Spring Showers Bring Flowers (and floods)

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Council Bluffs, along with what we guess is many others, are relieved to see cold weather leave Western Iowa for awhile. However, we're reminded to be careful what we wish for when the potential for heavy rain sneaks into our weather forecast. Although a better replacement for winter storms in the eyes of many, spring showers present a multitude of varying characteristics that may not be so fun to deal with. The timeline below is to provide you as a home or commercial business owner with helpful information about what happens when water invades your home or business.

Water Damage Timeline - Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Conclusion:

The best way to mitigate the most potential damage caused by flooding or a storm is to get immediate assistance in the face of an emergency situation. That's where SERVPRO of Council Bluffs comes in. The spring showers won't last forever, and neither will the water damage caused if treated quickly and effectively. In the face of pending water disaster, contact SERVPRO of Council Bluffs anytime at (712) 256-6616. Our SERVPRO of Council Bluffs Disaster Response Team is available 24/7 to help make any mess like it never even happened!