cases electrical fires. For these risks to be avoided, turn off electrical power in any affected areas.
• Home and Personal Items: Upholstered furnishings, books, personal effects, etc., can soak up water quickly. This could lead to irreversible damage, such as warping of the wood, swelling, or a swollen appearance.

Escalation In Damage Within The First 24-Hours

After 24 hours, water damage begins to worsen. Materials in your home absorb more moisture over time, which can lead to worse problems.

• Drywall And Ceilings: Drywall is prone to swelling and breaking down. It loses structural integrity. Ceiling tiles and even wood structures may begin to discolor and warp.
• Rugs and Flooring: Carpets absorb moisture, which could lead to delamination. Hardwood floors may also begin to buckle.
• Potential Mold Growth: A potential mold growth within 24 hours can be a very concerning development. Mold spores, which are in the air at all times, can quickly grow when water is present. In the long run, it can be harmful to your health and cause structural problems.

Damage To Structure And Health Issues From 48 Hours – 1 Week

Water damage can become more extensive after 48 hours. The more water left on the surface, the greater the cost of restoration.

• Spread of Mold: The air quality can be affected by mold proliferation. This can be especially harmful for people with respiratory disorders, allergies, or compromised immune systems. Professional water restoration is required to contain and remove the mold.
• Integrity of structural elements: Wooden beams or framing may begin to warp. The metal surface can start to erode in high-humidity areas. A wall, floor, or ceiling can have structural issues that increase the possibility of collapse.
• Odors: Standing water is a common cause of bad smells. Mold and bacteria are growing. Water from flooding can contain harmful pathogens. This is especially true if the source of the flood was contaminated.

One Week Later: Long-Term Consequences

If you ignore water damage for more than a few days, the damage will be catastrophic, resulting in long-term problems for your property.

• Severe Damage: Repairing the damage is more expensive, and in certain cases, rebuilding may be necessary.
• A Mold Infestation: An extensive mold infestation will occur, which affects not only visible areas but also spaces hidden under the floor, behind walls, or inside ductwork. The mold will need to be completely removed, which takes a lot of time and is expensive.
• Health hazards: Prolonged water damage poses serious health risks. Exposure to mold can lead to chronic respiratory disorders, skin irritations, and other long-term health issues. Contaminated water can also be a cause of infections and diseases.

Prompt Restoration Of Water Damage 

Rapid response is crucial to minimize water damage. Your chances of minimizing water damage and saving money are better if you start water damage restoration right away.

• Immediate Response: First, stop any water sources if they are possible and dry the area. The damage should be assessed by a professional damage restoration as soon as possible.
• Certified Restoration: Water damage restoration requires the equipment and expertise needed to remove water quickly, remove dry areas affected, and avoid mold growth. A professional restoration team will also assist you in filing an insurance claim to get you the necessary coverage for your repairs.

Conclusion

Water damage is a problem that can quickly escalate into an emergency. To protect your property, you must understand water damage timelines and why it’s important to act quickly. A professional restoration of water damage is crucial to prevent damage and health issues, restore your home back to its previous condition, and mitigate the effects. You must act immediately to minimize the costs and damage associated with water.