If your house was hit by a flood, it is important to learn how water damage affects your home.

Within Minutes:

1. Water contamination spreads to additional areas, increasing the expense of restoration.
2. Any stains released from furniture (especially antiques) stain the carpets permanently.
3. Moisture-sensitive furniture finishes turn white.
4. Paper goods are ruined due to moisture absorption, which causes swelling and warping.
5. Latent animal urine odor becomes noticeable.

Within Hours:

1. Furniture in direct contact with the water begins to delaminate or swell, legs begin to split.
2. Swelling wood can cause finishes to crack.
3. Sheetrock (drywall, gypsum board) starts to swell.
4. Microorganisms begin to germinate, causing bacterial odor.
5. Dyes from non-colorfast fabrics start to migrate.
6. Metal surfaces start to tarnish.

Within Days:

1. Mycelium fungi appears, along with their characteristic “musty” odor.
2. Severe warping of wood finishes becomes apparent, and adhesive release forces delamination.
3. Hygroscopic internal components in pianos and organs swell from condensed moisture absorption.
4. Metal surfaces rust, pit, or corrode, causing permanent damage.
5. Paint blisters, plaster dissolves, and wall covering adhesives release.
6. Door and window casings swell and delaminate.
7. Wood housing structures (decking, joists, studs) start to swell and warp.
8. Persons with asthma or the infirm elderly start to develop hypersensitivity reactions.

Within Weeks:

1. Due to prolonged dampness, mold roots into organic materials (jute backings, paper coverings on sheetrock, paneling, wood, contents) and destroys them.
2. Wood components warp and split, while chemicals within the wood destroys finishes.
3. Claim costs escalate drastically, as gutting the structure and replacing components becomes necessary.
4. Occupants must be evacuated due to biological health hazards.
5. Children may become sensitized to allergens arising from uncontrolled microorganism growth.

 

 

Source:  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-water-damage-affects-your-home-coleen-schmitt