Water and the Damage It Does Over Time

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of NW & SE Dutchess is your 24/7 water restoration expert. Call us right away if you need immediate service.

That leaky faucet or little water spot may not seem like a significant issue right now but never underestimate the toll that moisture can take on your home. In a year, a simple household leak can waste almost 10,000 gallons of water.

Water moves quickly, drenching floors, soft surfaces, and walls as it goes. The faster an issue is addressed, the better the results will be.

Here are some things you need to know about the timeline of water damage:

In the First 24 Hours

Every household has a one in four chance of a flood caused damage in a 30-year timeframe of living in a high-risk area. Knowing how to handle water intrusion is essential.

The first 24 to 48 hours after flooding or water damage are crucial. Some items will immediately become damaged.

Upholstery and other furnishings will quickly soak through, and wooden items will swell as moisture moves through. Personal items such as photos and books are subject to warping beyond recognition.

Mold can also begin to form in this timeframe. The faster moisture is addressed in the home the less damage there will be.

SERVPRO has the mentality to “restore vs. replace” in order to preserve as many of your keepsakes as possible and save you money. Any items that cannot be restored will be communicated to you, and we will handle any required removal in order to continue the drying process.

Within the First Week

Once the first day has passed, water damage will continue to progress fast. Mold spreads like wildfire when there is excessive moisture. Once mold has set in, even the home’s structure is at risk for damage.

In addition, porous surfaces such as walls and wooden items will become compromised, while metal surfaces will corrode.

After One Week

Standing moisture should be avoided at all costs as the effects could be both catastrophic and irreversible. As more time passes, the cost and efforts to restore will become astronomical, while the risks to the structure of the home increase.

How SERVPRO Will Help

SERVPRO’s process begins when you call us, with the best results happening if the call comes within 24 hours. Service will begin with water extraction to prevent further spread and reduce total drying time.

Floors, furniture, and other belongings will need sanitizing, deodorizing, and cleaning. Once the majority of the water is removed, we will use our industry-leading drying equipment to remove the water you can’t see.

Once the steps are complete, we will assess any needed reconstruction in order to get your property back to preloss condition.

We can simplify your restoration process by handling every needed step, including mitigation and rebuilds. SERVPRO will constantly communicate with you throughout and get you back in your home fast.

Regardless of the type of water damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ when you need a dependable team to help you recover.