Can Water Damage Affect Home Equity?

As an intelligent home buyer your homes is probably the first step in a long plan for profitability and a secure future. Your home is an investment and once the mortgages have been p[aid off you own the property and can do with it what you please. You may even be able to sell a house, make a profit and move on to bigger and better things – of course, this will only happen if your house is still in good condition.

There are all kinds of evils that can befall your home and ruin its value. Termites are one of the worst and can cause a type of damage that is especially costly to repair. But, just as important is the conditions of your roof, gutters and drainage systems as the only thing potentially worse than termite damage is water damage.

Water Damage Can Absolutely Decrease Your Home’s Resale Value

When it comes to staking a claim to that fat resale value, you will need to avoid water damage like the plague. Water damage can come in all shapes and forms. The smaller disasters caused by leaky pipes and plumbing issues will not be so problematic. The damage caused here can usually be caught in time to avoid anything severe. As a rule, the faster the damage has been addressed the smaller the problem will be in the long run and the least costly the repairs.

At the other end of the scale are the larger water disasters that can seriously affect the structural integrity of your building and cost a small fortune to repair. This can be especially serious if the flooding has affected the structures of your basement. Roof leaks are also especially damaging as they can slowly destroy the roofs sub-structures and lead to more costly repair works. If the electrical wiring and fixtures have been damaged the cost of repairs will rise exponentially.

But, water from such catastrophes can also begin pooling in specific areas of the home that are especially hard to reach and address properly. When this happens, you will be facing a whole new threat that can significantly complicate the problems at hand: molds.

Mold Contamination Can Make It Even Worse

Mold is the one of the greatest fears that a homeowner can have for a variety of reasons. Mold is a destructive invader that can lay the value of the home to waste and spread its destructive effects far and wide.

Molds conditions come in a microscopic package and that is needed is a little water to get everything going. This can come from a flooding episode, leaky faucet or any other amount of moisture allowed into the home. But, the most common cause of mold issues is flooding. This is why it is so important to keep gutters and drains well cleared during storms and heavy rain.

Good news? Mold is not a death sentence to your home’s equity. Mold can be effectively eradicated from your home through a professional mold remediation service. If you haven’t had this important service handled, there is no chance that you will sell home. Home sellers are required to disclose the presence of mold, water damage or termites to any prospective buyers.

You Must Disclose Water Damage & Mold To Potential Buyers

If you have the smallest inkling that a mold menace could be brewing in your home, you must have a mold testing done immediately. There are DIY mold testing kits that you can use, but only a professional testing company will be able to provide you with accurate descriptions of the mold condition in your home. Knowing the exact extent of the problem at hand is the only way to deliver a suitable solution.

You can then decide on the best solution to treating the mold problem. Not only will this protect your structure, but also protect your health and the health of anyone living with you. You will want to make sure the mold condition has been eliminated before you sell the house as any old conditions must be disclosed to the potential buyer.

Failure to do so could place you at risk of litigation. In the end, water and flooding issues should be addressed promptly and effectively. Mold in the home is a threat to your health and the health of your financial future. Therefore, it is far better to be safe than sorry.

A Guide to Dealing with Flood Damage

Flood damage can throw a monkey wrench in your carefully laid investment plans. Consider the following points to reduce the impact water damage can have on property value.

Fast Response for Flood Damage Restoration – within minutes of contact with moisture your homes structural integrity is being impacted. You will want to ensure that remedial action is applied within the first 24 hours of water absorption.

Stay Safe – floods can cause serious problems, so you will want to make sure you listen in to the authorities for instructions before returning to your home after the floods have subsided. Make sure you shut off the gas and electricity before you leave your home and inspect your home for signs of damage upon your arrival. There may be cracks or visible warping in the foundation. Make sure you wear appropriate protective gear while addressing any damage.

Document the Damage – ideally, take some snapshots of your home that show the structure in good condition. When a flood happens, you will be able to take more pictures that indicate the level of damage caused by the rising waters. This is essential for filing a claim with your insurance provider. If you begin repair work before taking pictures of this damage you could adversely affect your chances of getting coverage. Once all the evidence has been noted, it will be time to take remedial action.

Contact Flood Insurance Provider Immediately – you will want to notify the insurance providers as soon as you can. But, if you call in your professional flood damage company, you can get some expert advice in filing this claim, be sure to call and ask if this is a service they provide.

Assess the Damage – water will be affected by different materials in different ways, wood can become warped and bloated, bricks can get water logged and dry walling and wall boards soak up water like a sponge. It will be important to address each wet item specifically to ensure it is not ruined. Your flood damage company will have special insights on how to do this effectively and can help with the heavy lifting

Minimizing the Damage – there are many things you can do to minimize the risk of water damage and keep yourself safe in a flood. Keeping your property clean and free of clutter is an important part of avoiding further catastrophes. Flood waters can hide dangers like rakes, broken glass, and other sharp objects that can cause injury during relief work. Always wear protective gear and do not allow flood water to contact skin if possible. Toxins, contaminants and pathogens can abound in flood waters.

Different Waters – the priorities in the wake of a flood are to remove all the water from the location as quickly and effectively as possible. But, things are not always that simple. If the water has become contaminated and soiled it can pose a new set of risks that must be addressed effectively. Water can be classified as Clean, Gray or Black water depending on its potential for harm. Clean water can be rain water or water from a broken pipes that contains no or virtually no additional ingredients.

Gray water is mildly contaminated and can include muddy water from the garden, or water from the bathtub, washing machine or ink. Black water is the most foul of all and contains high levels of pathogens and toxins. Black water can come from broken sewage lines or overflowed canals and is very dangerous to the health. Only the most professional of flood damage companies should be allowed to address this type of flood.

Use Air Movers and Dehumidifiers –– when you call in the experts you can avail yourself of extensive heavy equipment that can allow you to remove the moisture from the area even faster. Air movers are large industrial fans designed for the sole purpose of drying out basements at high speeds. These use minimal power to accomplish the task and are very energy efficient. Your professional flood company will also have a variety of dehumidifying agents that can help in absorbing the water and removing if effectively from the walls and structures of your building.

Knocking Down Walls, Replacing Floors, Sealing Cracks and Attempting Other Heavy Labor? Best Leave It To The Pros.

Floods Damage and Affect Homes and Businesses

Your home or business can never be immune to water damage. Water damage has been considered by FEMA to be a costly hazard that is quite common. And how common is this? As per the National flood Insurance Program or NFIP, in high-risk areas, the chances of floods affecting a property over any 30-year mortgage period is 1 in every 4. It is sad, that many home and business owners have typical insurance policies that do not cover any loss due to damage by water due to weather, like tropical storms, thunderstorms, excessive rain/snow, or hurricanes, which have always been the commonly recognized cause of floods. Flooding can also occur due to clogged sewerage systems, dam failures, paving from urbanization, among other reasons. Flooding can occur quickly or slowly, and affect the obvious areas, as well as those that are not harmed in dry weather.

How do floods affect homes and businesses?

1. Risks to Health and Safety

Floods can cause water damage that leads to many safety and health risks, if the water is not cleaned up immediately, and this can include:

Damage to the structure
Damage to electrical systems and risks in using them
Sharp metals and glasses
Standing water can lead to diseases and sanitary hazards
Contamination of drinking water
Cause the malfunction of sewerage and drainage systems
Lead to communications being cut off
Destruction of roads and bridges
Landslides
Damage to crops

2. Loss of Life

You or your business can suffer from loss of life, and this is one of the most devastating damage that floods can cause. In the U.S., flash floods are considered the number one killer caused by weather and have led to the deaths of people, livestock, animals, and pets.

3. Emotional Hardship

People who are affected by floods have difficulty dealing with the situation that they experience, and this leads to them becoming anxious, depressed, afraid, angry, frustrated, sad and filled with grief. The symptoms they have then interfere with relationships, lead to problems in sleeping, cause depressed appetites, and others. That is why when FEMA and Red Cross personnel respond to flood-related disasters, they take along mental health professionals.

4. Damage to Property

Water damage due to floods makes up for ninety percent of the damage caused by natural disasters. This affects, homes, businesses, belongings, vehicles, and equipment among others. Nothing escapes floods. Even a few inches of water can lead to major damage to the contents of a home, or a business, while it also affects land and buildings.

5. Economic Loss

Insurance companies and their policies in most cases, do not cover water damage caused by flooding, and this leads to huge financial strain on the persons affected by floods. In the year 2011, the costs incurred due to flooding in the United States were over $8.5 billion. That is why you need to ensure that you have adequate cover for flood insurance when you verify your current level of insurance cover. After floods, it can take years for the communities so affected to rebuild and bring life back to normal.

Has water damage caused you problems?

Then time is not with you. You need to act fast to deal with property damage and any loss caused by seeping water. Do not delay cleaning up after you have suffered water damage. You are only prolonging the inevitable unless all your items are completely dry. Contact the professionals for fast and speedy resolution.

Common Basement Flooding Causes

Since basements are partially built if they are not completely underground, they are prone to flooding. That is why a basement flood can take place not only during the spring flaw and rainy season but at any time of the year, even in dry conditions.

A flooded basement really can be a complete nightmare. Knowing what the most common basement flooding causes are and taking the right preventative measure are the most effective ways to prevent a nightmare from becoming true. Basement flooding has several causes that range from drainage problems, to burst pipes and bad weather.

Bad Basement Sealing:  Whenever a house is being constructed, the foundation and basement tiles must be properly sealed. If it deteriorates over time or is not done correctly, water will start seeping from the ground into the basement. That might be the cause if your basement floods during most or all rainstorms.

Although basements are known to flood, there are reasons for saturation to take place. The major reason is there a leak someplace. The following are the main places where leaks are caused:

Plumbing: This can range from a busted water pipe to a leaking water tank. A flooded basement can be caused by any water supply line that breaks.

Windows: These areas are weak that can cause leaks. Water may drip inside or pour close to the windows when the gutters are clogged or your yard floods.

Foundation: There are many reasons why your foundation causes floods. Some of the common reasons are sewer backups, pool drain issues, melted snow, and excessive rain.

Weeping Tile Failure: All houses need to have a drainage system that is constructed around the structure in order to help ensure water moves away from the home and doesn’t seep inside. If the system, which is also called weeping tiles, fails or is installed improperly, the basement might flood, particularly during heavy rain. In order to determine what the root cause is of your flooded basement, then you need to have a specialist inspect it.

Downspouts That Are Improperly Installed: The downspout’s job is directing water away from the foundation and house. Downspouts need to be at least 5 to 6 feet away from the basement’s wall so that it drains away from the house, normally towards the backyard or street. If the downspouts or missing or broken, water will end up pooling next to the home and may slowly seep into your basement or start pouring in through cracks in your foundation.

Gutter Debris: Eaves, troughs or gutters are also necessary to move water away from your house and ensure the basement stays dry. Gutters that are clogged with debris, seed pods, twigs, and leaves prevent water from moving from the roof, down through the downspout and then away from the house. When gutters are overflowing water will be forced down the sides of your house and then pool and seep inside your basement.

Faulty Sump Pump, Hot Water Tank, and Pipes: There are three main potential flood sources in your basement: the sump pump, hot water tank, and pipes. If any of them breaks or becomes damaged, a basement may flood. Pipes may fail from poor workmanship, age, or temperatures causing them to freeze and then crack and burst eventually. Both sump pumps and hot water tanks should be inspected every year for faults.

Other potential basement flooding causes include grading around the property and a sewage backup. All houses need a grading slope that goes away from the structure to lower the risk that your basement will flood.

First Response Restoration has flood restoration experts working on basement flooding issues. If your basement floods, we will answer your phone call 24/7/365 and handle the entire restoration process for you including water extraction, drying, and if necessary, mold remediation. Our trustworthy flood specialists work quickly and safely so that you can focus on getting your life back to normal.

How Do Insurers Define Flood Damage?

FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency) defines flood damage as being a temporary and general condition where two acres or more of land that is normally dry or two properties are more that are inundated by mudflow or water. If you are a homeowner it is important to understand this definition, because your insurance policy might not protect you from all forms of water damage suffered by your property. Sudden surges of rainwater, sewage backups, and water from a hurricane might cause flooding on your property. However, as we will be discussing below, not all of those conditions will be defined as flood damage by insurers. While a claim is being processed those distinctions become very important when the insurance company decides what is and is not covered by your insurance policy.

How is Flood Damage Different From Other Forms of Water Damage?

Although your house can be affected by other forms of water damage, insurance companies are very specific in terms of what they consider to be flood damage. Some of the most common water-related damage categories arise from a hurricane or storm, sudden discharge, or water/sewage backup. By contrast, mud falling in a mudslide isn’t considered to be flood damage. On the other hand, flood insurance does cover mudflow – like those that originate from rivers nearby.

Those distinctions can become very nuanced. The best course of action to take is to determine what hazards pose the highest risks within your area and then talk to an insurance agent about them to ascertain what will and will not be covered under an insurance policy.

Flood – damage that occurs when a piece of land of two acres or more becomes inundated by mudflow or water. Flood insurance is the type of insurance that is needed.

Sudden water discharge – Your house or the immediate surrounding area is affected by a sudden water event (e.g. activation of a sprinkler system). Renters or homeowner’s insurance is needed.

Water/Sewer Backup – Water damage that results from water underground that features leaking. The insurance that is needed is Water Backup and Special Coverage insurance.

Hurricane/Storm Natural weather events that have strong winds and heavy rainfall. Renters/Homeowners Insurance covers damage if the water does not cover more than 2 acres of land that is normally dry.

Flood Damage vs Accident or Sudden Discharge

The definition of a sudden discharge of water is a water event that affects the immediate surrounding area or your home in a short period of time. It does not cover over into being considered a flood unless more than two acres of land is affected. Any accidental water overflow from the fire protection, air conditioning, heating, or plumbing system is normally covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policies. Accidental Discharge examples include the following:

– Leaking roof
– Frozen pipes
– Accidental bulging, burning or cracking of an AC, heating, or steam system
– Automatic fire protection system goes off
– Water damage from putting out a fire

If your neglect has caused the discharge, then your homeowner’s insurance policy will not pay on a claim. For instance, if the pipes of your house freeze because you did not maintain them adequately, then your claim might be denied by your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Water or Sewer Backup Vs. Flood Damage

If your house floods due to a water or sewage backup, then the damages will not be covered by most homeowner’s and flood insurance policies. To be covered, you will need to buy separate coverage in the form of an add-on for your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Having backup coverage does not protect you against damage that is caused by an in-ground swimming pool that is leaking or another subsurface feature that is on your property. Water and sewer backup coverage act in the same way where the backup originates from. If the water comes from past your property, like a pipe that the city maintains, then your insurance company will not cover it unless you buy special coverage that we discussed above.

Hurricane/Storm Damage vs Flood Damage

In heavy rainfall situations, flooding is common if the water is unable to drain properly. These conditions are often created by storms and hurricane damage. However, some flooding that results from hurricane winds and storms can be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. The distinction will depend on when the damage takes place.

If your windows or roof are damaged from strong winds in a storm and cause your home to be flooded by rainwater, your claim should be covered by your homeowner’s policy. However, as the floodwaters rise and time passes, any damage that results from groundwater requires you to have a flood insurance policy. According to FEMA’s definition, as soon as two acres or more of land that is normally dry or two properties are inundated by mudflow or water, flood status will be triggered.

Mold Damage and Flood Insurance

Insurance companies only cover mold damage if the original water damage source that caused it will be covered by your insurance policy. For example, if the flood results in mold growth, and you do not have flood insurance, then your insurance company won’t pay for the mold damage.

If you have flood insurance, then the damage that arises from mildew or mold will be covered as long as a flooding event caused it. Before the flooding, if your house had mildew or mold, then your flood insurance policy won’t pay for the damage. Policyholders are expected to take reasonable actions to eliminate or reduce mold following a flood by the National Flood Insurance Program. If it is found that the mold was caused by the homeowner’s negligence, the insurer can deny the claim. The following are considered to be reasonable actions: applying mildicide or applying drying-out techniques in the days after the flood has occurred.

How Long Does It Take For a Flood to Dry Out?

It is a very frustrating experience to have to deal with the aftermath of a building or home that has flooded. After the problem is identified and the debris and water are removed, the next step is to dry out the area.

It is critical to dry out a building that is flooded since damp materials can be favorable breeding grounds for fungi and mold. To ensure that your building or house is thoroughly dry, professionals should handle the process.

– Air Drying: This method can be used in a flood that affects a small area, and water didn’t soak into the material for very long. In areas with high humidity, air drying isn’t a viable method. Usually, that method takes the longest to thoroughly dry.

– Fans/Forced Air: Built-in forced air systems may be used by buildings affects by the flood, or fans might be used to circulate air.

– Dehumidifiers: Using dehumidifiers is the most effective and fastest way to dry an area out. When moisture is removed from surrounding materials and the air, it is the best way to ensure effective and safe drying. Although flood is very inconvenient it doesn’t need to be a continuous problem. Throughout drying a flood out can take from twelve hours up to a couple of weeks, depending on how large the flood is and the drying method that is used.

How To Deal With Sewage Backup

There are few nightmares more horrifying to a homeowner than a sewage backup. Beyond the damage it can cause to your health and property, it’s also just a disgusting mess that requires time- and labor-intense cleanup efforts, not to mention specialized cleaning products. If it’s raw sewage that’s backed up, it’s even worse, because just the process of cleaning it can lead to health issues that can turn into serious diseases if you’re not careful.

While situations as serious as this call for help from professionals who are equipped with the materials and experience to handle the problem, there are some steps you can take to help out. A careful, thoughtful approach to a sewage backup can lessen the damage caused to your home while you’re waiting for an expert to come to fix things more formally.

How To Handle A Sewage Backup In Your Home

Here are some of the simple steps you can take in order to slow or even prevent major damage in the wake of a sewage backup:

*Wear proper protective equipment before working in any part of the home that has been affected by the sewage backup. You should consider wearing coveralls, a face mask, rubber boots and gloves, and eye wear that protects your eyes.

*Switch off the water supply in your home and don’t use any water in your home that’s connected to the same systems as the sewage backup. You may think your sink water is safe, but if it’s part of the same water system that has a sewage backup, it’s better to not risk it and get clean water from another source entirely.

*Remove uncontaminated items from the areas affected by the sewage backup as soon as possible. Only do this if the items are completely dry and have not come into contact with any contaminated water or raw sewage.

*Call your insurance company and let them know that a sewage backup has happened. They may have specific steps they want you to take in order for them to cover it, or they may have cleaning specialists that they want you to work with.

*Get in touch with a restoration company that specializes in water damage. Even if you think you can handle it on your own, professionals will have a better idea of the safest and most efficient approaches to cleaning the area and ensuring it’s completely safe again. In many cases, these companies will also work on repairing pipes, getting rid of unwanted odor, and extracting standing water, all of which will greatly decrease the stress of trying to handle everything on your own.

*If the sewage backup is the result of a clogged drain, do not immediately try to use powerful chemicals to unclog the pipes. These materials can actually make the situation work by deteriorating your sewer lines or older pipes. Your best bet is to consult with a professional plumber who can help you figure out what’s causing the problem and what the safest method of fixing it is.

*Both before and during the clean-up process, make sure that any pets and young children in the house are kept away from any areas affected by the sewage backup. Contaminated water and raw sewage can have huge impacts on the health of children and pets.

*If possible, turn off electricity to any areas of the home affected by the sewage backup, or to the house as a whole if necessary. You should only do this if the electrical panel is above water, and even then, you should take precautions such as using a wooden stick to flip the switch and wearing rubber gloves. If the panel is inaccessible or if you have any concerns about turning off your electricity, contact a professional electrician to help.

*Turn off any central air conditioning or HVAC system in your house, as water and dust that has been contaminated by sewage can get into the air conditioning and be spread around the house and into the air you and your family are breathing. Instead, open all the doors and windows in the house to air things out and let fresh air in.

*Slowly add tiny bits of chlorine bleach into any standing water. This will help disinfect contaminated water enough to at least make the removal and cleanup process slightly less dangerous.

*Whether your home is tied to a public sewer or a septic system that’s private, you should get in touch with a local sewage department or health department. You should let them know about the sewage backup so that they can discern whether there are any problems on their end, and they’ll also be able to offer advice on how to proceed.

*Take pictures both before and throughout the cleanup process. This should include pictures of any items that were damaged by the sewage backup, as well as floors, walls, or other housing materials that took on water damage. These photographs can help with insurance claims as well as with the process of repairing and replacing items that were damaged.

*Do whatever you can to stop cross-contamination from occurring. For example, you should shut all doors between the contaminated area and any other rooms. As previously mentioned, you should not use your central air system. You should not run fans that could blow contaminated elements into the air and spread them around the house.

The cleanup process after a sewage backup is fixed can take a long time, but it is needed to make sure you and your family are living in a safe and healthy environment afterward. Beyond that, however, you should also look into steps to prevent sewage backups from happening again.

Here are some steps you can take to stop any future sewage backups:

*Do not put strong chemicals down your drains or into your sewage systems.

*Do not flush diapers, napkins, tissues, or other items other than regular toilet paper down the toilet.

*Schedule regular inspections for your valves and pipes. When repairs are recommended, get them done as quickly as possible.

*Do not put grease down your drains; it can harden and lead to major clogs in the future.

*Avoid planting shrubbery or trees above or near sewage lines on your property. Roots from these plants have the potential to impact and even break the pipes.

Being careful about each of these steps can help save you tons of money and stress from potential sewage backups in the future. Sometimes these problems are unavoidable, though, in which case you should take the proper steps to fix the issues as swiftly as possible. Don’t be afraid to call a professional to help, either, as it’s better to spend some money and ensure things are actually clean than risk the health of yourself or loved ones.

How To Deal With Water Damage

It is usually difficult for homeowners to deal with water damage, both in the long run as well as immediately after its occurrence. Water damage can result in safety and health concerns, regardless of whether it is caused by leaky faucets or flooding. Water damage and flooding can occur at any time. In fact, water damage emergencies can crop up at any time resulting in significant damage. Since water can get absorbed into your furniture, walls and floors and many other parts of your home, as the water spreads swiftly, you need to find ways of dealing with the situation.

To find out more about how to respond to water damage emergencies as well as the progress of such situations, read on below.

How Does Water Damage Progress?

As the water moves evenly through your home, it will soak everything in its way. This means that the water will find its way into your belongings, furniture, floors and walls to the point that they are completely soaked. You can expect your books, photos and anything else made of paper to start warping and bulging, while your carpets develop stains as they get soaked.

Any metal surfaces in the affected area of your property will start to tarnish, furniture items will swell up to the point of cracking while bulging develops in drywall less than 24 hours after water damage occurs.

Mold and mildew will start to grow in less than 7 days of the water damage. You may also see signs of corrosion and rust on metal surfaces, while wooden doors and windows start bulging and warping. Warping and bulging is also seen in wood flooring. The occurrence of a hazardous contamination is also highly likely within this period.

Any occupants of the property in question face serious risks related to hazardous contamination, structural integrity as well as the growth of mold and mildew if the water damage is not resolved within two weeks. Furthermore, the cost and duration of water restoration efforts are bound to increase by a huge margin.

It is normal for you to want to get your property back to normal after the occurrence of water damage. It is essential for you to insect all the damage in order to have a clear idea of what you are dealing with. Cases of water damage call for an effective and immediate response given the complexity of the situations at the property.

To mitigate the damage and reduce the restoration and cleaning costs, the water damage restoration professionals you hire will start by extracting the water in the affected area. To ensure that the job is done right the first time around, these experts are equipped with the necessary equipment, experience, knowledge and skills in the field of water damage restoration. As such, to get through any water damage emergencies, be sure to call upon these seasoned professionals.