The adverse effects of water damage to your home in the event of a flood or other type of disaster can be devastating, especially if the damage is left untreated for any length of time. Regardless of the original cause of the water damage, mould, fungus, and serious structural problems due to rotting are all common after effects that will need taken care of immediately.
The Different Types of Water That Cause Damage
The type of restoration services needed will depend on which type of water did the damage, either clean, black, or gray. Although "clean water," which would include instances of a pipe bursting in the home or a tub overflowing, isn't as dangerous as flood water, often called "black water," potential problems may still occur.
Lesson 1: Cardboard boxes are not waterproof
Not only do cardboard boxes allow water to seep in and damage their contents, but they also permit the growth of mold. Instead, storing your possessions in airtight plastic containers keeps everything safer and makes cleanup much easier.
Lesson 2: Store your valuables off the floor
All items - especially furniture - should be stored at least one foot off the floor. Place everything on top of blocks or some other structure to keep it out of reach of water seepage.
You might also consider keeping your irreplaceable photos, documents and memorabilia elsewhere in the house. Flood damaged books and wet documents can be restored, but it makes more sense to stash them somewhere less prone to water leakage.
Lesson 3: Time is of the essence
Wet books, documents and boxes are the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold can grow rapidly, especially in a high-humidity environment, and it can be a health hazard as well as a threat to your property. It's important to dry out all your belongings as quickly as possible.
If you plan to call in professionals to help restore wet documents and water damaged photos, the first 24 hours are crucial. In many cases, your damaged documents can be recovered if you respond quickly. When seeking the help of water damage restoration professionals, keep in mind that if your basement has flooded, it's likely other people are facing the same catastrophe. Act immediately to ensure the fastest service possible.
Lesson 4: Keep fans and a dehumidifier handy
Once the water is pumped out or mopped up, proper air circulation is essential to dry out your basement and prevent mold growth. Ventilating the area with extra fans will help tremendously with the drying process. A dehumidifier is also a good idea for reducing the amount of moisture in the air.
Lesson 5: Add flood prevention to your seasonal to-do list
A few simple checks can help prevent disaster from striking. Make it a priority to examine your pipes each season, particularly when heading into winter, and perform any necessary weatherization. It is also a good idea to monitor your rain gutters to make sure they aren't getting clogged.
Another example illustrates how states restrict certain types of water damage claims. In Texas, an insurance company cannot raise your insurance premiums or deny coverage for an appliance-related water damage claim if the following two conditions have been met:
• The damage was properly repaired and remediated
• The damage repair/remediation was inspected and certified
However, if three or more appliance-related water damage claims are filed in three years, then the insurance company can increase your premiums or deny coverage.
So, which claims should you pay out of pocket?
• Any claims that fall below your deductible amount
• Any claims that you can reasonably afford to pay that could potentially raise red flags with your insurance company
Which claims should you submit to your insurance company?
• Any claims above your deductible amount that are protected from rate increases under your state's insurance laws
• Major claims where extensive repairs are necessary and paying out of pocket isn't reasonable.
Since it's advisable to pay many water damage claims out of pocket, consider raising your insurance deductible to 00 or more and receive the benefit of a large premium decrease. Put these savings into an emergency account for out-of-pocket repairs
Resource Author Francisco Rodriguez H.
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