Water damage has been identified as one of the leading causes of homeowners filing property damage claims in Florida. Water damage is a home emergency that requires immediate attention. Damage caused by an emergency can pose a health risk to residents of the affected home. It can also result in significant financial loss if extensive water damage has occurred or if the insurance company does not cover water damage restoration services.

Here are 8 steps you can take to ease your risk when water damage occurs:

1. Make sure everyone is safe and away from the damage

Get children and pets out of the house and to safety. If there is storm damage, seek professional assistance if necessary. Close off the affected areas and leave windows open to ensure adequate ventilation. As you prepare to clean up, put on protective gear. Make sure you’re wearing gloves, gumboots, and a respirator. You’ll need these, especially if you’re going to be removing standing water.

2. Turn off the main power and find the water source

To avoid electrocution or potential fire, it is best to turn off the main power source. When you discover water damage, act quickly. Find the source after that. Remember to wear protective clothing when doing so.

A leaking pipe, a burst pipe, water leaks, faulty appliances such as washing machines or water heaters, exposed water supply lines, septic tank overflow, gutter and drain clogging, or major causes such as a flood can all cause water damage. Take the necessary precautions and call for assistance as needed, depending on the cause.

3. Assess damage

Assessing the extent of water damage will assist you in filing insurance claims. It will help you decide how to proceed with the water damage repairs. Take photographs to demonstrate this to your insurance company. A water damage inspection company may be required to thoroughly assess the damage. They can determine if there is severe damage, such as structural damage, which could lead to structural issues.

Having a professional inspect the damage allows for an accurate estimate of what needs to be repaired. Submitting a report from such a company to insurance companies increases your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

4. Call the insurance company

Check your homeowners’ insurance policy to see if your insurer covers water and flood damage. You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you are renting, inquire with the property owner about insurance.

You are more likely to have insurance if you own a business. Keep a list of all damaged property, as well as receipts for supplies and services used. Keep all receipts if you had to stay in a motel or hotel due to the damage.

5. Rescue valuable possessions

Make certain that all of your valuables are removed from the affected area. Keep money, jewelry, and portable electronics such as laptops, tablets, and phones away from the damaged area. If any of the items are damaged and have significant damage, check your insurance, and make sure to document the damage so that you can file an insurance claim.

6. Clean up and check for further damage

It’s time to clean up after making sure everyone and everything is safe and documenting the damage. The first step in cleaning up is to get rid of any standing water. As previously stated, always wear protective gear when doing this. When cleaning up, keep children and pets away and close off the flood zone. If you have a flooded basement, you may require assistance.

To avoid damage, remove wet materials as soon as possible. Dry any metal surfaces to prevent corrosion, and air dry any wooden furniture to prevent water damage. Check for wet flooring, and be especially vigilant if the water damage is minor. There is a greater possibility of missing mold growth. If you have severe water damage, you should think about hiring a water damage cleanup team.

You may have to wait more than a week after cleaning up to begin repairs. This time can be used to inspect for additional damage and to allow the drying process to complete. Look for other signs of water damage in crawl spaces, ceilings, and air ducts.

7. Repair

You can now plan and begin your repair after you have cleaned up, allowed everything to dry, and assessed the damage. The first week of water damage repair could reveal structural issues caused by the water damage. It is best to seek professional water damage restoration services if you have significant water damage. Professional water damage restoration will make the restoration process easier.

 

 

A project manager will be assigned by such professionals to ensure that your property is properly restored. Professionals can also detect and remove any mold that may be present. Mold is toxic, and getting rid of it should be your top priority. They will locate any hidden leaks and repair them for you.

8. Fortifying

Following the restoration of your Florida home, have someone come in every few weeks to check for leaks or mold. If the water damage was caused by a leak, ensure that it is repaired properly. Regularly inspect your pipe to avoid a sewer backup or pipe burst to protect your property from future damage. To prevent mold, replace any frozen pipes and, if possible, install floor fans. If you have a faulty pipe or appliance, have routine water removal performed.

Looking For Water Damage Restoration At Home?

When it comes to dealing with water damage, remember the titans. Titan Restoration Construction assists in the repair and restoration of water damage. If you have recently suffered water damage, contact us for repair and restoration. We will comb through every crevice to ensure that no mold remains.

We can handle your fire damage restoration, remodeling, and general construction needs in addition to water and mold damage repair. We welcome you with the assurance that your work will be completed on time, to your specifications, and to a high standard, all while staying within your budget.

Contact us at 561-763-4978 to schedule an appointment for more information on how to protect your property from water damage.