Answering Your Top 10 Water Damage Questions
Water damage in your home can be sudden. Most people have not experienced a situation like it before. There are often many questions about water damage:
What does water damage do to my home?
Can I clean it myself?
What’s the restoration process like?
To answer these and other water damage questions, we have compiled a list of the top 10 questions customers have asked us about water damage, its effects and what you can do to reduce the risk.
CAN WATER DAMAGE BE PREVENTED?
Actually, no. There’s not much you can do to reduce the risk of experiencing water damage in your home. It is often sudden and can come from anywhere. However, preparing for a water damage situation can prevent long-term water damage.
Know how and where to shut off the water to the home and conduct regular checks throughout your home. If you live in a high-risk area for flooding, look into buying flood insurance. Most water restoration companies will work with your insurance company and help you file a claim.
HOW DOES WATER DAMAGE AFFECT MY HOME?
The effects can range from light to severe:
Drywall can disintegrate
Wood will begin to swell, warp or rot
Paint can bubble or peel
Carpets will start to delaminate or grow mold
Electrical items and outlets can malfunction and become a fire or shock hazard
If the water is contaminated, there is a serious health threat. Do not come in contact with the area. Call a water damage restoration professional immediately.
HOW DO I CHECK FOR SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE IN MY HOME?
How To Check WallsLook out for water stains and cracks on the walls and ceilings, as well as around window and door frames. A wall that has water damage will look as if it’s swollen and feels soft when touched.
How to Check FloorsWarping or buckling of your floors is the first thing to look for. Stains or wetness on a floor and a moldy smell are also key indicators of water damage.
How to Check PipesInspect all pipes that are present in the home (bathrooms, kitchen, basement, etc.) and make sure connections are tight and mold free. Check water heaters for rust residue and wets spots.
How to Check BasementWater that is present in the basement is the main cause of damage to your furniture, flooring, and walls. Look for rust, mold, cracks, odors, stains, and dampness.
How to Check AtticLook for leaks, mold, and stains with careful inspection of the area where the two roof planes meet. Make sure the insulation is dry and in good condition.
How to Check ExteriorCheck to see if the roof has missing or damaged shingles. Be aware of any standing water on your lawn. This could be a sign of poor drainage.
CAN I CLEAN UP AND DRY OUT THE WATER DAMAGE?
Beware of cleaning up water on baseboards, flooring or drywall. Although the affected area seems to be dry and damage free, the problem can go beyond surface level and can quickly become a bigger problem.
These hard-to-reach areas are the perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew to thrive in. Household shop vacuums and fans are not equipped enough to remove moisture or provide enough air movement to prevent more damage.
CAN I CALL A RESTORATION COMPANY BEFORE FILING A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE?
If you’re experiencing an emergency, call your local water damage restoration company (us!) FIRST. Immediately calling a restoration company is the first step in reducing the risk of long-term damage.
Surprisingly, many insurance companies require you to do whatever is necessary to alleviate any further damage before you call them.
IF THE INSURANCE RECOMMENDS A RESTORATION COMPANY, DO I HAVE TO USE THEM?
Definitely not. You are free to hire any restoration company that you want. The insurance companies make recommendations on water restoration companies they have worked with before on previous claims.
Usually, these water damage companies are experts when dealing directly with insurance adjusters and filing your claims.
HOW DOES A TECHNICIAN DETERMINE WHEN MY CARPETS NEED TO BE REPLACED?
Every situation is unique. In instances where your carpet has been exposed to water for a long period of time, delamination will occur. This water damage process is when the two backings that keep your carpet together begin to separate. Usually, when this starts to happen, you’ll need to replace the carpet.
If contaminated water, such as sewer or flood, is present the carpet will also need to be replaced. If your carpet is exposed to clean water, dried out and cleaned right away, then the carpets can be saved with little to no damage.
HOW DOES A RESTORATION TECHNICIAN DRY OUT THE WATER DAMAGE?
Once the water is extracted from the affected area, our technicians remove any damaged materials that cannot be salvaged.
Once this is cleared, the drying process will begin. We’ll set up our state-of-the-art dehumidifiers to remove and control moisture and humidity levels in the air.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRY OUT A STRUCTURE?
The time it takes to dry out a structure depends on how much damage there is and how long your home or office has been exposed to water.
Usually, the process lasts about two to three days to dry, but if the structure was exposed for a long period of time, it could take up to five to seven days.
WOULD I NEED TO LEAVE MY HOME DURING THE RESTORATION PROCESS? IF SO, WHY?
Depending on the extent of water damage, you may stay in your home when the restoration process is going. Do keep in mind, the equipment that is used during the process can be very noisy and cause drafts in your home. Check to see if your insurance company provides living expenses while your home is in the restoration process.
If You Have Any More Water Damage Questions, Call Us!
Do you have more questions about water damage? Regent Restoration is here to answer them. Contact us now or call us 24/7 at (214) 643-8844. We’ll provide a completely free visual inspection and estimate.
