Knowing the causes of water damage will help homeowners avoid problems.
Did you know water damage is the second most common home insurance claim? Nearly 14,000 United States residents file a water damage claim every day. This amounts to approximately one in 60 insured residential properties per year.
What are the causes of water damage?
What sort of issues may arise with water damage?
What goes into repairing and restoring water damage?
What should you do to prevent water damage?
And why is it important to let a professional handle the cleanup, restoration, and storm damage repair services?
These are all excellent questions that homeowners should have answers to
Continue reading below to learn more about the causes of water damage and the answers to these questions.
Common causes of water damage
It’s important to understand the common causes of water damage. Let’s examine them more closely.
- Weather-related events could include heavy rainfall, property grading and flooding issues, and snowmelt, leading to storm damage repair services.
- Plumbing issues — These include burst pipes, leaking pipes, and overflowing toilets and drains, which may result in water damage.
- Appliance failure — Washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers, ice machines, and refrigerators are wonderful inventions, but malfunctions may lead to water damage.
- Foundational crack — A crack in a property’s foundation could let water in and cause damage.
- Roof leaks — Poorly maintained or damaged roofs may allow water to penetrate into the home.
- Humidity and condensation — High humidity leads to moisture buildup, which may damage ceilings, floors, and walls.
- Poorly sealed doors and windows — Without proper sealing for windows and doors, water easily seeps into a home during heavy rain or snow.
Issues that may arise due to water damage
Water damage may result in structural issues, such as collapsed ceilings, weakened foundations, and unstable walls. It might also result in safety and health hazards (such as mold and bacteria growth) and electrical risks.
Water damage can also have financial repercussions, such as decreased property value and extensive repairs. That’s not to mention the aesthetic issues, such as warped floors and peeling paint.
As you can see, there are lots of problems caused by water damage. It’s very important to prevent water damage in your home to avoid costly issues. The question is, how do you prevent that damage? Let’s take a closer look.
How to prevent water damage
Regular maintenance checks, promptly addressing repairs, and identifying signs of damage will save property owners time and money in the long run.
Staying on top of regular maintenance and conducting frequent home inspections will help you avoid water damage issues. This involves inspecting your gutter system and roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles, checking home appliances to ensure all is functioning correctly, and examining visible plumbing fixtures and pipes for leaks or signs of damage.
Homeowners should consider installing a sump pump to prevent flooding by pumping water away from the property’s foundation. Additionally, when appliances become old, outdated, or otherwise damaged, consider upgrading to newer, more energy-efficient models that are less likely to leak.
Property owners should exercise caution when undertaking a DIY project. While a do-it-yourself project may be appealing, these tasks, especially when they involve plumbing and other water systems, may not pan out as imagined. It is often best to call in a professional to reduce the risk of something going wrong during an already stressful situation.
Lastly, homeowners should be prepared for the worst. Do you know the location of your property’s main water shut-off valve in an emergency? You can install water detection devices that alert you to leaks and other water damage in your property.
Taking these simple steps to prevent these accidents in your home could help you avoid issues like mold from water damage and all the associated costs and headaches accompanying it.
Water damage restoration: what to expect
Now that we’ve gone over the various causes of water damage and you know what to look for, you may find yourself in a situation that requires water damage or storm damage repair services. Here’s what you can expect:
Assess the damage
The first step is to assess the extent of the damage and figure out what kind of water caused the damage (clean, gray, or black water).
Extract fluids
The water must be quickly removed from the affected areas to prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could include using a pump, a wet vac, or other specialized equipment.
Dry the area
Once the water is gone, the area must be thoroughly dried using fans, dehumidifiers, or other industrial drying equipment to prevent mold from water damage.
Clean and disinfect
The affected area must also be cleaned and disinfected to prevent mold and bacteria from growing further. This could involve removing damaged sections and cleaning various surfaces with antimicrobial agents.
Repair and rebuild
Once the area has been dried and disinfected, it’s time for repairs, reconstruction, and remediation, if necessary. This includes repairing damaged floors, ceilings, and walls, and replacing damaged furniture and other items.
Final inspection
Once the area has been restored, a final inspection should ensure the area is safe and free of mold and other contaminants that could harm humans and pets.
It’s important to note that trained, certified professionals should handle water damage restoration and storm damage repair services.
6 reasons to let the professionals handle your water damage
There are several reasons why homeowners should hire professionals to handle water damage restoration. Here’s what you need to know:
Unmatched expertise
Professional water damage restoration specialists and companies have the experience and expertise to handle all types and sizes of water damage. They also have the necessary equipment, products, and training to handle water extraction, drying, sanitation, and restoration safely, effectively, and to code.
Safety
Protective clothing, such as masks, suits, gloves, and goggles, should be worn throughout various stages of a water damage restoration project. Professional restoration companies have the necessary protective equipment and gear to face these risks safely.
Health
Mold from water damage is a real risk. Water-damaged spaces may pose health and safety risks to homeowners and anyone on the property, especially when viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens contaminate the water. Professionals know how to handle the contamination.
Prevent further water damage to the property
Water damage can quickly spread, causing further damage if the project is handled improperly. Professional restoration companies will work quickly to assess the extent of damage before further damage can occur. Someone DIY-ing the project may not be able to work so swiftly.
Reduce mold growth
It’s not uncommon for water damage to lead to mold growth, especially when it’s not properly stopped. Professional restoration teams have the means necessary for mold remediation, ensuring a safe environment.
Insurance
Many homeowners’ insurance policies require a certified, licensed, and insured company to handle any water damage restoration. If you handle it yourself, your insurance company could deny your claim.
Professional restoration companies will often work with your insurance company to ensure proper claim filing and processing, and that you receive the coverage you are entitled to.
Contact Total Flood and Fire Restoration for water damage
Water damage has many causes, but regardless of the reason, swift action is crucial.
Hiring a trusted professional restoration company to handle your water damage repair ensures that your home or business is restored to its original state, safely, effectively, and efficiently.Total Flood and Fire Restoration is Utah’s leading restoration company, making us your best choice for water damage restoration, storm damage repair, fire and smoke damage, and more. Our team is available 24/7 in Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah Counties. Contact Total Flood and Fire today to schedule your restoration project or with any questions you may have.
