Water Damage: How Fast Can It Destroy Your Property?
A high end property management franchise will come in handy if you encounter water problems in your home. Do you know how much damage water can do to your property? If you wait too long to act, you can expect to have more problems in the future.
As homeowners, it’s important to be aware of the potential damage water can cause to motivate you to take action as soon as it happens. In most cases, the extent of damage depends on how long the property was exposed to water.
How Fast Can Water Damage Ruin Your Property?
What It Can Do
Water damage can destroy your property in a number of ways. Did you know water can cause structural damage resulting in the collapse of walls and ceilings? Furthermore, excess moisture can create a breeding ground for mold to thrive.
Chronic mold exposure can lead to health problems like pneumonia. In addition, water damage can compromise your furniture pieces and other valuable possessions. It can also cause electrical and mechanical systems to malfunction.
How Much Can Happen in Minutes?
A leak can come from a broken washing machine hose. Within minutes, the walls, furniture, and floors become instantly saturated with moisture. It’s possible for the finishes on your furniture to bleed, leaving stubborn carpet stains. If water gets to your paperwork, photos, and books, you can expect these items to be swollen and warped.
How Much Damage Can Take Place Within Hours?
The damage to your property can be substantial if you have a broken dishwasher leaking for hours while out of the house. The drywall of your kitchen is guaranteed to swell and eventually break down.
The water can stain the metal surfaces it comes in contact with, and your kitchen will reek with a musty odor. If the furniture in your kitchen is made of wood, it will absorb the water cabinets and flooring. Colored cloths can leave permanent marks on surfaces when they absorb water.
What About a Week?
Let’s say you’ve been away for at least seven days and weren’t aware that your pipes broke. Did you know that within 48 hours, mold spores can already build into colonies? Water can also damage your windows and doors, causing them to swell and warp. When that happens, it will be difficult to get inside your home. The wall paint will also blister, and the floorboards will swell.
What Should You Do the Moment You Discover Water Damage?
Take the following steps the moment you discover water damage to your property:
- Turn off the water source if that’s possible
- Remove any standing water and wet materials using a wet/dry vacuum or mop
- If any items cannot be saved, place them in a safe place
- Start drying the area by opening windows, using fans and dehumidifiers
Luckily, the process can be much simpler with the help of a home maintenance and property management service as they can assess the damage and begin the restoration process.
Looking for a High-End Property Management Franchise?
You can mitigate water damage by calling the right people to help you. At Property Stewards, we offer home maintenance and property management service. We are distinguished by our professionalism, quality care, and attention to detail.
Our reliable stewards will take care of your property and do the necessary repairs. We also offer an A-List Package premium service on an ongoing weekly, monthly or bi-monthly basis, including water damage repair. Contact us to learn more about our services.
