A major key to limiting property damage is to remove the water. This sounds simple doesn’t it? Since the water damage has already occurred, and, in many cases, has receded, leaving affected surfaces wet, many of the “victims” assume that they can take their time in getting the structure dried by a restoration firm. Worst yet, they may try to do the work themselves or not to do anything at all, letting nature dry out the contents and structure instead. What is really wrong with taking these approaches? When water has made significant contact with the structure and contents, failure to dry everything in a timely and proper manner causes additional damage called secondary damage. The water exposure can lead to the growth of mold, mildew and other pathogens that can seriously affect your health. To prevent secondary damage and protect your health, a certified, knowledgeable restoration firm with customized equipment and solutions designed especially for water damage restoration should be utilized. The cost of losses related to secondary damage can escalate from possibly hundreds of dollars to correct the original exposure to thousands of dollars where drying alone will not solve the problem and replacement is now in order to satisfy the claim. Historically, these kinds of situations happen when the family is on vacation and the structure is left unattended for weeks at a time. Secondary damage can easily occur starting within minutes of the original exposure! Let’s look at the timeline of what can happen when the damage is allowed to go untreated.