Clearing Up Common Myths About Water Damage
Posted on: 3 February 2020
Water damage is a problem that a lot of people dread. If you live in an area that's at high risk of flooding, it may be something that you think about from time to time. Ideally, it wouldn't happen at all, but it's a good idea to be prepared just in case. A reliable way to prepare involves reflecting on some of the myths that surround it.
Myth: Cleaning It Up Alone Is Effective
When water damage happens, it's sometimes tempting to try and clean it up alone. After all, items such as dehumidifiers and fans are readily available. You can even rent industrial ones, if you know where to go.
Trying to clean the damage alone may result in surface benefits only. For example, your carpet may dry out nicely, but you don't know what's happening beneath. Unless you hire a professional, you won't know how to look for potential mould risks. It's always safer to hire someone with the right skills and equipment to do the job for you.
Myth: You Should Contact Your Insurance Company First
Of course, your insurance company will need to know what's happening as soon as possible. However, your first priority is to focus on stopping the water, initiating a cleanup and then drafting in damage remediation professionals.
Once you've finished cleaning up and you've gathered evidence of the damage, you have what you need to make a claim. It's worth contacting your insurance company once you've hired someone to carry out the clean-up. They'll then tell you what evidence they need to make a payout.
Myth: Mould Takes a Long Time to Appear
Although mould spores can grow slowly, sometimes they begin developing within days of a flood occurring. This is especially the case in natural flood conditions, as opposed to a burst pipe or overflowing sink.
Because mould can appear quickly, it's important not to wait to hire a mould remediation team. In addition to making your house smell musty, delaying can cause health problems. As such, rapid remediation is a necessity.
Myth: Insurance Covers Everything
Don't make the mistake of believing your insurance provider will cover everything. Some have very specific terms and conditions when it comes to paying out after water damage. For example, they may pay out after a burst pipe, but not a natural disaster.
If you're not sure what your provider will and won't do, check your policy carefully. You may want to switch to another insurance company if it doesn't look as though yours will protect you following a flood.
Call a company to help you take care of water damage when you need professional assistance.
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