The first 24 hours after water damage are critical, especially for homeowners dealing with storm-related water intrusion in Sacramento and the East Bay. As communities recover from intense early-January storms, driven by atmospheric rivers and record-high king tides, many homeowners are facing sudden and overwhelming water damage.
From roof leaks and overflowing gutters to flooding in low-lying neighborhoods, stormwater damage can turn ceilings, walls, and floors into a serious problem overnight. In areas like Sacramento, Roseville, Oakland, Marin County, and coastal East Bay communities, flood damage cleanup and emergency water removal have become urgent needs.
While water damage can also result from burst pipes or appliance failures, storm-related water intrusion typically dominates during weather events like these. What happens in the first 24 hours after water damage often determines whether repairs remain manageable or escalate into major reconstruction.
Why the First 24 Hours After Water Damage Are Critical
In water damage restoration, time matters. According to the IICRC S500 Standard (the industry benchmark for water damage cleanup), rapid response is essential to prevent structural damage, mold growth, and long-term health risks.
Moisture begins affecting building materials almost immediately. Mold spores can begin to activate within 24–48 hours, which is why early drying and, when needed, professional mold removal are critical after water damage.
At Lawton Construction & Restoration, our IICRC-certified teams respond 24/7 to storm damage restoration calls across Sacramento and the East Bay. Here’s what typically happens—and why acting quickly makes all the difference.
The First Few Hours After Storm Water Damage
Stormwater can enter a home quickly through damaged roofs, clogged gutters, foundation seepage, or rising floodwaters. Standing water soaks carpets, drywall, insulation, and furniture within minutes.
Materials like drywall (gypsum board) absorb water rapidly, causing swelling, softening, and eventual breakdown.
Immediate homeowner priorities:
- If safe, shut off electricity in affected areas to avoid shock hazards
- Document visible damage with photos for insurance purposes
- Avoid entering heavily flooded or contaminated areas
Many homeowners attempt to do the initial cleanup using towels, fans, or shop vacs. While this can remove surface water, it does not address moisture trapped behind walls, under floors, or inside structural cavities.
How Water Damage Progresses Within 24 Hours
Water damage doesn’t stay static—it spreads and worsens quickly.
- 0–1 Hour: Water migrates, saturating porous materials like carpet, drywall, and wood
- 1–24 Hours:
- Drywall begins to deteriorate
- Wood framing and flooring swell or warp
- Metal surfaces start to corrode
- Musty odors develop as bacteria multiply
- Drywall begins to deteriorate
- After 24 Hours:
- Mold growth accelerates
- Structural integrity weakens
- Repair scope and costs increase significantly
- Mold growth accelerates
In many recent East Bay coastal floods caused by king tides, homes were impacted by Category 3 (black water)—contaminated water containing sewage, runoff, and harmful pathogens. This type of water damage requires specialized handling and protective measures
What Professional Water Damage Restoration Looks Like in the First 24 Hours
When homeowners call Lawton for emergency water damage restoration in Sacramento or the East Bay, our response follows IICRC best practices:
1. Emergency Response & Property Stabilization
We dispatch quickly—often same-day—to assess damage, stop active water intrusion, and secure the property. This may include roof tarping, temporary containment, or safety mitigation.
2. Water Classification & Moisture Detection
Using professional moisture meters and thermal imaging, we identify where water has traveled and classify it as clean, gray, or black water to determine the proper cleanup approach.
3. Rapid Water Extraction
Industrial pumps and truck-mounted vacuums remove standing water far more effectively than consumer tools, reducing drying time and secondary damage.
4. Structural Drying & Mitigation
High-velocity air movers and commercial dehumidifiers are placed strategically to dry walls, floors, and framing. Damaged materials that cannot be salvaged—such as soaked drywall—are safely removed.
5. Antimicrobial Treatment
Approved antimicrobial solutions are applied to inhibit mold and bacterial growth. Even short delays can double drying time and increase overall repair costs.
What If You Tried to Handle the Water Damage Yourself?
Many homeowners do exactly what feels right at first: mopping up water, running fans, or using a shop-vac. These steps can help initially but they often don’t solve the full problem.
Water moves into places you can’t see: behind walls, beneath flooring, and into insulation. Even if surfaces feel dry, moisture may still be trapped inside the structure.
If you’ve already tried to manage water damage on your own and are noticing:
- Musty or damp odors that won’t go away
- Warped floors or bubbling paint
- Water stains are returning after drying
- Soft or damp drywall or baseboards
…it’s a strong sign that hidden moisture remains.
Reaching out at this stage isn’t a failure; it’s a smart way to protect your home. Professional equipment allows us to locate and remove moisture before it leads to mold or structural deterioration. We frequently step in after DIY efforts to prevent a manageable situation from becoming a major reconstruction project.
Why Choose IICRC-Certified Water Damage Restoration Experts
After severe storms, incomplete or uncertified water damage cleanup can lead to denied insurance claims, lingering moisture, and future mold issues.
Lawton Construction & Restoration is a family-owned company with more than 50 years of experience handling water damage, flood cleanup, and storm restoration throughout California. We manage the full process—from emergency water removal to reconstruction—and work directly with insurance carriers to reduce stress for homeowners.
When Water Damage Happens, Don’t Wait
The difference between minor repairs and extensive rebuilds often comes down to the first 24 hours. Whether the damage happened hours ago or several days back, our team is ready to help you protect your home and prevent further loss.
So if your Sacramento or East Bay home experienced stormwater damage, flooding, or roof leaks, contact Lawton Construction & Restoration immediately at (866) 990-5150 or help@lawtoncr.com.
