When water seeps into a property it can cause a myriad of problems – from ruining flooring and furniture to sagging ceilings and peeling paint. A home that has been damaged by water will need to be completely gutted and rebuilt, which can be an extensive process. There are several steps you can take to protect your home from water damages, including selecting materials that are resistant to moisture, and caulking around windows and doors.
But before that, here are a few things you should do before, during, and after a storm that causes water damages.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After a water-related disaster, contacting your insurance company is important for two reasons.
First, calling an insurance company will ensure that your home is covered for any damages.
Second, you will be able to get help with filing a claim, making a list of damaged items, and providing documentation. If you are not sure whether or not your home is insured under your policy, the insurance company can help you figure this out.
Turn Off The Power
The home should be turned off after it has sustained water damages to prevent electricity from traveling through wet wires. If water damages the home’s power system, the risk of electrocution is increased due to the damp environment.
Document All The Damages
The goal of documenting all the damages the water has caused is to make the insurance company aware of what should be covered by their policy. Without providing a list, it is hard to know what damages will be covered and which ones will not. If the insurance company does not want to cover certain damages, then they will need to be documented in case they overlook this detail or try to deny it for coverage later.
Contact a Roofing and Water Damage Restoration Team
You should call a water damage restoration team after your home suffers from water damages because they can help you to get your property back to its original condition. A property with water damage is not only unsightly, it is also unsafe for people to live in, has a high risk of mold growth, and can lead to permanent structural damage. The water restoration company will send an expert crew to assess the damage and start working on getting all of the water removed.
Dry Your Home and Remove Humidity
It is important to dry your home and remove humidity before initiating water damage repairs, because moisture can cause mold to grow, which has health risks. It’s also important to take care of the moisture before it can cause mold to grow, which can lead to respiratory problems.
Remove Mold From Your Home
Mold spores are a major concern when it comes to home water damage. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on almost any organic material, including wet carpets, insulation, drywall, and wood. When water from a flood or leak comes into contact with the mold spores, it will quickly begin to grow. The growth can become a major problem in the home. It will cause extensive damage to the home and create a health hazard.
List The Items For Restoration
Listing the items for restoration can help your insurance claim improve because it allows you to both explain the scope of the damage and make a list of items that need to be replaced. This list shows your insurance company that you were able to document and account for all of your possessions, which can help your claim.
Wait Until You Can Move Back Home
The best option is to wait until the water damage specialists tell you that you can move back home. The reason for this is that it is difficult to know if the area is now safe without the help of a professional. The EPA says that mold spores can remain in the air for up to six weeks after the water has been removed and cleaned and the house dried out. The team will be able find and remove any contamination and tell you when it is safe to move back in.
You can always count on us at Paramount Roofing and Consulting to help you through the tough challenges you’ll face when claiming water damage and roofing insurance. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.