How Fast Should I Address Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have water damage or flooding? Let SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston guide you through your water-related issues.

Water damage is something that no one wants to discover in their home, but depending on the overall damage done, it may not seem like an immediately pressing issue. While discovering a pipe has burst or a flood has occurred will necessitate swift action, if the water damage is due to a minor leak, is acting quickly really that important?

Unfortunately, even mild water damage benefits from a rapid response. The longer water damage is allowed to sit, the more complicated it can be to address—and the damage it causes can grow much worse, too. Read on as we look at the timeline of water damage so you can understand just how rapidly it can develop.

The Timeline of Water Damage

With any type of water damage, taking action quickly for restoration is key. Below is a general timeline for how quickly water damage can become severe once it starts.

Immediately following water damage: Water spreads very quickly. It will saturate everything it comes into contact with, soaking upholstery, carpet, paper products and anything else that is porous while working to seep into nonporous materials it touches.

In the first 24 hours: Materials that have been exposed to water will become fully saturated. Wood will begin to swell, and drywall and insulation will start to break down. Mold growth will also typically start during this time frame, as it can invade a moisture-ridden area rapidly.

In the first 48 hours: Mold will become visible on surfaces, while wooden objects will warp and bend drastically. Depending on the contamination level of the water, bacteria may also be spreading as well. Moisture will also likely be invading the structural elements of the home, such as floor joists, support beams and framing boards, compromising their integrity.

In the first week: The cost and timeline for water damage restoration will be significantly increased. Even clean water can become contaminated after sitting this long, and many items will likely be soaked beyond restoration at this point. Structural damage will also be significant, and there will likely be many elements of the home that will need to be fully restored.

If you are in need of water damage restoration, we are here 24/7 so you do not have to wait. Get in touch at any time to learn more or to report damages.