It’s a normal human psychology to procrastinate. You may have witnessed water damage in your basement and thought, “I’ll deal with that water tomorrow.” Or maybe you figured that little leak from last week’s storm isn’t really a big deal? But remember, water damage doesn’t take a break just because you are busy or too lazy to act!
In such scenarios, a serious question arises: “Then what”? What happens in reality when you put off water damage restoration?
Water Damage Gets Worse in Just 24-48 Hours – Stop Clock from Ticking
You may think that water is sitting idle there, and there is no harm in that, and you will get it cleaned over the weekend. Right? NO! You are mistaken. Within the first day, things are already going south. Your drywall starts soaking it up like a sponge. Wood floors? They’re beginning to warp and buckle. And those nice wood furniture pieces you love? They’re starting to swell.
No, that’s not it; mold spores can start growing in just 24 to 48 hours. Yes, within the 2 days of water damage. And once you have mold, it’s not easy to get rid of without having a trained and certified professional.
What Delaying For a Few Days Results in – Know What You’re Risking?
Let’s say you wait three or four days. Maybe you’re thinking about calling someone, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. We will tell you what happens behind those walls you can’t see:
- Mold is spreading to other areas.
- Metal surfaces start rusting and corroding.
- Your paint starts bubbling and peeling.
- That musty smell? It’s getting worse.
- Bacteria grow in the wet areas.
The longer water sits, the deeper it goes. It’s not just surface-level anymore. It’s creeping into your walls, under your floors, and into places you can’t see.
Ignoring Water Damage Can Lead to Serious Health Issues Nobody Talks About
Health is one of the priorities that shouldn’t be compromised at any cost. Mold that grows as a result of water damage and moist conditions can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and respiratory problems. Have kids and older adults? The moist condition is putting their health at risk. Some people develop headaches, constant coughing, or skin irritation.
We know homeowners from New Jersey who thought they just had a “summer cold” that would never go away. Turns out, it was mold from water damage they had ignored months earlier. This means delaying water damage restoration is not something to be appreciated.
Delaying Water Damage Restoration? It Weakens Your Home’s Foundation
Water doesn’t discriminate. It attacks everything. Your ceiling joists, floor supports, and wall studs – they all start weakening. A home that was solid last month can develop serious structural problems in just a few weeks because you delayed water-damage restoration. And if you live in an older New Jersey home? The damage can happen even faster. Reason? Because those old, beautiful homes that you see weren’t built with the same water-resistant materials we have today, and neither were the local laws as strict.
Also Read: How much does it cost for Water Damage Restoration?
Water Damage Delays – What You Don’t Realize Could Cost You Thrice
If you are suffering from water damage in your NJ home and putting it on delay for 2, 3 days, or a week, believe us, you are putting yourself in some deep trouble. What you will not realize is that your insurance company can deny your claim straightaway for waiting too long. They call it “neglect” or “failure to mitigate damages.” What could have been a $2,000 fix becomes a $10,000 or more, and you will be paying out of pocket.
Let us try to explain by a timeline:
- Week one: Minor cleanup and drying – maybe $1,500
- Week two: Add mold removal – now it’s $4,000
- Month one: Structural repairs needed – you’re looking at $10,000+
- Month two: Major renovation required – $20,000 or more
Isn’t simple Maths that says, DON’T delay water damage restoration, or get ready to face the consequences out of your pocket.
Surprised to Know How New Jersey’s Climate Accelerates Water Damage?
The climatic conditions in New Jersey are pretty humid, especially in summer. What people didn’t get is that these humid conditions make water damage restoration even more urgent. The longer your home stays damp, the faster mold grows. The damage spreads quicker than it would in comparatively drier states of New Jersey. The worst part, your basements are most vulnerable to any sort of water damage. May it be rain, flood, sewage backup, or a burst pipe, just one incident can be disastrous for your home.
Water Damage Puts Your Sentimental Items at Risk & Can Steal Your Memories
- Family photos
- Important documents
- Your kid’s baby clothes, you were saving
- Electronics
- Furniture
Once water damage sets in, many things can’t be saved. The sentimental stuff? There’s no price tag on that. We are not trying to scare you, but we are warning you on the basis of our experience that we have seen. Every day you wait is another day your home and your belongings are taking damage, and you will pay for that later in terms of time, money, effort, and valuable items you can’t recall.
Save Your Home, Belongings, and Health – Call for Water Damage Restoration Today
Dealing with home repairs and restoration isn’t fun or a hobby, but delaying water damage restoration is a time bomb that will hit your entire home one day. Before things get worse and expensive, act smartly.
At Mold Master Restoration, we’ve seen too many families wait until small problems become disasters. The ones who called right away? They saved money, saved their belongings, and saved themselves from stress. Therefore, it’s our advice not to allow water damage to steal your home’s value and your family’s health. If you’ve got water sitting anywhere in your house right now, pick up the phone today, not tomorrow! The damage is happening, but our experts can stop it from getting worse.
