Water Works Fast: The Water Damage Timeline

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Many types of damage, especially water damage, rapidly create emergency situations due to their invasive nature.

Here at SERVPRO, we work in the restoration industry, which means that emergency action is our specialty. Many types of damage, especially water damage, rapidly create emergency situations due to their invasive nature. When we receive a phone call from a customer, we are committed to hitting the road and arriving on site as soon as possible in order to minimize property damage. This blog explores the increasing severity of damage that can result from water that is left sitting idly in a home or commercial business over time. We will share our Water Damage Timeline, which highlights the various consequences that homes and businesses can experience from just minutes to a week after water contaminates the property without restoration efforts.

In Minutes

Water is already starting to become absorbed into a wide array of surfaces, including ceilings, walls, and floors, as well as furniture and upholstery, just minutes after it enters your home or business. When water makes contact with dyes in fabrics, it can begin to bleed and stain surfaces. Beware that paper objects, books, and photographs are often quickly impacted by water, as they can swell and warp in a short amount of exposure time. 

1 Hour - 1 Day:

Following the initial 60-minute block of water exposure, your property may undergo large-scale damage. For instance, drywall may swell and break down, while furniture can crack and metal surfaces might tarnish. If, in the first 60 minutes of exposure, staining occurs in carpets or upholstery, such stains may deepen and spread, thereby increasing the difficulty of restoring them to their pre-water loss condition. A musty odor may also accompany the damage sustained in this time frame. 

2 Days - 1 Week:

Biohazard contamination becomes a significant concern and health risk after 2 days of water exposure. Mold and mildew growth is common during this 2-7 day period, especially on wet surfaces and objects, like carpeting and furniture, leaving considerable damage. The wood flooring of your property may swell and warp, shifting restoration efforts from repair work to replacement, which is more costly. 

After 1 Week

You will likely see major increases in the scope and estimated price of the restoration services necessary to salvage your property after 1 week of exposure to water. It may not be possible to completely restore affected areas to their preloss condition. Instead, surfaces and objects may require replacement. A property that has endured 1 week of considerable exposure to water likely isn’t safe for inhabitants or occupants, as a host of concerns, including biohazard contaminants, mold growth, and insecure structural elements, can risk dangers such as illness and injury.

Call SERVPRO Immediately 

There is no time to lose when it comes to water damage restoration in residential and commercial properties alike. At the discovery of water in your property, call SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall’s SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East at (412) 672-5400 for immediate, professional Water Damage Restoration services. We also provide Commercial Water Damage Restoration services, which are designed specifically for commercial properties. SERVPRO Team Wall is equipped with the water damage restoration experts, advanced technology, and resources to handle any water damage emergency, whether big or small, and make it “Like it never even happened.” To learn more about our water damage best practices and additional offerings, check out our Water Damage Tips and Water Restoration Process pages on our website.