Timeline Of Water Damage

If you discover a leak that’s causing water damage, we at Restoration 1 warn that you not wait until the next day to address the issue. Water begins causing damage immediately, and that damage just gets worse as time goes by. The following timeline shows just how quickly water damage can ruin your Charlotte home and property. 

First few minutes following water damage:

• Water travels and spreads easily and quickly throughout the home
• Water saturates everything it comes into contact with, including carpet, walls, floors, upholstery, and any other belongings in the area
• Paper good, photographs, documents, and books swell and warp from water
• Porous materials such as drywall, insulation, and carpet padding, will begin to absorb water 

First 24 hours following water damage:

• Porous materials, such as drywall, insulation, and carpet padding will begin to swell, deteriorate, and break down
• Metal surfaces exposed to water will begin to tarnish
• Wood pieces, structures, and furniture, will begin to swell from all the water
• Mold growth begins and spores from 
• Musty odor develops in the affected area

First 48 hours following water damage:

• Mold growth continues and spreads across surfaces, and spores spread throughout the air
• Wood molding around doors, baseboards, and studs in the wall swell with water and begin to warp
• Wood flooring swells and warps
• Metal surfaces show signs of rust and begin to corrode
• Carpet pad becomes fully saturated and may not be able to be salvaged

First week following water damage:

• Structural integrity is compromised
• Mold growth and biohazard contaminants pose serious health threats
• All components of the home (ceilings, walls, floors) that have been exposed to water are no longer safe, are breaking down, and may not even be salvageable
• Extensive repairs, replacements, and rebuild may be necessary for proper restoration
• Most insurance policies will be reluctant to cover any damages because they require immediate action to prevent further damage
• Affected area is no longer habitable because of the possible and probable mold growth and other harmful contamination of the water
• Air quality throughout the entire home is compromised because mold spores are microscopic and travel through the air

Water damage can start from a number of possible sources. Whether the damage is a result of faulty plumbing, slab leaks, malfunctioning appliances, severe weather, or any other source, it is important you call a restoration company right away. Restoration 1 – Greater Charlotte understands the urgency of water damage, which is why we are available 24/7 to provide emergency services to all customers in the Greater Charlotte area. We will arrive within one hour of your call to inspect your home and form a plan of action to ensure that your home is treated with the utmost care and respect. We are equipped with the best equipment in the industry and have the experience to tackle any water damage issue, regardless of the severity. To ensure that each of our services is performed with precision and care, all of our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration, and the Indoor Air Quality Association. Call Restoration 1 of Greater Charlotte at the first sign of water damage in your home so that we can provide timely and adequate water restoration.