Flood Damage vs Water Damage: Knowing the Difference
Living in Salt Lake City, it’s important to know the difference between flood damage and water damage. It may seem like the two terms are interchangeable, but they refer to two different situations that require different kinds of remediation. It's also important to understand the differences in how they are mitigated, as well as how insurance coverages and insurance approval processes work for both of them. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between flood damage and water damage and how to handle the aftermath of each.
First, let’s talk about the difference between flood damage and water damage. Flood damage typically occurs as a result of a natural disaster, such as heavy rain or a river overflowing. It can also result from human error, such as a pipe bursting or a sprinkler malfunctioning. In either case, flood damage involves a large amount of water that has entered an area where it doesn’t belong, causing significant destruction.
Water damage, on the other hand, is caused by smaller amounts of water seeping into a building over time. This can happen from leaky pipes, overflowing bathtubs, or even condensation. While it may seem like just a minor annoyance, water damage can cause significant problems, such as mold, mildew, and rot.
Mitigation for flood damage requires immediate action. If you have flood insurance, your provider will send a team to properly assess the damage and begin the cleanup process. For those without flood insurance, it is recommended to hire a professional to mitigate the damage and prevent further destruction. As soon as the air quality has been tested, your contractor will then begin to open up areas of your wall which have been affected, drying the internal framing and spraying mold inhibitors to prevent any further growth on wet surfaces.
When it comes to water damage, you should start the mitigation process as soon as possible. The first step is to identify the source of the problem and fix it. Next, remove any standing water and dry the area as much as possible. Fans and dehumidifiers can help dry out the space. If the damage is severe, you may need to hire a professional to dry the area fully, replace any damaged materials, and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Insurance coverage for flood damage and water damage is different as well. Typically, standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage. A specific flood insurance policy must be purchased to receive coverage, while some water damage, such as damage from a burst pipe, may be covered by your standard policy. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to determine the extent of your coverage for water damage.
In conclusion, it is important to recognize the difference between flood damage and water damage, and to know how to handle each situation appropriately. Flood damage can result in significant destruction, requiring immediate mitigation and professional assistance. Water damage can also cause significant problems, but can usually be mitigated on your own if it's addressed quickly. Make sure you understand your insurance coverage for both types of damage, and take steps to prevent damage before it happens. By taking a proactive approach, you can protect your property and avoid costly repairs.
Living in Salt Lake City, it’s important to know the difference between flood damage and water damage. It may seem like the two terms are interchangeable, but they refer to two different situations that require different kinds of remediation. It's also important to understand the differences in how they are mitigated, as well as how…