3 Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid After a Flood

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Because mold thrives in moist environments, it’s vital to begin flood cleanup and restoration endeavors as quickly as possible.

Homeowners Should Avoid These 3 Mistakes After a Flood

Flooding can be a devastating experience for any community to endure. Because many homes in Weston, FL, may be susceptible to this threat, it’s important to carefully evaluate your risks and consider purchasing flood insurance. In the event damage does occur, it’s also imperative that you avoid several key mistakes that could jeopardize both your home’s structural integrity and your claim.

1. Waiting for the Adjuster To Arrive

Floods can affect large areas and many property owners. Because of this, your insurance adjuster may be inundated with claims, resulting in delays. Unfortunately, waiting to commence cleanup efforts can result in extensive mold damage that may further compromise your home’s structure. To avoid this, you may need to commence operations before the insurance representative arrives on the scene.

2. Forgetting To Document Destruction

Properly documenting flood damage is an essential part of the flood insurance claim process. You should compile a list of your damaged or destroyed possessions that includes dates of purchase as well as each item’s value. Because the adjuster may not see the full extent of the destruction firsthand, you must take video or photographic evidence. Failure to complete this important step can jeopardize your claim or result in limited financial compensation.

3. Failure to Remove Saturated Building Materials

Because mold thrives in moist environments, it’s vital to begin flood cleanup and restoration endeavors as quickly as possible. Promptly removing standing water and saturated objects are important step. Opening windows and utilizing fans and dehumidifiers can also expedite the drying process, keeping spores from proliferating.

To be efficient, you should also remove soaked drywall and insulation. This protects your home from extensive mold contamination by eliminating additional moisture zones where the fungus can breed undetected.

Completing a flood insurance claim can be a lengthy process. Cleanup initiatives, on the other hand, mandate a quick response. Understanding how to proceed with the project before the insurance adjuster’s visit can help every homeowner protect their property from additional damage.