Wood-framed houses are susceptible to water damage, even those in a city built in the middle of a desert like Phoenix. The Valley experiences a monsoon season that can lead to flash floods and sewage backups due to overwhelmed public infrastructure. Learn how this destructive problem develops, what to do if you detect it and when to seek professional water damage restoration services.
How Water Damage Progresses
The extent of damage water can inflict on your residence depends on its source, volume and the building materials it comes in contact with. The longer it stays undetected and ignored, the more detrimental it can be. Here is how much damage water can cause over time.
First Hours
Water spreads quickly, being absorbed by porous building materials along the way. Almost everything weakens due to exposure to moisture.
Although it can take time for wood to decay severely, iron to rust significantly and concrete to crack catastrophically, insulation immediately loses its effectiveness. Absorbent insulation materials compact quickly, while nonabsorbent ones sag once water fills the air gaps between fibers.
24 to 72 Hours
Mold begins to grow and colonize damp areas within 24 to 48 hours by spreading spores. The infestation remains invisible, but the musty odor permeating the air is a giveaway.
Meanwhile, wood continues to warp and swell due to the presence of moisture. Metal items begin to show signs of corrosion.
4 to 7 Days
Evidence of the house’s structural deterioration surfaces during this period. Saturated ceilings and walls can sag or collapse. Mold growth is conspicuous by the fourth day. Fabrics and paper items — especially documents — may become unsalvageable after getting soaked for this long.
Beyond 7 Days
Allowing the situation to persist for more than a week can compromise indoor air quality due to the presence of pervasive mold colonies. Damp areas attract various pests, and prolonged exposure to water subjects the property’s structural components to continuous degradation. Neglect drives up the cost of water damage restoration services, as the job would almost certainly require extensive reconstruction.
What to Do Upon Discovering Water Damage in Your Home
Any level of water damage is a headache, so act fast. Follow these tips.
Stop the Source Safely
Mitigate the situation by stopping the further spread of water. For isolated pipe leaks, you can drain specific lines by turning the dedicated shut-off valves under sinks clockwise. If you cannot stop the leak, switch off the main valve.
Affected rooms that house critical components of your electrical system — especially those with standing water — pose the risk of shock and electrocution. Your local utility company may need to shut off your service from the outside if it is impossible for anyone to turn off the main circuit breaker from a dry location due to safety reasons.
Document the Damage
Collect evidence of the water damage to build a strong case for your homeowners insurance claim. Conduct a cursory inspection of the situation and take pictures or make videos of accessible problem areas. Create an inventory of all damaged items along with their value, room by room. Document as many details as possible, and ensure your imagery and footage are clear.
Call Your Insurer
Inform your homeowners insurance company about the problem as soon as possible, as delayed reporting may be grounds for claim denial. Your insurance carrier aims to send an adjuster to your home to assess the damage as soon as possible to minimize the cost of restoration. Prompt notice also kickstarts the claim process immediately, legally obligating your insurer to investigate the matter and respond to your request within a specified time frame.
Explain what happened, and communicate your findings. Confirm what your policy will cover, determine the deductible amount, and specify who will receive the payment and when. Review your policy to ensure your decision aligns with agreed-upon clauses in the contract.
Hire a Water Damage Restoration Contractor
Many construction and home improvement professionals can handle this job to some extent, but water damage restoration service providers offer the best value. These specialists offer comprehensive repair solutions, allowing you to deal with a single contractor instead of multiple ones. They have proper equipment to dry moisture invisible from view to restore your property’s structural integrity and support your homeowners insurance claim.
The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions recommends contacting the insurance company before searching for any contractor. However, in emergencies where stopping the source of water intrusion is infeasible and unsafe to do yourself, reaching out to a professional first makes more sense.
Right Restoration Partners responds to water damage emergencies 24/7 in Phoenix to begin the mitigation process promptly, keeping the situation under control. This business offers no-obligation assessments, lending its crew’s expertise without forcing you to a commitment.
Right Restoration Partners adheres to the standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to ensure the best value when offering water damage restoration services. This contractor helps homeowners navigate the insurance process while exclusively advocating for their best interests.
Tips for Finding the Best Value Water Damage Restoration Services in Phoenix
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors recommends the following tips for hiring a reputable contractor:
- Verify the license. Ensure a contractor can legally operate in the state, possesses a bond and carries adequate workers’ compensation insurance by searching its six-digit license number through the department’s database.
- Ask for estimates. Request written estimates from multiple contractors to see which offers water damage restoration services at the best value.
- Review the contract. Read the fine print to ensure your chosen contractor’s contract matches the written estimate and reflects promises made during consultation.
Be Prepared for Water Damage
Water damage is inconvenient, but it becomes even more disruptive and destructive when unaddressed. Use this guide to respond to water damage in your home if and when it occurs
