Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Water Damage

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration Technician Extracts Water from Covington Business

Water damage claims are one of the most frequent types of insurance claims in the United States, only second to wind and hail damage claims. Water damage claims are commonly caused by sudden or accidental damages, sewer system backups, overflow, and flooding events. Sudden damages are usually attributed to either a water pipe breaking, a water heater exploding, a water supply line to an appliance disconnecting, or other similar accidents. Please note that flooding events are not covered by homeowner’s insurance policies and claims must be made through flood insurance carriers. Water damages caused by sudden damages will more than likely be paid for buy your insurance company. However, gradual damages caused by slowly accrued water problems may not be covered by your homeowner’s policy. For instance, if you neglected repairing a hole in your roof and water is slowly leaking inside your home causing damages, then your insurance company may deny your claim. To learn more about your specific insurance coverage please speak with your local insurance agent. 

Below are a few frequently asked questions homeowners have for our water damage restoration technicians. Please send an email to kayla@SERVPROofcovington.com if you would like additional information regarding water damage claims. 

Who is responsible for making repairs to the cause of the water damage?

Under most circumstances, the homeowner or policyholder is responsible for repairing the cause of the water damage. Most insurance policies only cover damages, not repairs to broken appliances or parts of the home's structure. For example, in the case of a water heater exploding thus causing a water damage event, the homeowner or policyholder would be responsible for repairing or replacing the water heater. 

How much will this cost?

Each water damage claim varies in cost depending on the extent of damages and type of materials affected. The average water damage claims cost $2,500. Our job as your restoration heroes is to restore rather than replace as much as possible. To the best of our ability and in the most efficiently, timely manner, we will work to prevent further damage and salvage as much as we can. However, sometimes materials can not be restored and we will need to remove them. Once we have completed work, we will send an invoice with documentation to your insurance company. 

Can you salvage wood flooring or carpet following a water damage event?

As previously stated, our goal is to salvage as much as possible instead of removing materials. We want to save you both time and money. However, in some instances we may need to remove wood flooring or carpet. We act to return your property back to “preloss” condition. For instance, if due to the water damage your furniture has left stain marks on the carpet, then we will speak with your insurance company or adjuster about removing the carpet. Wood flooring may or may not be able to be restored depending on how badly affected the flooring was. When a large amount of wood flooring begins to pop out of place it usually must be removed. Our team will attempt to dry wood flooring that seems to be salvageable utilizing our state-of-the-art Injectidry rescue mat equipment. If the property has been affected by grossly contaminated water from a sewage system or toilet overflow, we will follow IICRC standard cleaning protocol and remove items considered unsafe. 

How long will it take to dry everything?

After our water damage restoration technicians have extracted all loose water, they will strategically place fans and dehumidifiers throughout affected rooms. The drying process is typically completed within three days. The drying equipment will be noisy, but turning off the equipment will only prolong the process. 

Who can help if I need any rebuild or construction services?

We recommend our partner company Complete Restoration Services for all rebuild and construction services. The Complete Restoration Services team specializes in insurance claims projects and understands how to help you navigate your claim. Complete Restoration Services is also locally owned and operated, and works with all major insurance companies. To inquire about rebuild services please call their office by dialing 985-377-1877.