Within the first 24 hours of a leak or flood, water damage can cause mold, damage to floors, walls, and electricity, and even structural problems. It is always best to quickly hire a water cleaning professional near you to consult and repair. Hardwood floors are particularly vulnerable to liquid, as it can deform the wood if left on the surface for too long. If this is a major flood on your hardwood floors, it should ideally be resolved within 24 hours.
However, water damage does not stop after just 24 hours. Over the course of the next few days or a week, mold, mildew and other contaminants can spread due to the chemicals in the paint used to paint the house and the drywall. Within the first 2 hours to 7 days of coming into contact with moisture and water, the wood is likely to experience mold and mildew. Hardwood floors, window frames, and doors will begin to warp and swell.
Warping, warping, and even mold growth can begin to occur as little as 24 hours after water damage. It is important to avoid spills and keep floors relatively dry on a consistent basis. You can check if moisture is left in the wood with a moisture meter. Don't be surprised if the meter continues to show signs of moisture in the soil after a day or two.
Hardwood floors can take several weeks to completely dry. The humidity in the room and the amount of water that was present in the floor can prolong the process. Therefore, leave the fans and dehumidifier on until the moisture test shows that there is no water left in the wood. Within 48 hours (about 2 days) or a week after water damage occurs, paint begins to peel off and take on a wet texture. Furniture will show signs of mold, deformation, and will continue to show signs of bleeding for 48 hours (approximately 2 days) or a week after water damage occurs.
People may start to have respiratory problems such as bronchitis or asthma due to biological contamination from water damage. Metal surfaces begin to tarnish within 24 hours of water damage. Water damage can also occur on objects such as photographs or books, which will begin to swell or deform due to high humidity levels caused by excess moisture. On the subject of physical health, medical expenses could also have been added during this time for people with compromised health problems due to exposure to things like mold. When it comes to water damage, there are two different solutions: prevention and repair. It is nearly impossible to completely prevent water damage from occurring during the time you live in your home, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk.
If you cannot prevent water damage from occurring, take corrective action quickly as this will guarantee a minimum loss without adversely affecting both you and your portfolio.
