Water Damage Timeline

When it comes to water damage, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the worse the damage gets. In just minutes, water can spread. In a few hours, signs of damage can be seen. If your home in Savannah has suffered water damage, do not waste any time calling the water damage experts at Harper Special Services. Our water restoration service is guaranteed to stop damage from spreading, and will make sure that no time is wasted. Still not sure why timing is so crucial when it comes to water damage? The following timeline will help you understand just how quickly damage spreads following water damage. 

Water Damage Timeline

• Minutes After Water Damage:

• • • Moving water will spread throughout the entire area, saturating everything in its path
    • Drywall, insulation, carpet and carpet padding, furniture, wood floors, and other porous materials begin to absorb water that is exposed to them

• 1 Hour After Water Damage:

• • • Finishes and stains from furniture will be released by the water, and could cause staining on floors and carpets
    • Finishes and upholstery on furniture will begin to discolor
    • Books, magazines, art work, photographs, documents, and other paper goods will begin to deteriorate as they continue to absorb water

• 24 Hours After Water Damage:

• • • Musty odors become apparent
    • Dyes and inks from textiles and paper goods seep and spread, causing staining
    • Laminated furniture swells from too much water absorption
    • Finishes begin to crack and split
    • Exposed metal surfaces and fixtures begin to tarnish
    • Drywall swells and begins to deteriorate

• 48 Hours to 1 Week After Water Damage:

• • • Mold, mildew, and other harmful contaminants will have begun to grow rapidly and spread throughout the area
    •  Paint on walls will begin to bubble