No single item is more important for the safety and longevity of your home than well maintained exterior water protection. A well maintained roof, well attached and intact siding, and a flowing functional gutter system are essential to diverting rain, snow, hail, sleet away from your home and is the single most important piece home maintenance that a person can do.

What Are the Biggest Concerns with Water Damage?

With water damage comes various problems and health risks, most of which get worse when left untreated. From structural damage to the property, mold and mildew growth, bad smells, and electrical damage, here's a general timeline of what to expect from water damage that doesn't get adequately treated:

Within Minutes

Carpets and flooring begin to absorb water, while furniture and carpets can begin to stain. Treasured personal belongings like photos and paperwork may be destroyed.

Within Hours

Humidity can make the house begin to smell while cabinetry and furniture begin to weaken and deteriorate. In 48 hours or less, even clean or grey water can get worse and turn to toxic black water.

Within Days

After a few days, fungi and mold set in, causing foul odors. At this point, floors and walls have likely deteriorated so that they will need a total replacement. Structural wood within the home will likely have begun swelling and splitting.

Within Weeks

If water damage is left untreated for weeks, the home is now likely hazardous and uninhabitable (thus, evacuation is a must). Drywall is left crumbling, and the home's structural integrity becomes questionable. The home may be salvageable at this stage, but restorations will be extensive and costly.

Within Months

After months, the resulting damages likely cost more than the price of the home, and the house may be unsalvageable. In addition, the owner likely will not qualify for insurance claims due to neglect, as the severity of the damage could have been prevented if dealt with earlier.