Why is Water Damage so Serious?
It's not just about the visible wetness; its about the rapid escalation of damage, the hidden threats, and long-term consequences.
Acting fast with professional help is so critical:
1. Rapid & Widespread Destruction:
*Porous Materials Absorb Quickly: Building Materials like drywall, wood, insulation, and carpeting are highly porous. They act like sponges, rapidly soaking up water. This causes them to swell, warp, crack, and lose their structural integrity within hours.
*Hidden Saturation: Water doesn't just stay on the surface. It quickly seeps into wall cavities, under flooring, into subfloors, and even into your home's foundation, causing damage that's invisible to the naked eye but can be extensive.
*Contamination Spread: If the water is from a contaminated source, harmful bacteria and pathogens can spread rapidly throughout your property, contaminating everything they touch.
2. The Threat of Mold Growth:
*This is one of the most serious and common secondary damages. Mold spores are always present in the air. All they need is moisture, a food source, and typical indoor temperatures and humidity to begin growing.
*Rapid Development: Mold can start to germinate within 3-7 days after water intrusion.
*Health Risks: Mold produces allergens, irritants, and sometimes mycotoxins, which can cause or exacerbate respiratory issues, allergies, asthma attacks, skin irritation, and other health sensitivities in occupants.
*Persistent Odors: Even if the visible mold is removed, the musty, earthy odor it produces can linger and indicate ongoing problems or hidden growth.