Watch Out For Water Damage!

Water damage can be a major problem for homeowners and businesses. It can cause damage to buildings, furniture, and personal belongings and can even be a health hazard if not dealt with properly. 

What Is Water Damage & How Does It Occur? 

Water damage results from excess water in a building or on a property. This can happen for various reasons, including leaks in the roof, walls, or plumbing, heavy rain or flooding, and even things like overflowing sinks or bathtubs. When water enters a structure and remains there for a notable period of time, it can cause damage to the building materials and furnishings and create an ideal environment for the growth of mold and other harmful bacteria.

If you suspect that you have water damage in your home or business, it’s essential to take action quickly to minimize the damage and prevent further problems.

What Are The Types Of Water Damage?

There are several types of water damage, including clean water, grey water, and black water. 

• Clean water is water that comes from a clean source, such as a broken pipe or a leaking faucet. 
• Grey water is water that may contain some contaminants, such as soap or detergent, but is not necessarily harmful to humans. 
• Black water is water that is contaminated and may contain harmful bacteria, such as sewage.

It’s important to act quickly in the event of water damage, as the longer the water remains, the more damage it can cause. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency services and why we will send a fully-certified team member out, and they will be on-site in 30 minutes or less.

Stop The Water

The first step…stop the source of the water, if possible. For example, if the water is coming from a plumbing issue, such as a leak or broken pipe, turn off the water supply to stop the flow. If the water is coming from a natural disaster, such as a flood or storm, you should wait for the water to recede before entering the affected area.

Assess The Damage

Next, you should assess the damage. Once the water has been stopped, it’s crucial to assess the damage and determine the best course of action. This may involve removing standing water, drying out the affected area, and cleaning and disinfecting any affected surfaces. It’s also important to remove any damaged items, as they may not be salvageable.

Determine The Extent Of The Damage

Determine the extent of the damage by looking for visible signs of water damage, such as water stains on walls, floors, or ceilings, as well as any mold or mildew growth. You should also check for damage to personal belongings, such as clothes, books, or electronics.

Document The Damage

It is essential to thoroughly document the damage by taking photographs, video walkthroughs, and making a list of affected items. This will be helpful when filing an insurance claim or seeking financial assistance. In addition, if you have any valuable items that have been damaged by water, it’s important to try and salvage them as soon as possible.  

Get The Most Out Of Your Insurance

As one of the preferred vendors with many of the insurance companies in Florida, iMold is uniquely suited to assist with your insurance claim. 

While every insurance policy offers varying degrees of water damage coverage, most cover damage where the cause of loss was “sudden and accidental.” This includes water damage from burst pipes, sink or tub overflow, toilet or sewage backups, and water intrusion from a window or roof breach. However, water damage can also appear gradually and quietly, damaging building materials and furnishings with mold or unusual warping. When this happens, most insured people file a water damage claim and expect their coverage to apply.

Insurance claim experts at iMold are here to help get you the most out of your coverage for the damage the water caused to your home!

Prevent Water Damage

Preventing water damage is the best way to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of repairing and restoring a home or building. There are several steps homeowners and building owners can take to prevent water damage:

• Fix leaks and plumbing problems promptly
• Install a sump pump and/or backflow valve to prevent flooding
• Inspect and maintain roofing and gutter systems
• Keep gutters and downspouts cleaned out and in good repair
• Consider installing flood prevention devices, such as floodgates or flood-barriers

By taking steps to prevent water damage and by being prepared for a disaster, homeowners and building owners can help protect their properties and reduce the risk of costly repairs.

Work With The Experts

If you experience water damage, it’s important to work with a professional restoration company that has experience in dealing with it. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to properly assess the damage, remove standing water, dry out the affected area, and clean and repair any damaged surfaces. Working with a professional restoration company to ensure that the damage is properly addressed and repaired is an absolute must!

As the premier water damage expert in Southwest Florida, iMold has you covered. We’re a specialized team of water damage repair, structural dry-out, and mold removal experts. We will assist you during the entire remediation process. Our experienced team values the importance of protecting your home and your family, so we work quickly and safely to get your home dried out and mold-free.

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