How Long Does Water Take To Damage Homes?

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Both mold growth and structural damage can be caused by water damage in homes. To anyone living on the property, both of these can be dangerous. Immediate cleanup, when water damage occurs, is of the utmost importance for the safety of everyone. Why? In a short time, large amounts of damage can be caused quickly because water damage spreads. The best way to avoid high-cost cleanups and potential dangers is to act fast.

But why do you have water damage? It isn't always possible to prevent or predict the source of water damage, as there are many. It's just that common in homes and businesses.

The thing about water damage and the resulting severity is how it affects your home and when it's detected. It might be weeks before you find water damage, or days, or even minutes. What's most important is that you limit exposure to mold and mildew, prevent health and safety hazards, and repair any leaks and/or damage suffered as soon as you discover water damage.

What happens to a home when water damage occurs and how long does it take?

Longevity

Within minutes, your property can start experiencing damage by excessive moisture and water. Increasing the overall cost of repair and damage suffered, water contamination spreads immediately. Hardwood floors and furniture will start to swell after a few hours.

Permanently damaging things made from wood (like hardwood floors), wood begins to split and swell if damage is left untreated for days at a time. Fungi and bacteria will soon appear, and throughout the property, unpleasant odors will spread.

Once the growth of mold has taken root, after a few weeks, due to health hazards, evacuation of inhabitants may be necessary. Depending on the extent of water damage caused, the entire building may need to be repaired.

Structural Damage

A building can eventually be put in danger of collapse if the building suffers serious structural damage due to water. In unique ways, specific services and areas are affected differently by water.

Examples: In walls and carpets, you may notice discoloration. Where wooden floors are concerned, you may notice that they are swelling or warping.

Mold growth is common in carpet fibers. Water is absorbed by the fabric, making it hard to notice and or clean mold growth in carpeting. Here, you need professional help. Daily cleaning products aren't going to cut it.

The Dangers of Mold

Quickly spreading throughout the home, as the result of excess water, mold will grow and can cause health effects.

Have You Experienced Water Damage in Your Home? It's Time to Call SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City!

When water damage occurs, several things come to mind as being of the utmost importance:

• Clearly, you have a leak somewhere causing the water damage, a collection of moisture, etc. That leak needs to be located, as soon as possible, and repaired.
• Unsalvageable materials (drywall, wood, carpet, etc.) must be removed.
• And/or salvageable materials should be restored (cleaned, chemically treated, painted, etc.).
• Any mold or mildew problem must be removed, remediated, cleaned up, treated, etc.

It just so happens that for the best cleanup, remediation, removal, treatment, and more of water damaged areas, you're already in the right place – SERVPRO! Got an emergency? No problem. We offer 24-hour emergency services. After all, our motto is "Faster to any disaster!"

 Contact us if you need assistance.