Houston Water Damage FAQ's

The most apparent causes of water damage to your Houston home or property, and those that can not be avoided, are severe forces of nature, such as storms or floods. Water damage also can occur when a fire is extinguished, from leaking pipes, and malfunctioning equipment around your home. And finally water can find its way into your home from leaky roofs, siding as well as from malfunctioning gutters, which will cause water to pool around your home.

Exactly what locations of my property should I watch for damage?

Water damage can occur in every area of your house and property, but there are particular areas that, if harmed, are more bothersome and should be looked over carefully. Check the plumbing pipes and connections in your house's washrooms and kitchen area in addition to any pipelines in your basement or crawl spaces for standing water and leaks.

Exactly what are some hidden indicators of water damage?

A few of these indications consist of peeling paint and wallpaper, splotches of moisture, condensation and mold, a moldy odor and moisture in your carpet or other flooring.


What tools that are important for dealing and spotting with water damage?

Wetness detectors are crucial considering that moisture can cause mold development and inadequate air quality. Leakage detectors are utilized for finding concealed water leaks, consisting of those in walls and crawl areas. Other devices you can make use of are dehumidifiers and water extractors to help repair water damage.

Exactly what actions do I take when I initially discover the damage?

Promptly following a water-related event, call your insurance company to inform him/her of the damage. If your home is badly harmed, determine whether it is structurally safe to get in. If not or you are not sure, immediately make plans to stay elsewhere.

Exactly what steps can I take to minimize the damage?

Turn off your house's power, water and natural gas supplies if your home is structurally sound and prior to the restoration specialists arrive. Cover any broken windows, doors, walls and roofing locations with plywood or plastic sheeting to secure your interior from the weather elements.

Does water damage cause mold?

Water damage definitely has the potential to trigger the development of mildew and mold. Because mold prospers in moist and warm environments, any place that is wet (and especially humid) is an ideal location for mold to grow.

How can I get ready for anticipated water intrusion from a storm?

The very best means to keep water from ending up being a significant issue is to prepare your property before the damage happens. One thing you should make certain to understand is how to cut-off the power in your home in case of a flood. Water and electricity are a fatal mix.

How can I assist speed the repair work of my home and property after a storm?

Recording your property's damage and communicating the information to your restoration expert can produce a speedier repair work. Check the outside of your home for damage. Have a look at your roof structure and document any shingles missing out on or in need of repair work. Likewise note if your chimney or the flashing surrounding it is damaged or missing and list any damages to your rain gutters. Check your house's siding for distorted or loose boards. Note indicators of water invasion through your house's windows and doors and do not forget to inspect the gain access to points to your basement if you have one.

How can I remove standing water quickly?

The primary step to eliminating standing water from within your house is to sweep it outdoors. Any standing water left on carpeted areas ought to be vacuumed as quickly as possible with a wet-vac vacuum cleaner. The removal of standing water is crucial for restoring your house's carpets and might save you money down the road.

How does the water removal process work?

Several steps are taken to get rid of water from your home in the event of a flood, cyclone or other water-related catastrophe. The water will certainly be gotten rid of from the property. As soon as the water is eliminated, a dehumidification process will certainly begin to dry out the damp areas. Next, evaporation of the water will occur, and, lastly, the air will be tested to ensure that all water and moisture is gone from the property and won't trigger any further issues.

Other procedures included with water damage restoration consist of damp carpeting restoration, odor control, material restoration, mold removal, and dry wall and wood floor restoration.

What are the various categories of water?

There are 3 fundamental categories of water. The kind of water in your home will help determine the extent of the damage and how the water will be removed.

The very first classification of water is clean water than poses no harm to individuals. This consists of water damage triggered by a sink or bathtub overflow or a home appliance malfunction.

The 2nd category of water is called gray water. This classification consists of water that has a significant quantity of contamination, which can be chemical, physical and/or biological. Gray water can trigger damage and illness to those who are exposed to or drink it.

The third classification of water is known as black water. Black water can come from sewage and flood waters from rivers and streams.

What should I do to protect my prized possessions?

If your home is too harmed to secure, remove belongings to a storage facility or the home of a trusted buddy or member of the family. If your home is protected versus intrusion, transfer useful possessions to a safe and dry location within your house. Move water-damaged items, such as furnishings, clothing and rugs, to a location of your home that is dry.

Does having a well built up to date home prevent water damage?

Even the most well-built homes can not shield you 100 percent from water leaks and the resulting damage, however a well maintained house can protect you from the majority of water leak events, leaving out of course drastic natural disasters. Regular routine maintenance and yearly inspections of roofing, siding as well as other vulnerable areas can discover potential problems before they happen.

How do I work with a professional restoration business?

Hiring a Houston professional restoration team is essential when dealing with extreme water events at your home. Most insurance coverage providers will define a list of restoration business offered to you and some might permit you to select a restoration business on your own.

Do your due diligence and make sure to ask the right questions. Professional restoration companies will certainly offer you a list of examples of their work for you to see. Also, ask about the business related organizations that they belong to. Our professional associations have strict standards and verify that their members follow these guidelines.