- Affect one million buildings each year
- Account for 70% of all property claims
- Support microbial growth
- Contribute to "the most destructive indoor peril," EPA
- Produce increasing damage over time
Damage That Occurs within Hours
- Furniture legs delaminate and swell
- Wood finishes begin to bleed
- Drywall swells and softens
- Non-colorfast fabrics begin to bleed
- Bacterial odor may become apparent
- Metals begin to tarnish
- Upholstered furniture/drapes water stain
Damage That Occurs within Days
- Musty odor
- Severe warping of wood
- Permanent damage to metals
- Paint blistering
- Plaster begins to dissolve
- Wall coverings release
- Wood structure begins to swell/warp
Damage That Occurs within Weeks
- Mold destroys organic materials
- Wood components warp and spit
- Claim costs escalate
- Major repairs and reconstruction will be necessary