Water Damage Acts Fast, So Act Faster!

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

By setting fans and dehumidifiers, SERVPRO professionals are able to completely dry an affected room.

When outside water breaches into your home, it acts fast. Whether it's minutes after or days after, water damage can leave long-lasting effects that could spell future trouble for your Pasadena home. Experts and insurance agents recommend contacting water restoration professionals immediately after the discovery of a water loss to arrange for swift removal of the water and application of the industry’s best practices supporting structural drying.  

How Fast Damage Occurs  

From the first few minutes to hours 

• Stain, varnish, and paints can transfer from wooden furniture legs and supports to carpeting, rugs, and floors 
• Textiles stretch or shrink, depending on composition, and dyes can run and stain adjacent surfaces 
• Electronics and electrical cords short out and expose occupants to the risk of shock 
• Any affected documents, pictures, books, and other papers become soggy and stick together 

Up to 24 hours  

• Any affected pressed wood or particle board furniture swell and warp 
• Hardwood frames on furniture begin to distort 
• Metal fasteners can tarnish 
• Drywall and ceiling tiles bulge and begin to crumble, increasing personal safety and property damage risk when significant quantities of collected water force a structural breakdown 
• Insulation compresses, packing down between walls 
• Carpets stretch and become prone to rips and delamination 
• Laminate flooring peels and disintegrates 

Within 48-72 hours to a week  

• Mold growth can commence on all surfaces and contents 
• Water quality deteriorates with pathogen growth possible 
• Door and window frames swell, creating improper closure  
• Metals corrode and fasteners break down 
• Hardwood floors cup or crown, pulling up from the subfloor 

Around 7 days or more  

• Structural supports can fail 
• Molds, mildews, and other hazards proliferate begin affecting air quality and infecting surfaces 

If you notice water in your home, call the water restoration professionals here at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore. With over 40 years of experience, we are the national brand with a local presence trusted to make it “Like it never even happened.”