Flood Damage

One of the best ways to prepare for flood damage is to make sure you have the proper insurance from a highly rated company. Check with your insurance company to find out if you need a separate rider for flood damage. Ask about flood damage from storms, heavy rain, burst pipes and sewage backups. Ask about benefits for temporary housing in the event that your home becomes uninhabitable. Asking questions in advance and making it clear what coverage you are looking for will help you tremendously when and if the time comes to put in a claim.

When a flood occurs, that is not the time to go hunting for your insurance information and other important papers. You will need ready access to your insurance policy and the phone number to call for initiating a claim. Keep your insurance policy in a safe and accessible location along with other important documents. Some insurance companies have a list of approved water damage cleanup providers who follow strict flood classification protocols that safeguard the consumer from unnecessary demolition. When water damage expenses are covered and approved vendors are used, 100% of their fees are covered and paid directly by the insurance company.

The type and cause of flood damage will determine the correct steps to take when and if you experience a flood. When floods result from severe weather, it may not be safe to remain in the property. Be sure to follow evacuation directives from community officials. When there is significant flooding from any source, it is recommended that you turn the water off from the main shut off valve. Then contact your insurance company. A reputable certified water damage cleanup provider will identify the source of the damage and help you to get access to quality specialty contractors who will correct the underlying cause.

If the flood occurs from heavy rain, a tropical storm, tornado or hurricane, it may not be safe to remain in the property. Be sure to follow evacuation directives from community officials. It is recommended that you turn the water off from the main shut off valve. Then proceed to a nearby shelter or find other suitable accommodations. Even if you are unsure about storm coverage, contact your insurance company. In the event of extreme weather conditions, sometimes you will be entitled to additional financial help when your area is declared to be in a state of emergency.

Flooding from extreme weather conditions is classified as the most severe. Flood water is assumed to be contaminated with microbial organisms that can cause serious illness. It also provides an ideal breeding ground for toxic mold. For these reasons, properties immersed in flood water from extreme weather require full mitigation with demolition, mold remediation and restoration before they can be reoccupied.

A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that should be handled immediately by a reputable and trustworthy plumber. A burst pipe may be obvious or behind building structures where the source of water damage is hidden from view. Evidence of a flood may be discovered after receipt of an enormous water bill that prompts investigation. Until the source of the flood and water damage can be determined, the first initial step is to turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and call a plumber. Then contact your insurance company and initiate a claim. The final step is to call a reputable water damage, mold remediation, and restoration company.

Rapid response to a broken pipe can greatly reduce catastrophic damage, preventing the need for extensive remediation and restoration. A broken pipe with clean water is classified as a category 1 flood. If managed within 48 hours through proper extraction, drying and dehumidification, building structures, furniture and other personal items can often be saved. Rapid burst pipe cleanup is the best way to prevent the formation and spread of mold that can be harmful to health and will require costly and extensive repairs, remediation and restoration.

Floods from the backup of sewage are one of the most serious. They occur when water enters your home through the pipes from sewer or drainage systems. Even if the water appears clean, it is dirty water, filled with microbes that pose serious health risks and can rapidly promote the growth of toxic mold.

A sewage backup cleanup requires a plumber, preferably one certified in the management of backups. Be cautious however in allowing your plumber to assist you in obtaining water damage repair services to remove the flood water. Unethical water damage companies are known to pay kickbacks to plumbers who get them involved in the sewage backup cleanup. These providers are known to overcharge and exploit homeowners with extensive demolition that may not be needed.

It is always best to contact your insurance company and ask them who they recommend. They may offer to send someone to your property and cover 100% of the cost. Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations is one of only a few water damage service providers recommended by insurance companies because of our quality and ethical practices.

Professional cleanups for all floods, big and small is highly recommended to prevent the formation and spread of mold in dark, hidden areas with poor ventilation. Areas behind cabinets, baseboards and under flooring is virtually impossible to access and adequately dry and dehumidify through conventional methods. Without proper drying and removal of moisture, water can also result in irreversible structural damage. Within 48-72 hours, Mold begins to grow and rapidly spreads to other areas of your home. Hiring a water damage repair professional can be a relatively minor expense to prevent catastrophic damage when left untreated.

Water damage repair services are performed by a state licensed, insured and certified contractor to assure safe, quality and appropriate intervention. Water damage repair can consist of extraction, structural drying, and repair and/or replacement of affected building structures, appliances, and materials. It also includes cleaning to restore water damaged furniture, draperies, carpets, tile flooring, and personal property.

The following are IICRC classifications are used to define safe and appropriate protocols for the management of flood damage:

• Category 1 floods involve clean water with the flood within 48 hours. In these cases, drying and dehumidification methods can be used to restore building structures, furniture and personal property.
• Category 2 floods involve fresh water from a washing machine, sink or toilet within 48 hours. In these cases, water damaged sheet rock and baseboards are removed.  Cabinets and solid wood furniture can often be saved.
• Category 3 floods involve outside water such as from a sewer backup or fresh water after 48 hours. In these cases, the presence of microbial growth dictates a full demolition of all removable building structures and removal of personal property affected.
• Category 4 floods involve toxic waste in which bacteria and toxic mold are assumed. Flood damage resulting from severe weather in which there is overflow from water tables is classified as a category 4 flood. In such cases all removable structures and personal property is removed and discarded.