Timeline Of Water Damage And Cleanup

The most important thing following water damage to your Cincinnati home is to get it cleaned up as quickly as possible. Every water damage case should be treated as an emergency because the longer water sits, the more damage it causes. The following timeline shows just how important fast water damage cleanup really is.

Water Damage Cleanup In Cincinnati

Immediately After Water Damage: 

Water saturates every material it comes into contact with, and spreads very quickly. Paper goods are the first to show signs of water damage, and will begin to deteriorate once they are exposed to water. Other materials, like wood, drywall, floors, and carpets will just begin to absorb the water as they become exposed. 

24 Hours After Water Damage: 

Materials like upholstery and carpet that have absorbed water will now become heavy and sodden. The breakdown of exposed materials like drywall and flooring begins because of all the swelling from absorbing the excess moisture. Wood will also begin to swell, and may even start to warp. Metal objects will begin to tarnish, and any colors and dyes from fabrics will begin to bleed. Paper goods will no longer be salvageable by this point. Mold growth begins in as little as 24 hours after moisture has been present, so that has now become a concern.

48 Hours After Water Damage: 

Mold growth has now started to spread, and may even begin to be visible on surfaces. Wood will begin to warp and bend, while metal objects will begin to corrode. Other materials like drywall, insulation, carpet, carpet padding, furniture, and other textile goods, will continue to deteriorate. Microorganisms can begin to grow in the water after this amount of time, so contamination levels become a threat. 

One Week After Water Damage: 

If  damage has been present for this long, water damage cleanup costs and processes are significantly increased. Water contamination levels are a huge concern, and should be handled appropriately and with caution. Few items are salvageable after being exposed to water for this long, and structural damage is likely to ensue. Mold growth and other harmful bacteria are now major risks, and have likely spread to other areas of the home. Structural integrity has now become compromised, posing a serious threat to those still living in the home. Cracks in walls and ceilings and buckling of floors will be apparent by this time, and will require rebuild and repair to correct.  

As you can see, water damage can quickly become a nightmare for homeowners, especially the longer it goes without being cleaned up. At ICON Property Rescue, water damage cleanup experts understand the seriousness of water damage, and how time sensitive it is. Our number one priority is to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible with the least amount of inconvenience to you. We know that in order to do that we need to respond quickly, which is why we are available 24/7 to take your call. Our water damage cleanup team is experienced and has the training and equipment necessary to cleanup and restore your home as fast as possible.