The Five Stages of Water Damage in Lebanon Homes

3/8/2017 (Permalink)

Properties Suffer Degrees of Damage Caused by Water

When homes are hit by water damage, either internal or external, the destruction does not happen all at once. It is a gradual process, which occurs in stages. Restoration technicians use these stages to determine the severity of the problem and how to handle it.

There are five stages of water damage in Lebanon homes. They start with the mildest (some cases do involve just this level of damage) and end with the most severe, which is usually defined by mold growth and stagnation.

Keep reading to find out more about how water damage develops and why it is important to respond fast and halt it in its tracks

Stage One
Water damage starts with the source of the problem. So, if a pipe has burst, this is the beginning of the water intrusion. In some cases, it is quite slow. In others (such as a broken main), the liquid accumulates quickly. Gravity drives all liquid lower, so there is a possibility that anything stored below the affected area is also in danger. The SERVPRO technicians can inspect the entire property to identify vulnerable areas.

Stage Two
Almost instantly, the wicking of moisture occurs, mostly into porous items. Drapes, curtains, carpets, clothing, and other fabrics do not collect standing water until they are completely absorbed and full of liquid. So, in rooms with lots of porous items, it takes longer for standing water to build, but this does not mean that the problem is less severe.

Stage Three
Elevated humidity characterizes stage three. It occurs when the moisture in and around the wet materials starts to evaporate into the air. The atmosphere becomes full and saturated with it. Secondary water damage is a danger at this point, as the heavy air tries to displace water vapor into absorbent items. There may be condensation forming on walls. Ceiling tiles are likely to warp and sag.
Stage Four
If the water damage reaches this stage in its development, there is a risk of mold and microbes. Once wet materials have taken on a certain amount of liquid (20-25% of their actual weight for wood and paper), they become a fertile environment for mold spores. It is imperative that appropriate action happens before they are allowed to multiply and spread.

Stage Five
The spread of microbes characterizes the most severe stage of water damage. It is still possible to restore a home at this point, but there may be large amounts of material which require disposal. When allowed to develop this far, all areas not affected are in danger of being contaminated.

If you need fast, effective repairs, SERVPRO of Wilson County is the right choice. We are a local remediation service, with tried and tested techniques. Our technicians are warm, friendly, and a great source of advice. Call us 24/7 at (615) 449-5000.