Water contamination spreads rapidly to unaffected areas, thereby increasing costs dramatically; stains released from furniture (especially antique) discolor carpet permanently; moisture-sensitive surfaces on furniture turn white; paper goods and books are ruined due to moisture absorption, swelling, warping, and discoloring; pre-existing (animal) urine odor becomes apparent.

Furniture in direct contact with water delaminates, swells (equal expansion on all sides– generally correctable), finishes crack or “check” legs begin to split, drawers bind; sheetrock ™ swells and softens; wallpaper adhesives release; bacterial odor (souring) becomes apparent.

Colonies of mildew begin to grow (mycelium), along with characteristic “musty” odor; moisture-sensitive internal components in pianos and organs begin to warp in the presence of condensed moisture; metal surfaces begin to rust and corrode; structural members (door and window casing, studs, joist, decking and flooring materials) swell and buckle, distort or delaminate; furniture veneer delaminates; fabric dyes begin to bleed; electronic components exposed to moisture malfunction or are ruined; individuals with asthma can’t breathe; allergic reactions become severe.

Advanced mildew growth destroys organic materials; jute backing, paper coverings on Sheetrock ™, (paneling, wood, etc.), while chemicals within wood materials are dissolved and discolor or destroy finish; wholesale damage to structure and contents is experienced; serious occupant health problems abound (hypersensitivity, pneumonitis, aspergillosis), claim costs escalate astronomically!