The reality is that water damage can occur very quickly with little water. Though different factors determine how fast and bad the damage is, no amount of water should be left unattended and must be taken care of immediately. Water damage can be devastating to any homeowner, especially when considering the amount of loss that can occur. Mold will begin to grow within 24 hours and create problems within the structural integrity of your home. It can become a dangerous problem quickly if not handled properly.
Water Damage Restoration – Anchorage
Unfortunately, most water damage occurs as the result of natural flooding or a leak, neither of which can be anticipated. This will often leave one unprepared for the problems that come along with water damage. In this article, we will break down just how much water it takes to cause water damage in each of the following common circumstances.
Leaks
Leaks can result from a variety of reasons, such as a damaged roof, unsealed window or door, or faulty plumbing fixtures. The biggest issue when it comes to leaks is that they often go unnoticed until after the damage is already done. These hidden leaks can actually be more damaging than large ones because they can leak longer without being discovered. These can cause damage even within a few minutes because they often occur in the hidden layers of the construction of your home or in junctures where more than one layer of construction is impacted.
An example of this is a leak behind a toilet and soaking into the flooring and subflooring underneath. Slow leaks that make no sound and are out of sight most likely won’t be discovered until there is a huge water stain. At that point, the water damage is extensive and will require restoration.
Flooding
Water damage will begin to occur within minutes of the flood entering your home. As little as an inch of water could be standing in your home, and it will be enough to cause damage. Obviously, the more water that enters your home and the longer it is left will change how bad the water damage is.
Homes that are flooded with rainwater or sewage backups will need to be handled with extra precaution. These sources of water are considered to be black water, which is extremely dangerous for anyone to come in contact with. Allowing professionals to handle it, rather than deal with it on your own is the safest option.
Homes that are affected by floods will need extensive drying, especially when it comes to carpets, walls, and ceilings. Even if the top layer is dry to the touch, the layers below may not be. This hidden water damage can cause mold to grow in places that you are unaware of, leading to health and structural problems. If you cannot dry the flooded area completely within 48 hours, there is a good chance that structural damage has occurred and should be restored professionally to ensure structural integrity and proper decontamination.
Humidity
Water damage doesn’t just occur from standing water. It can also happen from moisture in the air. High humidity creates excess moisture and condensation and begins to cause problems when the home is regularly at a humidity level of more than 60%. If the moisture is consistently high, there is a greater chance for mold to grow since mold thrives in moist areas. High humidity can also damage furniture, particularly pieces made of wood. Even your paint and drywall can be damaged if exposed to too much humidity for too long.
Understanding how fast water damage can get into your home can be extremely overwhelming. You must work fast to ensure that the effects of water damage are minimized as much as possible. However, attempting water damage restoration on your own is difficult, especially if you have no prior experience. If you are dealing with the effects of water damage in your own home, be sure to contact professionals at TMC Restoration.
