We all know the feeling of dread when we notice water damage. It's a sobering sight to see your home filled with standing pools and soggy debris after an unfortunate event like this one has occurred, but don't let yourself feel helpless!
There are things you should do right away in order for everything else can get put back together again- stay calm while making sure nothing lost or damaged; call professionals only if necessary because their expertise will help expedite clean up time on site so that more space isn’t occupied by messy cleanup procedures.
What is considered water damage?
Water damage in a property is typically considered to be any damage that has been done as a result of water infiltration. This can include water damage from a burst pipe, water damage from a storm, or water damage from any other source.
It's water damage dangerous for the homeowners?
Water damage can be particularly dangerous for homeowners, since it undermines the structure of the house. It will often start with water seeping in underneath the visible surfaces, but when that happens, it is very likely that it penetrates the entire fabric of the house if not dealt with quickly enough.
If you notice water damage at your property, there are some things you should do immediately in order to start recovering.
Here's a list of things to do after water damage at your property:
1. Call a plumber for any visible signs of damage to pipes or drains in the foundation, walls, and even within the house itself. These could include cracks, bulges, or sagging floors and ceilings due to excessive amounts of moisture from the water seeping in.
2. Determine the extent of water damage by looking for warping or buckling in wood floors and walls, as well as checking ceilings for water stains. If any water made it into electrical sockets or outlets, turn off the power to that area and call an electrician.
3. Turn off the water pump and other water-using appliances if you can.
4. If there was a flood, check under any raised flooring for signs of mold before beginning to clean up.
5. Open doors and windows as soon as possible – this will help to let out trapped moisture and humidity.
6. Check anything that was above water after the flood for signs of warping or damage, particularly if it's a wall which will have received moisture from direct contact with standing water.
7. Start gathering gutters and downspouts, so there won't be another overflow issue- look up to check for any missing shingles as well.
8. Open up cabinets and cupboards to let out humidity and moisture; remove doors, drawers, and shelves if necessary – anything that can be saved should be dried thoroughly before being put back into service again.
9. Inspect crawl spaces to check for any telltale signs of mold, excessive moisture or discoloration.
10. Begin cleaning up all water stains and any mess you can find; move onto the next step only when everything is dry again.
11. Plan for any needed repairs or mitigation before turning on your water pump again if damage has affected it in any way.
12. If you have an insurance claim, be sure to take photos and document all the damage before starting any kind of clean-up or restoration.
It's definitely a lot to take in, but with the right steps it can be manageable. Just remember to take things slow, stay organized and be patient! With the right frame of mind and the advice of professionals, you can get your home back to its pre-flood state in no time.
You might also be interested in reading: Water Damage to your Home – How to Begin Recovering
How bad is water damage to a house?
Water damage to a house can be insidious, often seeping beneath the visible surfaces and going undetected for some time. This can lead to extensive and costly damage as the water undermines the integrity of the support structures within the walls and floors of your home. If you have experienced water damage to your property, it is important to take action immediately to start recovering from the damage.
Assess the Damage. Water Damage Inspection.
The first step is to assess the damage. Take a look at the visible surfaces and try to determine the extent of the water damage. If possible, try to locate the source of the water damage and take steps to stop it. If there is any standing water, use a pump or wet/dry vacuum to remove it.
Extent of water damage – who should I contact?
Once you have determined the extent of water damage, contact a public adjuster and a restoration company as soon as possible. If you cannot source any professional help on your own, contact your homeowners’ insurance company to see if they can recommend a reputable restoration service to assist with the cleanup and recovery process.
Water drying process – Where to start?
After you have done these first steps, it is important to begin the drying process as soon as possible. Open all the windows and doors in your house to allow for air circulation. If the weather permits, set up a fan to blow air across the wet surfaces. You can also use a dehumidifier to help remove moisture from the air.
Patience. The water damage is likely to be overwhelming.
It is important to be patient and take things one step at a time. The water damage is likely to be overwhelming, but take comfort in knowing that you can recover from this with professional help and the determination to get your life back on track.
Can you live in a house with water damage?
It may be possible to live in the house with water damage, but there are some considerations you need to take into account first. For example, if that home is on the market then you'll want to think about how this will affect potential buyers. If it's your personal residence, you should consider treating all affected materials--particularly those with mold present--before returning anyone back there after a flood.
The public adjuster and the water damage mitigation company can assist you in making the decision, after having made the corresponding inspection of your property.
How long does it take to get rid of water damage?
It's difficult to say because it can depend on the extent of damage.
The best answer would probably depend on the amount and type of water that has come into contact with your property; currently soaking carpets, beds and divans may need heavy-duty drying under the help of dehumidifiers which can take several days if not weeks depending on how severe the saturation levels are – all the passageways also needs times its own ventilation that is uninterrupted and a watertight seal.
Mold remediation can take weeks as professional have to be called in, and extensive drying takes place.
Cleaning up the aftermath of a water damage event can be a daunting task, but it's important to stay vigilant and organized if you want to make sure the job gets done right.
You might also be interested in reading: I have Mold in my Home! What should I do?
Does insurance pay for water damage?
It depends on the type of policy. A homeowner's insurance policy will provide coverage for water damage caused by covered hazards, including burst pipes and some floods, but some policies may charge large deductibles or additional premiums. Flood insurance covers damage due to excess water that overwhelms drainage systems like ditches. Policies may also be available for renters who want to insure their personal property against water damage.
You want to make sure that your property is covered, and it doesn't just matter if you're at fault. A public adjuster will help with the process of getting insurance claims settled.
What type of water damage is covered by homeowners insurance policies?
Home Insurance policy does not cover damage from gradual events like a broken pipe, mildew, or mold growth caused by moisture in the air .
If you have water leaks, your insurance company might take care of them in the event that an unexpected accident occurs on their property, but only if it is due to accidental and unplanned circumstances such as burst pipes or similar causes which happen without warning at home.
That is why you should call a public adjuster so that through inspection he can determine how to proceed with your property insurance claim.
You might also be interested in reading: Water Damage: Everything you need to know about How to file an insurance claim for water damage.
When water damage occurs, it's hard to know where to turn for help.
You may have questions about what your insurance covers or how much you can expect from the situation. No matter what caused the water damage, we're here for you.
Our team of expert public adjusters are ready and waiting to partner with you to create an insurance claim that will get your home repaired or restored in record time.
We will personally take care of all those pesky insurance claim questions and worries, leaving you unencumbered, so you can get back to your normal life as soon as possible.
Is there a cost for public adjuster inspection for water damage?
No, the inspection and consultation are completely free of charge. In fact, if you choose to have us process your property damage insurance claim, we will not charge anything until you have received payment from the insurance company to repair or restore your property.
You might also be interested in reading: How Much will a Public Adjuster Cost Me?
Let People’s Insurance Claim Center, Public Adjusters in Miami with over 20 years of experience help you make the best decision for your home and family. Call us today at 305-956-3666 to get started on your insurance claim or disaster recovery plan. Our experts are waiting to hear from you! Do you have any questions?