Following water damage, it is very important to get the water removed immediately. Each water damage case should be treated as an emergency, because the longer the water sits, the more damage it causes. We at Stanley Restoration in Dallas would like to introduce the following timeline, which shows how important emergency water removal is, 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, insulation begins because of all the swelling from the moisture. Wood will also begin to swell. Metal object 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.

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.

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 your water emergency has been present, our team of experts will be able to get your home back to pre-loss condition. For thorough water damage restoration in the Dallas area, we are the only call you need to make. We start by removing and discarding carpet padding, which can act as a sponge to trap moisture. Any remaining water on the slab or sub-floor is removed, and baseboards and carpeting are treated with a hospital-grade antimicrobial agent to retard the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Turbo air movers and commercial-grade dehumidifiers are then strategically placed around the affected areas to maximize airflow and remove all excess moisture. Affected clothes and furniture can typically be restored to a pre-loss condition using industry-leading technology like the Esporta Wash System and Fireline Ultrasonic System.

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 emergency water removal services in Dallas and surrounding areas. Any time you notice water damage in your home, call Stanley Restoration to get it taken care of as quickly as possible.