Water damage is near the top of the list of insurance claims for homeowners. The cause can be rain and flooding or a burst pipe. You may be tempted to clean up the water yourself. However, water damage needs to be cleaned up quickly, with damaged materials disposed of in the proper manner. A professional water restoration company will be ready immediately to begin the clean up process that will keep your family safe.
Why is it important to have professionals do the job?
Toxic water
Depending on the origin, it’s possible that there are toxic chemicals in the water. This can come from flood water, sewage, or even household chemicals from a large basement flood. This can not only cause more damage to your building but it also requires specific protocols to safely clean up.
Mold
Mold growth occurs within 48 hours of water damage occurring. A professional will kill mold you can see, but more importantly, kill mold spores you can’t see. Mold is insidious and highly toxic. It can cause eye irritation, skin rash, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing. Some types of mold can produce mycotoxins which cause nausea, lung irritation, fatigue, and headaches. Letting the professions handle the clean up will give you the peace of mind that your family’s health is protected.
They have the right equipment
Water removal, especially in large amounts, is impossible if you don’t have the right equipment. Removal is just part of the process. After that, the area will need to be completely dried out using professional grade industrial air movers and dehumidifiers. A quality water restoration company will have the most up to date equipment to remove water, clean, and dry out your home efficiently.
They are experts
Water mitigation and cleanup is the first phase of taking care of water damage. There is also disposal of damaged material, which needs to be done in compliance with state and local laws. An experienced, professional water restoration company will also be able to direct you in insurance claims.
Insurance Claims
It’s important to call a professional water removal company BEFORE you call your insurance company. They can advise you on how to get the maximum benefit from your claim. Remember, it’s your right under the law to determine the company that will do work on your home. Your insurance company may have preferred businesses but you can research and pick your own company and still be covered.
