Three Phases of Water and Damages They Cause

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Three Phases of Water

Water may possibly be the most powerful element in the universe.  It is comprised of two hydrogen molecules and a single molecule of oxygen.  This tiny molecular structure is essential to all forms of life.  The human body is made up of mostly water and humans can only survive three days without it.  The earth has more water than land.  Water has the ability to exist in three phases: Gas, Liquid and Solid.  Each of these phases is vital to the ecosystem.  Water in each of its phases has the power of creation, as in life sustaining, as well as the power of destruction.  The force of water, as a destructive force, has a direct relationship to homeowners and the restoration industry.

• Gaseous phase: When water evaporates, the process by which water as a liquid becomes a gas, it has a direct relationship to humidity.  The meteorologist will often discuss the concept of dew point, when the air reaches its saturation point, and rain is produced.  In an internal environment the same thing can occur when windows sweat.  Also, if the internal humidity inside the home is not properly regulated, the conditions conducive for mold growth occur.  This can occur when the HVAC unit is not working properly or there is excessive moisture due to a leak in the home that causes a high rate of evaporation. 
• Solid: Water in its solid phase can be extremely destructive during a hail storm causing damage to roofs and cars.  Water frozen inside a pipe or sprinkler line will expand and burst the pipe.  When the line thaws out the burst pipe will result in water damage.  When ice backs up underneath the roof shingles, the result will be ice damning which will result in water damage as well.
• Liquid Phase: The most common form of water is its liquid phase.  In nature heavy rains can cause flooding and water intrusion inside structures when accompanied by wind. 

Although each phase of water can have a destructive impact on property, have no fear- your local SERVPRO franchise is here to make it "Like it never even happened."