Effect of Abnormal Water: Water indoors is an abnormal condition and can cause or contribute to a
number of problems. The damage and health implications increase the longer materials remain wet.
There are at least four progressive stages of indoor water damage as follows:
1. Water migrates into areas not originally affected. Water spreads laterally into adjoining rooms,
penetrates materials below and wicks up into porous materials above. It is best to evaluate all affected
areas, not just areas with visible saturation.
2. Saturated materials begin swelling as they absorb moisture. In many situations drying and restoration will restore them, and in others the damage may be permanent. Rapid drying will help reduce the chance of permanent damage.
3. As water evaporates it causes an abnormal humidity condition. High humidity can damage some porous materials if allowed to continue. Humidity damage is most common when the indoor humidity exceeds 60% over time. It is best to reduce the indoor humidity quickly to help prevent humidity damage.
4. After water intrusion, mold and bacterial spores germinate and multiply. Given acceptable growth conditions, one organism can multiply to more than one billion organisms in less than 24 hours. Microorganisms can cause mold damage and degrade indoor air quality. Some microorganisms produce antigens and allergens which cause allergies while others can cause infections and toxic diseases.