5 Stages of Water Damage
Water damage, like many catastrophes that affect people, is measured. Just like there are categories of hurricanes, the scale of tornados and the like, water damage has its own measurement system.
This system works in the favor of the water damage sufferer. The scale makes it easier to determine the costs, equipment necessary and working with the insurance company to make the most informed decisions on what to do. 
Welcome back to One Team Restoration’s monthly blog. It is a hope you have found our blogs to be helpful, and in the case of water damage, you are sure to contact us immediately on discovery.
There are five stages of water damage, and each stage represents increasing damage.
STAGE ONE – Water follows gravity. Water will work its way to the lowest point in a structure, so cracks in the floor are common for water to pool. Just because this is Stage One damage does not mean you should wait, try and clean the damage yourself. Call us as any amount of standing water can escalate into serious problems.
STAGE TWO – Moisture is now in contact with the floor and certain parts of the structure. Gypsum board, wood flooring, furniture, and any documents that may touch the floor are commonly damaged. Capillary action will begin and begin quickly, so getting the water out of the structure is paramount to saving as much as possible.
STAGE THREE – Standing water begins to evaporate and raise the humidity in the air. Areas previously undamaged now begin to show signs.
It is now that we will bring in the heavy-duty equipment to pull the moisture out. Doing so means there is a much less chance of microbial growth spreading and causing serious problems ranging from damage to neurological issues.
STAGE FOUR – Water has had ample time to sit. Mold and mildew have formed and are moving their way throughout the structure. Wood’s moisture content will exceed 25 percent – well above the safe threshold for moisture content.
It is vital for three things to happen: 1. Control humidity in the structure; 2. Maintain temperature; 3. Have air circulate constantly.
STAGE FIVE – This is the most serious of all the levels. By now, microbes, molds and mildew are affecting the structure. Movement of any sort will stir the microscopic particles and allow the growth to spread freely.
Stage five means a full team need to be on hand for damage, clean up and potential remodeling.
Prompt attention means the possibility of continued occupancy is high, but a contingency plan is important. Contacting us asap is key to saving any precious items of sentimental value within the structure.
Do not wait. Contact us immediately. Therefore we have a 24/7 365 phone line in case of water damage. The sooner we get on site and begin, the sooner your life will return to normal.