Imagine opening the door to your home and finding yourself ankle-deep in flood water. Maybe you have water damage from a burst pipe or a flood from your hot water heater, dishwater, or washing machine. If this is happening to you, there are probably many questions that you are asking yourself. What should I do first? How do I get the water out? How do I find the source of the water and stop it from doing more damage? Does my homeowner’s insurance include coverage for water damage repairs? How long do I have before mold starts to grow and spread?
In this article, we will explain why water damage repairs should be performed immediately and professionally, what actions are needed and in what order to safeguard your property, prevent mold damage, and restore your home at the lowest cost and in the shortest time possible. We will also help you to find a reputable water damage contractor in Southwest Florida who will immediately inspect your property, analyze the water damage problem, give you a quote, take essential actions right away, and deal directly with your insurance to maximize your allowable claim benefit.
Maybe you’re thinking that you can handle the water damage yourself. But before you get your mop out and start soaking the water up with a stockpile of towels, here’s what you need to know about water damage.
Minutes, Hours and Days After Water Damage
Within Minutes
- Water spreads to other areas and rapidly increases the scope and cleanup of the damage.
- Dyes released from furniture discolor carpet.
- Drywall and base molding absorb water rapidly.
Within Hours
- Furniture begins to delaminate, split or swell.
- Pressboard swells and disintegrates
- Bacterial odor develops.
Within Days
- Fungus begins to appear with a musty odor.
- Metal surfaces begin to rust.
- Respiratory health problems can occur.
- Water damaged contents can’t be salvaged.
- Damage costs escalate.
Actions to Take Immediately to Minimize Damage and Costs
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Find the outdoor shutoff value and cut the water supply to your property.
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If the water is coming from an obvious plumbing source, call a reputable plumber.
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Contact your insurance company to initiate a claim.
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Call a reputable water damage contractor.
How to Find the Source of the Water
Sometimes the source is obvious like a burst pipe under your sink or flooding from an appliance or hot water heater. But sometimes the pipe is hidden behind walls or other building structures. Sometimes the source is from a leaking roof which can impact your attic, ceilings, and structures behind drywall. A professional water damage company will help you to accurately determine the source and bring in a roofer or plumber when appropriate.
How to Get the Water Out of Your Property
Professional extraction methods from a professional water damage contractor are the best way to effectively remove large quantities of water. Even relatively small and contained floods are best managed by professionals who identify all sources of the water damage and address standing water as well as moisture behind building structures. In the case of a flood from a dirty water source like your sewer or stormwater runoff, keep in mind that the water is contaminated with bacteria that can easily spread through your mop and towels.
Even when the visible water is removed, moisture is wicked up rapidly and penetrates cabinets, drywall, baseboards, and flooring. This is why commercial dehumidification and drying equipment is so important to minimize permanent damage and mold growth.
How Long it Takes Before Mold Grows
Even in a clean water flood, mold can begin to grow within 72 hours. Mold grows best in dark, warm, moist conditions and that is why rapid extraction, drying and dehumidification are so important.
Homeowners Insurance and Water Damage
Homeowners insurance coverage varies widely from one company to the next. It may provide coverage for some types of water damage and not others. The best action is to assume you are covered and contact your insurance company as quickly as possible – day or night. Reputable water damage companies are accustomed to working with insurance claims on your behalf. When insurance is provided with a detailed analysis of the damage and repairs needed, you are much more likely to be approved for the maximum allowable benefits of your policy.
How to Find a Water Damage Contractor You Can Trust
Not all companies providing water damage and mold remediation services are the same. Many are not licensed, certified or capable of restoring your property to its pre-loss condition. Most are not experienced general contractors who can add value to your property through custom remodeling at the time of restoration.
Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup and Restorations is a fully licensed, IICRC certified and insured general contractor in Florida. For more than three decades, our experience, training, and values for integrity, quality, and dependable services have made us a respected water, mold, fire damage, and restoration company. From drying your carpets to performing a full house restoration and remodeling after a major loss, Armstrong is a full-service contractor you can trust.
Unlike some of our competitors, we follow IICRC standards to assure safe and appropriate practices. This means that customers are not overcharged for unnecessary and costly demolition and restoration of their property. We are one of a few trusted residential contractors for water damage, mold remediation, and restoration services by leading homeowner insurance companies.
We respond 24/7 within a 2-hour response time to water damage and mold service calls within Southwest Florida. The inspection and estimate are free. We stand behind all of our work with an unconditional guarantee for quality, workmanship and dependable service. If you are looking for one-stop total peace of mind service, call us.
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