What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most time-sensitive disasters a homeowner can face. Within minutes, water begins soaking into walls, floors, and furniture. Within hours, drywall begins to soften and swell. Within 24–48 hours, mold can begin to grow. Here's exactly what to do — and what not to do — in that critical first window.

Step 1: Stop the source. If the water is from a burst pipe or appliance, turn off the water supply to your home immediately. The main shutoff is typically near the water meter.

Step 2: Call a professional restoration company. Do not wait to see "how bad it is." The damage you can see is always just a fraction of what's happening inside your walls and under your floors. A professional team with moisture meters and thermal imaging can find water that's invisible to the naked eye.

Step 3: Document everything before cleanup. Take photos and video of all visible damage before anything is moved or dried. Your insurance company will need this documentation.

Step 4: Remove standing water if safe. Use towels, mops, or a wet-vac to remove surface water. Do not use a regular vacuum. Do not enter rooms with standing water if there's any risk of electrical hazard.

Step 5: Increase airflow. Open windows and doors if weather permits. Run fans and your A/C to help dry the space while you wait for professionals to arrive.

The single most important thing you can do: call a certified restoration company immediately. Every hour matters. TMaso Restoration responds 24/7 — we can be on-site fast anywhere in Florida.

5 Signs You Have Mold — Even If You Can't See It

In Florida's year-round heat and humidity, mold doesn't need much of an invitation. It can grow inside walls, under flooring, and behind cabinets — completely out of sight — while causing serious health issues and structural damage. Here are five warning signs that mold may be hiding in your home.

1. A musty or earthy smell. This is often the first clue. If a room smells musty even after cleaning, mold is likely present somewhere — even if you can't find it visually.

2. Unexplained health symptoms. Persistent sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, headaches, or worsening asthma — especially at home but not elsewhere — can be signs of mold exposure. Children and elderly family members are especially sensitive.

3. Recent water damage that wasn't fully dried. If you had a leak, flood, or high humidity event and didn't have it professionally dried, mold may have taken hold within 48 hours — even if the surface looks dry now.

4. Discoloration on walls or ceilings. Water stains, dark spots, or areas that look slightly fuzzy or discolored can indicate mold growth behind the surface. Don't assume it's just a cosmetic issue.

5. Peeling paint or warping surfaces. Moisture trapped behind walls causes paint to bubble and wood to warp. If you're seeing this without an obvious cause, mold may be the culprit.

If you're seeing any of these signs, don't wait. Our certified mold inspectors can test your air quality and find mold anywhere it's hiding — then remediate it safely.

Florida Hurricane Season Prep: What Homeowners Need to Do Now

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 — and Florida knows better than anyone that preparation isn't optional. The good news: most storm damage is preventable or significantly reducible with the right steps taken before a storm hits. Here's your practical pre-season checklist.

Inspect your roof. Your roof is your home's first line of defense. Have it professionally inspected before hurricane season. Look for missing or damaged shingles, gaps around vents and chimneys, and any signs of wear. A small repair now costs a fraction of what storm damage will.

Clean your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters during heavy rain cause water to back up and seep under your roof — creating water damage and mold even without a direct hit.

Trim trees and secure loose items. Overhanging branches and outdoor furniture become projectiles in high winds. Trim trees near your home and have a plan for securing or storing anything that's not anchored.

Know your insurance coverage. Review your homeowner's policy before you need it. Understand your deductible, what's covered for wind versus flood, and how to file a claim. Many people discover coverage gaps after a storm — when it's too late.

Have a restoration company's number saved. After a major storm, certified restoration companies get overwhelmed with calls. Having a relationship with a trusted company before the storm hits means you're at the front of the line. Save our number now: (855) 627-MASO.

Why Using One Company for Restoration AND Rebuild Saves You Time and Money

Most homeowners don't realize until it's too late: most restoration companies are not licensed to rebuild. They clean up the damage and then leave you to find a general contractor on your own — often during one of the most stressful periods of your life.

Here's what that typically means in practice: two separate companies, two separate contracts, two separate insurance claims, scheduling conflicts between teams, and a gap period where your home sits unfinished while you coordinate. It adds weeks — sometimes months — to your recovery timeline.

The TMaso difference: We are both a certified restoration company AND a licensed General Contractor. That means when the water is extracted and the smoke is cleared, our construction team picks up exactly where the restoration team left off. No handoffs. No waiting. One point of contact for everything — including your insurance company.

For insurance purposes, having one company handle everything also simplifies the claims process significantly. Your adjuster works with one team, one estimate, and one timeline. Claims get processed faster, and you spend less time on the phone.

If you're in the middle of a restoration project with another company and feeling frustrated by the transition to rebuild — call us. We step in where others leave off.