What water does to your home, hour by hour
The longer water sits, the more it soaks in and the more has to be torn out. Here's the typical timeline.
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First hour
Water spreads across floors and soaks into carpet, pad and the bottom of drywall. Furniture legs can stain floors.
1 to 24 hours
Drywall softens and swells, wood starts to absorb water and cup, and a musty smell can start.
24 to 48 hours
This is the window the EPA points to: dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold growth.
2 days to a week
Mold can spread, wood floors warp, doors swell, and more materials usually need to be removed.
Over a week
Damage reaches framing and subfloors, and health concerns from mold grow. Get it looked at now.
Typical progression; every situation is different. Source for the 24 to 48 hour mold window: U.S. EPA, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home."
10-second triage
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Step 1 of 3
Where is the water?
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When did it start?
Next 10 minutes
What the water is doing now
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Questions
How soon does mold grow after water damage?
Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials, which is why the EPA advises drying water-damaged areas within that window.
Does water damage get worse over time?
Yes. Water keeps soaking into drywall, wood and subfloors, and materials that could have been dried may need to be removed.
