Less Than One Hour

•  Moving water quickly spreads to other areas.

•  Furniture may stain carpet permanently.

•  Moisture-sensitive furniture may discolor.

•  Paper goods are ruined.

One to 24 Hours

•  Furniture delaminates or swells; legs can split.

•  Pressed wood swells and disintegrates.

•  Bacterial odor becomes apparent.

•  Uncoated metal surfaces may tarnish.

•  Normal household odors strengthen.

Two to Seven Days

•  Mold and mildew may appear, accompanied by a musty odor.

•  Musical instruments swell and warp.

•  Drywall swells and disintegra

•  Uncoated metal surfaces begin to rust.

•  Door and window casings swell and distort or delaminate.

•  Wood decking and studs begin to swell, warp, or split.

•  Electronic components may malfunction.

•  Occupants with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems can experience distress.

One Week and Beyond

•  Mold and mildew may appear, accompanied by a musty odor.

•  Wood components warp and split.

•  Chemicals within wood dissolve, discolor, or destroy finishes.

•  Claim costs escalate dramatically.

•  Serious occupant health hazards may occur.

The dangers to a property and homeowner obviously begin to escalate the longer that water damage is not treated.