Understanding the damage water causes

Within Minutes

• Water contamination spread to additional areas
• Stains released from furniture (especially antiques) stains carpet permanently
• Moisture-sensitive furniture finishes will turn white
• Paper goods are ruined due to moisture absorption with swelling and warping
• Latent animal urine odors become apparent

Within Hours

• Furniture in direct contact with water de-laminates or swells, legs begin to split
• Swelling wood can cause finish to “check” (crack)
• Sheetrock (drywall, gypsum board) swells
• Bacteria odor (sour) becomes apparent when microorganism spores germinate
• Dyes from non-colorfast fabrics start to migrate
• Metal surfaces start to tarnish

Within Days

• Fungi appear (mycelium), along with their characteristic “musty” odor
• Severe warping of wood furnishings becomes apparent; adhesive release causes de-lamination
• Hygroscopic internal components in pianos and organs swell from condensed moisture absorption
• Metal surfaces rust, pit and corrode causing permanent damage
• Paint blisters, plaster dissolves and wall coverings adhesives release
• Door and window casings swell and de-laminate
• Wood structural members (decking, joists, studs) begin to swell, warp and split
• Persons with asthma or the infirm elderly may develop hypersensitivity reactions

Within Weeks

• With prolonged dampness mold sinks roots into and destroys organic material (jute backings, paper coverings on sheetrock, paneling, wood, contents)
• Wood components warp and split, while chemicals within wood dissolve and discolor or destroy finishes
• Claim costs escalate dramatically as the requirements for gutting the structure and replacing components becomes necessary
• Occupants must be evacuated due to biological health hazards
• Children may become sensitized to allergens arising from uncontrolled microorganism growth