THE ONGOING EFFECTS OF WATER DAMAGE
WITHIN MINUTES
Water contamination spreads to unaffected areas; stains released from furniture (especially antique) discolor carpet permanently; moisture-sensitive surfaces on furniture turn white; paper goods are ruined due to moisture absorption and swelling’ paper goods are ruined due to moisture absorption and swelling’ pre-existing (animal) odor becomes apparent.
WITHIN HOURS
Furniture in direct contact with water delaminates, swells, legs begin to split, drawers bind; Sheetrock swells and disintegrates; wall paper adhesives release’ bacterial odor (souring) becomes apparent.
WITHIN DAYS
Mildew appears (hyphae), along with characteristic “musty” odor; moisture-sensitive internal components in pianos and organs begin to swell in the presence of condensed moisture; metal surfaces begin to rust’ door and window casings swell and distort or delaminate.
WITHIN WEEKS
Mildew associated with prolonged dampness sinks roots (mycelium) into organic materials (jute backings, paper coverings on Sheetrock, paneling, wood, etc.); wholesale damage to structure and contents is experienced.
