An Overview of the Water Damage Timeline

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Timing means everything is water damage restoration, as standing water can quickly become invasive and cause destruction.

Within the restoration industry, the nature of our business requires emergency action, which is usually immediate. One category of our work in which timing means everything is water damage restoration, as standing water can quickly become invasive and cause destruction. SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall is standing by, always ready to immediately swoop in whenever a customer calls with a water damage concern, but the first thing we need before we hit the road to help protect homes and businesses from irreparable water damage is a call from the customer. In this blog, we’ll investigate the consequences of waiting for extended periods of time before calling a water damage restoration professional through our Water Damage Timeline, an outline that we have created in order to illustrate the damage that properties can sustained in anywhere from a few minutes to several days:

In Minutes

Just minutes after water finds itself inside of your residential or commercial property, the water begins to spread and absorb into floors, walls, ceilings, upholstery, and even furniture. If it becomes absorbed into fabrics, furniture, or carpeting, dyes may begin to bleed, which can lead to staining. Paper objects, such as books and photographs, will also swell and warp in this time frame if affected by water.

1 Hour - 1 Day:

Once the 60-minute threshold is crossed, your property is likely to experience the swelling and eventual breakdown of drywall, as well as the swelling and cracking of furniture or tarnishing of metal surfaces. If carpeting or upholstery became stained in the previous time frame, the stains are likely to sink deeper and spread to other surfaces nearby. There is also a certain musty odor that usually accompanies this stage. 

2 Days - 1 Week:

Between 2 and 7 days after water contamination, your property is at increased risk for biohazard contamination that can harm those living in or occupying your property. An example of this is the growth of mold and mildew. You may find mold growing on any wet surface, including furniture and carpeting. Additionally, this is typically the period in which wood flooring experiences swelling and warping, which can cause permanent damage. 

After 1 Week

After 7 days have passed, the price of necessary restoration services will likely skyrocket, as much work will need to be done. Some of the damage may be irreparable, which may require the replacement of surfaces such as floors and walls. The structure of the property may also require replacement or extensive repairs, both of which can be costly. Additionally, occupants of the property face alarming dangers at every corner, from insecure structure, mold growth, and potential health effects.

Call SERVPRO Immediately 

Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage restoration. The best way to ensure that your residential or commercial property avoids the severe consequences presented in this blog, call your local SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall office, SERVPRO of Harrisburg West, at (717) 510-6779 at the first sign of water in your home or business. Our water damage restoration experts can be trusted to present quick yet thorough Water Damage Restoration Services tailored to both residential homes and commercial properties. Whether your emergency is a small accumulation of water or a large-scale flood, SERVPRO Team Wall is standing by and can be counted on to make it “Like it never even happened,” for your property. Read more about our favorite Water Damage Tips and our reliable Water Damage Restoration Process by visiting our website.