Following water damage to your home in Athens, it is very important to get the water removed immediately so that you may be able to start the repairs. Each water damage case should be treated as an emergency because the longer water sits, the more damage it causes. The following timeline, given by a professional water damage repair team at Southeast Restoration, shows how important water damage repairs are, and why it needs to happen as soon as possible
Immediately after water damage: water will spread quickly, saturating every material it comes into contact with. Paper goods will begin to deteriorate very quickly once they are exposed to water, and other porous materials will begin to absorb the water.
24 hours after water damage: Materials like upholstery and carpet that have absorbed water become heavy and sodden. The breakdown of exposed materials like drywall and insulation begins because of all the swelling from the moisture. Wood will also begin to swell. Metal objects will begin to tarnish, and any colors and dyes from fabrics will begin to bleed. Paper goods will no longer be salvageable. Mold growth begins in as little as 24 hours after moisture has been present. When water damage repairs are put on hold, these things can cause worse problems and structural damage will become a dangerous thing for your home.
48 hours after water damage: Mold growth has started to spread, and may even begin to be visible on surfaces. Wood will begin to warp and bend. Metal objects will begin to corrode, while other materials (drywall, insulation, carpet, carpet padding, furniture, and other textile goods) continue to deteriorate. Microorganisms can begin to grow in the water, so contamination levels become a threat. This can be an issue for not only your home, but your health as well. Tackling water damage is pretty important.
One week after water damage: If water damage has been present for this long, restoration costs and processes are significantly increased. Water contamination levels are a huge concern, and should be handled appropriately. 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 is compromised, posing a serious threat to those still living in the area. Cracks in walls and ceilings, and buckling of floors will be apparent by this time, and will require rebuild to correct.
No matter how long the water has been present, Southeast Restoration can perform successful water damage repairs, and get your home back to pre-loss condition. Any water damage to your home requires prompt action, and that is why we offer 24/7 emergency services so that we can repair as much of the water damage as possible. When you call, you will not only get fast service, but will also benefit from our extensive experience in extraction and drying. Our certified technicians work quickly to address the source of the water damage, locate any other hidden leaks, and develop a strategic plan for affected areas before any further damage can occur. Water damage can quickly become a nightmare for homeowners, especially because damage becomes worse as time elapses. We understand the seriousness of water damage, and offer our services in Athens and surrounding areas. No matter the size, source, or scope of the water damage, our team is here to help.