What is the biggest concern with water damage in Pleasanton?: Water removal
San Antonio, United States - July 15, 2025 / SERVPRO of La Vernia, Pleasanton /
San Antonio, TX – With the late spring storm season bringing unpredictable weather to South Texas, SERVPRO of La Vernia, Pleasanton is issuing detailed guidance for local property owners on the most serious concerns associated with water damage. While a visible puddle on the floor is an obvious problem, the company highlights that the biggest threats are often unseen. These hidden dangers, including long-term structural decay and the rapid growth of mold, can lead to extensive repairs if not addressed immediately by professionals.
Unseen structural damage is a primary concern
Water intrusion from storm flooding, burst pipes, or slow leaks can compromise a building's core structure in ways that are not immediately apparent. Materials like wood framing, subflooring, and roof decking act like sponges, absorbing moisture and creating a starting point for decay. This process, known as rot, occurs when fungi break down the cellulose in wood, turning solid supports into soft, structurally unsound material.
The effects can be seen throughout a property. Wall studs can weaken, floor joists can sag, and subfloors can lose their integrity, leading to spongy or uneven floors. Drywall, which is made of a gypsum core pressed between paper, quickly deteriorates when wet. The water dissolves the gypsum and causes the paper facing to peel away, leading to crumbling walls and ceilings that must be completely replaced.
A significant concern for properties in the Pleasanton area involves the building's foundation. The regional soil often has a high clay content. This type of soil expands significantly when saturated with water and contracts as it dries. This repeated cycle of expansion and contraction exerts immense pressure on concrete foundations, leading to stress fractures and serious faults that can be extremely costly to repair. An effective flood clean-up strategy must therefore also consider water management around the property's exterior.
Rapid mold growth poses safety risks
A second, equally serious concern is the development of mold. Mold spores are a natural part of the environment, but they only become a problem when they find a source of moisture. A water-damaged property provides the ideal conditions for these spores to colonize and grow, which can happen in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
This growth often occurs in hidden, dark places with little airflow, such as inside wall cavities, behind baseboards, or underneath flooring. By the time a musty odor becomes noticeable, a significant mold colony has likely already established itself.
The importance of a professional restoration process
The company stresses that a professional water damage restoration process is fundamentally different from a simple cleanup. It is a scientific process designed to address all aspects of the damage, both seen and unseen. The first and most critical step is immediate water removal. Professionals use powerful, truck-mounted pumps and vacuums to extract standing water quickly, preventing it from migrating to other areas.
Following extraction, a thorough drying and dehumidification process begins. Industrial-grade air movers are strategically placed to create airflow across wet surfaces, accelerating evaporation. At the same time, powerful dehumidifiers pull that moisture out of the air, preventing it from settling elsewhere and creating secondary damage. Technicians use moisture meters and infrared cameras to confirm that all affected materials, including those inside walls, are returned to their normal dry state.
About SERVPRO of La Vernia, Pleasanton
SERVPRO of La Vernia, Pleasanton provides professional cleaning and restoration services for commercial and residential properties. Their technicians are highly trained and certified to handle property damage emergencies of any size. They specialize in water damage restoration, a core service that includes immediate water removal to minimize secondary damage. For severe events, their team is equipped for a complete flood cleanup, from extraction to drying and final repairs. Available 24/7, they are committed to helping their Pleasanton and La Vernia communities recover quickly with industry-approved methods and advanced equipment.
Contact SERVPRO of La Vernia, Pleasanton at (830) 767-0500 or email them at office+2@servpro11423.com.
Contact Information:
SERVPRO of La Vernia, Pleasanton
2730 S Foster Rd
San Antonio, TX 78220
United States
Billy Maggard
(830) 767-0500
https://www.servpro.com/locations/tx/servpro-of-la-vernia-pleasanton
