Water Damage Restoration: How Soon Does the Damage Begin?

Duration and Effects of Water Damage

Water damage can have devastating effects on a property, and the sooner it’s addressed, the better. The severity of the damage depends on several factors, including the type of water, the amount of water, and the duration of exposure.

How Long Does It Take for Water to Cause Structural Damage?

The timeframe for structural damage caused by water can vary depending on several factors:

• Type of water: Clean water, such as from a broken pipe, can typically take longer to cause damage than contaminated water, which may contain bacteria or other harmful substances.
• Amount of water: A small amount of water, such as from a leaky faucet, may not cause significant damage, while a large amount of water, such as from a flood, can quickly lead to structural problems.
• Duration of exposure: The longer water is allowed to remain on a surface, the greater the risk of structural damage. Even a small amount of water can cause damage if it’s left for an extended period.

In general, it’s important to act quickly if you suspect water damage. The longer the water is left unattended, the greater the likelihood of severe and costly damage to your property.