Tag: water damage

Townhomes are a great way to increase living capacity in a neighborhood without relying on apartments. More people can live in an area but still reach their goal of owning a house. But the dangers that come with living in an apartment or condo come with living in a townhouse as well. Residential water damage can be caused not just by your own issues but by your neighbors’ issues, too. A burst pipe, appliance failure, or even flood in your neighbor’s home can result in devastating water damage in your own townhome.

Insurance for Residential Water Damage

Most insurance policies cover water damage caused by common sources, such as floods and burst pipes. And for townhomes, this includes damage caused by a neighboring home. If your house suffers water damage because of an adjoining house’s issue, you can still file a claim with your insurance, and it’s usually best to do so.

Determining fault in the case of townhome water damage can take a while, and trying to get money from your neighbor’s insurance can be difficult. This means you’ll be waiting for money to do the necessary repairs. The longer water sits, the more damage it can do, so getting money as soon as possible is ideal. Your insurance company will pay you out for the damages and then will make their own claim against your neighbor’s insurance to recuperate their costs. This way, you get your money right away and can begin repairing your home.

Signs of Residential Water Damage

Not all water damage will be immediately visible, especially in a townhome. Because the houses share walls, pipes are often connected and can run in between houses. If there’s water damage from one of those pipes, you may not notice it right away. The sooner you can identify and restore water damage, the better. Here are some of the signs to look out for that might indicate water damage:

• Bubbling or peeling wallpaper
• Discolored walls or ceilings
• Curved or bowed flooring (especially hardwood flooring)
• Increased water bill
• Dripping sounds
• Musty scent (an indication of mold caused by water damage)

It’s a good idea to do a visual check of your house at least once a month to check for any signs. If you do suspect water damage, you should have your home inspected as soon as possible.

At Insight Restoration, we’re devoted to providing prompt and high-quality residential water damage restoration and repairs. Our team of trained and certified technicians can inspect your home for water damage, identify the source, repair the issue and help prevent future water damage. Time is of the essence in a water damage situation. Our phone lines are open 24/7 to respond to any emergency water situation. So don’t wait; call us today at (208) 427-2534 to get your home back to pre-loss conditions.

Water damage is a serious issue that most homes will face at least once. Whether a flood, a leaky faucet, or simple human error causes it, water damage has the capacity to cause severe damage and even health issues. However, not all water damage is the same. The type of water damage your home sustained can reveal a lot about the source of the water, the concerns it causes, and how a restoration company will handle the water cleanup. Here are the three main types of water damage and what to expect from each kind.

Whitewater Damage

Whitewater damage is the best-case scenario. Although any kind of water damage is not good, whitewater damage carries the least amount of threat and is typically the easiest to clean up. Whitewater damage is usually clear and clean, and you can generally handle it without needing any special equipment. Whitewater damage is often caused by a leak, a burst pipe, or a faucet that was left running. Although it doesn’t carry the same hazards as other kinds of water damage, whitewater can still damage your home’s structural integrity, cause electrical issues, and create an environment for mold to grow.

Graywater Damage

Graywater damage can either be as harmless as whitewater damage or as hazardous as blackwater damage. This water damage is caused by leaks, bursts, or breaks in toilets and sewage systems. Even if the water is clear, it’s still graywater damage. You should exercise caution when cleaning up the area. If there is visible waste, specialty equipment and training may be required to safely remedy the problem. Graywater can cause the same kinds of damage as whitewater, with the added hazards of health problems caused by waste.

Blackwater Damage

Blackwater damage is the most serious type of damage. We strongly caution homeowners against trying to clean it up on their own. This kind of water damage is often caused by heavy storms and floods that bring more than just water into your home. Most often found in basements, blackwater is murky and visually contaminated. It carries a host of germs and bacteria from the outside world. If not handled safely, blackwater can cause severe health concerns and even further damage to the home’s structural integrity. Always call a professional water cleanup team if you discover blackwater in your home.

If you discover water damage in your home, call Insight Restoration to clean it up for you. Our phone lines are open 24/7 at (208) 427-2534, and we never leave a voicemail unanswered. Our team of trained and certified water cleanup experts is standing by, ready to respond to any emergency water damage your home may have. We can handle all the different types of water damage safely and effectively. We will get your home back to pre-loss conditions as soon as possible.

Water may not initially seem like a big threat. But the truth is that water can cause more damage to your home than any other source. Water is what we need most to survive, but it can destroy our homes if not taken care of quickly and properly. Water damage is more than just wet books or stains on walls. It can be hazardous to your home and your health. Here is how water can damage your home in ways you might not have considered.

Structural Damage

Water is particularly harmful to wood, especially the longer the wood is submerged. As wood absorbs water, it becomes soft and easily broken apart. If you have water damage, you could face serious structural issues in any wooden supports found in the area. Even if the wood is dried out, the damages can continue to linger beneath the surface.

Water-logged wood is also a prime target for termites and other pests. Bugs eating away at the wood will only weaken the structure more. It’s always a good idea to have the structural integrity of your home inspected after discovering a leak or flood. You may need to have parts replaced or bugs exterminated to keep your home safe and sound.

Electrical Hazards

Water and electricity don’t mix. Usually, great care is taken to ensure that pipes and electrical cords are run apart from each other. However, leaks can still drip down onto wires and floods can reach up to electrical outlets. If there’s been a leak or flood in your home, any use of an electrical appliance could result in injury. Always have your home’s electrical system inspected and repaired to avoid any unwanted shocks or power surges.

Mold

As possibly the most dangerous side effect of water, mold can cause serious health issues for you and your family. Mold thrives in wet environments, and some types survive well in either cold or hot areas. When there’s water damage in your home, mold will likely follow, especially if the water isn’t extracted immediately.

Mold is usually easily identifiable. Most molds carry a musty scent and have visible fungus growths. If you continue to smell mustiness after an area has been restored, it’s a good idea to get your home inspected for mold. As much damage as water can leave behind, mold is even more dangerous to let sit around your home.

Even though water is usually harmless in most cases, when it leaks or floods into your home, it can cause serious damage. Water damages your home’s structure and electrics and can invite unwelcome guests such as mold and termites into your home. So if you’ve experienced water damage in your house, call Insight Restoration today at 208-427-2534. Our team of certified technicians is standing by 24/7 to respond immediately to any water crisis. We’ll get the water extracted and provide an inspection to assess any damage caused so we can get your home back to perfect working order.

If water damage in your home is not taken care of immediately, excess water can wreak havoc on your home. It can promote electrical hazards, cause expensive damage to your home’s structure and furnishings, and can even lead to the growth of hazardous mold.

Within minutes water damage can spread to other areas of your home. Within hours pressed wood swells and disintegrates and bacterial odor spreads throughout your home. Within days, water can cause severe complications and secondary damages resulting in disruptive, costly repairs.

Water damage within minutes

• Water contamination spreads, rapidly increasing claim costs.
• Moisture-sensitive furniture finishes begin to turn white.
• Furniture standing on saturated carpets will begin to leach and stain the carpeting.

Water damage within hours

• Furniture in direct contact with water begins to delaminate and swell.
• Normal household odors, amplified by humidity, become glaringly apparent.
• Dyes from non-colorfast fabrics begin to bleed.

Water damage within days

• Fungi appear, along with their characteristic musty odors.
• Severe warping and cupping of wood become apparent. Wood floors may become unsalvageable.
• Paint blisters and wallpaper adhesives release and start to peel away.
• Wood structural members begin to swell, warp and split apart.

Water damage within weeks

• Mold sinks roots into organic materials and destroys their integrity.
• Occupants must be evacuated due to health hazards.
• Allergen sensitivity may arise from microbial growth.
• A complete gutting of the structure may be necessary, which will drive the claim up astronomically and displace the occupants.

How Insight Restoration Can Help

Water damage from a flood or other source can quickly go from bad to irreparable. Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call us for professional help 24/7 at 208-427-2825. Our certified technicians use advanced technology and equipment in our water damage restoration services. This technology removes moisture and promotes effective drying. Drying time can be dependent on the location, duration and source of water damage, building materials and weather. To learn more visit www.insightrestoration247.com/water-damage-restoration.