Water Damage Emergencies Start Small and Lead To Large Expensive Repairs
Water damage can happen at any time, and often when you least expect it. A small drip from a leaky faucet can cause major damage to your home if left unaddressed. And if a storm hits, the resulting floods can lead to even more extensive repairs.
That's why it's important to be prepared for water damage emergencies, big and small. Here are some tips to help you clean up and repair the damage:
1. Act quickly: The sooner you start cleaning up the water, the less damage will be done. So don't wait - get started right away.
2. Shut off the water source: If possible, shut off the water source that is causing the flooding. This will help prevent further damage.
3. Remove excess water: Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water as possible.
4. Clean and disinfect: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all affected areas.
5. Dry out the area: Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the area completely.
6. Repair any damaged items: If any of your belongings have been damaged by the water, start the repair process as soon as possible.
Water damage can be a major disaster, but with quick action and proper cleanup, you can minimize the damage and get your home back to normal in no time.
Insurance Restoration Companies Follow Repair Guidelines Dictated By Insurance Adjusters
After a water damage or flooding event, it is critical that restoration companies follow the guidelines set forth by insurance adjusters. Many times, insurance companies will deny claims because the repair work was not done to their standards.
Some of the key things that insurance companies look for when approving or denying claims are:
1. The type of water that caused the damage: There are three types of water - clean, grey, and black. Clean water is from a clean source like a faucet or toilet tank. Greywater is from a dirty source like a dishwasher or washing machine. Blackwater is from a sewage backup or floodwaters and is the most dangerous.
2. The amount of time the area was wet: The longer an area is wet, the more time mold has to grow. Insurance companies typically only cover mold damage if the area was wet for less than 48 hours.
3. The amount of damage: The more extensive the damage, the more likely it is that insurance will deny the claim.
4. The type of item damaged: Some items, like electronics, are very expensive to replace and may not be covered by insurance.
5. The cause of the damage: If the water damage was caused by something within your home, like a leaking pipe, you may be responsible for the repairs. But if the damage was caused by something outside of your control, like a storm, you may be covered.