What Are the Differences Between Water & Flood Damage?

What Are the Differences Between Water & Flood Damage?

Water Damage

Although water damage and flood damage are used synonymously, they are different types of damage to insurance companies. Mild to severe water damage is typically caused by plumbing issues. Common causes of water damage in homes include air conditioning system leaks, overflowing washing machines, and clogged toilets.

Flood Damage

Flood damage is typically caused by a natural disaster. The main sources of flood damage include heavy rain, hurricanes, flash floods, malfunctioning sump pumps, and roof leaks.

Top Causes of Water Damage

Unfortunately, water damage can be caused by a variety of things, including:

  • Plumbing Malfunctions
  • Appliance Issues
  • Sewage Backups
  • Storm Floods
  • Slab Leaks

Homeowners or property managers can encounter severe water damage due to pipe deterioration or backed-up appliances. When this happens, property restoration will depend on the amount of water, location, and severity of the damages. Contact the certified water damage professionals at Dry Force. We’ll work around the clock to restore your property with professionalism, honesty, and accuracy.

What Are the Differences Between Water & Flood Damage?

Top Causes of Flood Damage

On the other hand, flood damage is a little more complex to define. Flood damage can only be caused by heavy rainfall that results in a flash flood. An exception to this is if your property lacks the necessary runoff or basin to control stormwater. Additional causes of flood damage include a storm surge, melting snow or ice, dams/levees breaking, and overflowing rivers.

What Is Covered By a Homeowner’s Insurance Plan?

All homeowner’s insurance is not created equally. While your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover the effects of water damage, it does not cover expenses associated with flood damage. If you reside in a high-risk flood area, consider securing additional flood insurance in case of an emergency.

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What Is Flood Damage Insurance?

Unless you live in a flood-prone area, you may not give flood damage insurance a second thought. However, it’s always best to know the details about your home insurance policy. Fine print, policy exclusions, and specific clauses all determine the type and amount of flood damage insurance you’re entitled to.

When it comes to homeowners insurance, it’s imperative that you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you’re not sure, contact your insurance agent to help you unpack the type of water or flood damage coverage you have. Another essential component of understanding your coverage is knowing the deductible required for flood and water damage.

Homes located in an area prone to flooding could be more difficult (and expensive) to insure. If you have flood damage insurance, be sure to contact and hire a professional on our team to revive your water-damaged property.

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How Quickly Water Damage Can Ruin a House

Let’s discuss how quickly water damage can ruin a home or business.

The First 24 Hours

Within the first 24 hours, a small leak, cracked pipe, or malfunctioning appliance will saturate nearly everything in its path. Walls, floors, and all of your personal belongings including electronics and documents will absorb water. Severe flood or water damage in your living space can cause walls to bulge and blister. In addition, ceilings will show water stains and electrical systems will malfunction and pose a threat to friends, family, and pets.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, in the first 24 hours, mold spores will begin to develop. Warm and wet surfaces provide the ultimate environment for mold, mildew, and other harmful contaminants to thrive.

The First Week

Following the initial water damage, mold will continue to grow and spread to other areas of your home. Additionally, wet metal surfaces will begin to corrode and wood surfaces will begin to rot.

More Than a Week

If it has been more than seven days since you encountered flood or water damage, the cost and time required to restore your home will dramatically increase. Not to mention, mold will have spread and may have impacted the structural integrity of your home.

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How Quickly Should You Call a Professional After You Encounter Water Damage?

When water hits, it strikes fast. Within minutes, small water leaks can severely damage your home and create seemingly irreparable water damage to your floors, walls, and personal belongings. This is why it’s imperative to contact a professional as soon as possible. Despite restoration timelines depending on the severity of damage, our trained technicians will work day and night to bring your property back to life. Prevent repair costs from skyrocketing. Contact a trustworthy restoration company today.

Flood Damage Restoration Services

Severe water damage to your property can be devastating and may even impact your emotional well-being. Our team of technicians offer reliable water damage and flood damage restoration services for homes and businesses in areas of Texas such as San Antonio, Houston, Austin, and Dallas. Our staff is experienced, patient, and compassionate. In addition, our contractors offer other types of restoration solutions such as storm damage repair, slab leak detection, mold removal, and burst pipe cleanup. While working directly with your insurance company, we will ensure the restoration of your home is done with efficiency and accuracy.

Above all else, our technicians value health and safety, professionalism, and customer service. Dry Force values each customer and will work overtime to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your restoration. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t skip steps. We Turn Chaos Into Calm™. Give our team of technicians a call by phone at (877) 589-7504 to receive assistance with water or flood damage in your living space.

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