Steps To Take After Major Water Damage Occurs
Have you recently experienced a significant flood of water on your property? If so, not all the damage may be readily visible. Standing water can damage infrastructure and other areas of the home and property. Here are some steps to take after water damage occurs on your property to keep the damage minimal.
Stop the Leak
A flash flood or heavy thunderstorm can overburden fragile roofs or cause limbs to fall into homes that are at risk. If a storm blew through and left you with standing water, the risk of further water damage is likely minimal for now. If you have a hole in your roof from excess water, you may want to tarp the saturated area temporarily. This will help prevent more water from getting in.
But if it was a leaking pipe or a backup of water into your roof or basement, be sure to shut the water to the home off immediately. Locate the water shut-off valve to stop the flow of water into your home. This will make water damage restoration more manageable.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you own your home and you have homeowner's insurance, contact them as soon as possible. They will come to your house and do a complete inspection regarding the damage. They will likely request some water damage restoration quotes from area contractors. An insurance inspector or adjuster will also give you a rough estimate of what the damages are and how much they will cover.
You may have to pay a deductible in order to get the estimate approved. Or the insurance company may roll the amount into the final estimate, so there is no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Call a Contractor
Getting a hold of a reputable contractor who specializes in property water damage restoration is recommended. Not only will they assess the visible damage done by flooding, but they will also check the entire structure and property for any underlying issues. If they find a problem that was caused by water damage and flooding, they will let your insurance company know.
From there, they can quickly get to work on draining away pooled water and providing the proper drainage to prevent future issues. They will also haul away damaged wood and other structures that are beyond repair. They will replace these items and help rebuild and repair the damaged areas.
Water damage, whether caused by natural elements or by a failed water pipe system can be devastating. Rest assured, there are professionals and agencies eager to help get you back on track. Call a professional today to get your home back to a safe and secure living space again.
Contact a local water damage restoration service to learn more.
