Water Damage Restoration Explained

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

All too often homeowners do not have any idea that there is water damage and mold in their home until the problem becomes too substantial to overlook. Other times, it is extremely obvious, like after a flood. Similar to smoke damage, this type of issue can be costly to repair, and most of the time it cannot be fixed without replacing what has sustained the damage. Homeowners may be covered for this, but not unless of course they have that specifically added to their house insurance or have flood insurance coverage. Some think they may be covered and they sadly find out the hard way that they are not covered through insurance.

Water damage from flooding is not always obvious. Though a large flood is obvious to people and therefore the damage is apparent, there are times when matters go unnoticed. Some basements will leak water during times of heavy rain, and that water will sit on the basement floor. Next thing you know there can very well be foundation problems for you. Some folks go into their basements often and they will see the water damage immediately. Then there are the people who have no need to go into the basement except for specific, rare needs like at Christmas to grab some decoration boxes.

Sitting water can erode away things like heaters and water heaters. In California we typically do not have basements but many hillside homes have partial storage areas or other areas below the first floor where equipment is stored. Residents of Santa Clarita should contact SERVPRO immediately so that minimal damage is done--this applies to both residential and commercial properties. Buildings can be restored through process of drying, deodorizing, and disinfecting the damaged areas.

Most water damage in the home begins with a leak. A single leak that although regular but slow can cause so much mayhem later on. When water leaks out of a pipe behind the walls the wood will warp. This needs to be replaced for structural reasons and reasons pertaining to mold and health matters for the residents. If drywall is soaked by hidden water damage, it will have to be replaced--the sooner the better. If mold is found, a professional should be called in to deal with it as soon as possible. The family may even be advised to stay somewhere else until the living situation can be improved and approved for safe habitation.

So if you come across a leak in your home, the first course of action should be to clean up what has dripped already, and then to place a bucket or other container to catch what falls next. This allows you time to make the important phone calls that you need to make so that you can get to the bottom of this. First things first: call the insurance company and let them know what is going on. This would be a good time to review your policy and see what you are covered for.

If you are in Santa Clarita and find yourself in this vulnerable position, make a call to SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley and let the professionals take over. After you have done all that you as a homeowner are capable of doing to lessen the damage, let the experts use both their knowledge, experience, and resources such as vacuums and fans to dry out the water and the damage that has already taken its toll.

Next in the damage restoration process is to deodorize the building where it needs to treated. Depending on the assessed level of damage and the kind of water that did the dirty work--disinfecting may also be a necessary step to take. The goal is to get the residence or building structurally back to the standards it was at before the water accident. In some cases, further action may need to be taken such as structural repairs.

Unfortunately, homeowners may learn that they are not covered like they thought--or hoped--that they were. When that happens, the cost of repairing water damage might default to the homeowner. If you are not sure if you are covered for flooding and other water damage, call your insurance company to find out what is what. If you choose to, add coverage and discuss your location, possible natural disasters in your region, and other related matters. Insurance is there to ease your worries for a price. Put those worries to rest and get the coverage you think you need so that you can continue to live your life with as few financial surprises as possible.

So what happens when you need water damage restoration services for your Santa Clarita residence? SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley Professionals concentrate on safely drying, deodorizing and disinfecting any areas flooded or damaged by water. Water damage in Santa Clarita residences or businesses is not desirable, but there is hope and help to get you out of the mess you are in.