Water Damage Timeline

So, what’s the big deal with water damage anyway? Don’t they say that time heals everything? Well, not with water damage. In fact, we cannot stress enough how important it is to begin water damage remediation as soon as possible. With water damage, the more time that goes by, the worse the damage gets. The following timeline can help you understand just how destructive water damage over extended amounts of time can be.

Immediately after a water disaster

Water will spread quickly, saturating everything it comes into contact with. Paper goods will begin to deteriorate very quickly once they are exposed to water, and other porous materials will begin to absorb the water.

24 hours after water disasters

Materials like upholstery and carpet that have absorbed water become heavy and sodden. The breakdown of exposed materials like drywall, insulation begins because of all the swelling from the moisture. Wood will also begin to swell. Metal object will begin to tarnish, and any colors and dyes from fabrics will begin to bleed. Paper goods will no longer be salvageable. Mold growth begins in as little as 24 hours after moisture has been present.

48 hours after water disasters

Mold growth has started to spread, and may even begin to be visible on surfaces. Wood will begin to warp and bend. Metal objects will begin to corrode, while other materials (drywall, insulation, carpet, carpet padding, furniture, and other textile goods) continue to deteriorate. Microorganisms can begin to grow in the water, so contamination levels become a threat.

One week after water disasters

 If water damage has been present for this long, restoration costs and processes are significantly increased. Water contamination levels are a huge concern, and should be handled appropriately. Few items are salvageable after being exposed to water for this long, and structural damage is likely to ensue. Mold growth and other harmful bacteria are now major risks, and have likely spread to other areas of the home. Structural integrity is compromised, posing a serious threat to those still living in the area. Cracks in walls and ceilings, and buckling of floors will be apparent by this time, and will require rebuild to correct.

The truth is, why time may heal some things, it will only make things worse for water damage remediation. So here is what you need to do if your home in Baton Rouge sustains water damage:

Professional Water Damage Remediation In Baton Rouge

That’s it! At United Fire And Water, we offer 24/7 emergency water damage remediation because we know that no matter when water damage occurs, it is important to get it cleaned up as soon as possible. Our IICRC trained water damage remediation technicians are qualified and have the right equipment to handle any size water damage restoration job. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is critical. We can respond immediately to mitigate damages done to your home and property, and restore your life back to normal. So do not waste any time and call United Fire & Water a DKI Company as soon as water damage occurs.