Here Are The Most Common Water Interior Damages After A Storm
Water interior damages are the worst! Each year, countless homeowners and condominium owners experience water damage to their property in different forms. Homeowners living in or near coastal states or flood-prone areas suffer more than most. According to industry statistics, water and mold damage due to water leakage cost the insurance industry $2.5B per year, with the average cost for a water claim being $6965.
Most homeowners buy a separate flood insurance policy through NFIP but what’s interesting to observe is that most of the damage that policyholders experience does not come directly from floodwaters but by water that is driven inside a property by the wind. This is typically called ‘wind-driven damage’.
Due to this reason, a lot of insurers have certain exclusions in the policies when it comes to water damage. Especially if it is interior water damage that stems from wind and water. Therefore it is very important as a policyholder to read the policies carefully before buying it and understanding all the coverages.
While you can take necessary precautions during floods or the hurricane season, it is crucial to know how to spot all the potential damage your property can suffer from in the event of a flood. This is even more important for claims adjusters when they have to inspect a property for damages. Interior water damage is common and there are many ways to check for it on a property. Let’s explore:
Windows
Windows are the first spot to look for interior water damage in your home. Heavy rain after storms can cause waterlogging between the window jambs and frame studs which can eventually lead to rotting of the wood as well the walls. Therefore, check your windowpanes and make sure there is no water accumulation happening to avoid repeated rotting.
Floors
A property’s floors might not look like they’re affected directly but they can be the worst affected part of the property. Not only can water damage the floor directly but also cause indirect damage like mold growth, timber decay as well as musty smell.
Remove carpeting if you have it installed in order to assess the floor is the first step to check for floor damage. Using a moisture meter can also prove to be helpful if you’re checking for dampness after a flood.
Dishwasher
Checking for water damage beneath the dishwasher is an absolute requirement especially after a storm. Leaks can form along the water supply line inside the dishwasher which can not only damage the dishwasher but can cause extensive damage to the subfloor. It’s important to check for damage beneath the dishwasher because otherwise it’s not usually discovered until the dishwasher is removed from its position.
Bathtub, shower, and sink
All across the property, wherever there are water lines running across the walls, there’s a great chance of leaks developing. While present-day plumbing facilities try to minimize damage as much as they can, there’s always a risk. Therefore, in the event of water internal damage, it’s always a good idea to check your bathroom for damages.
The walls near the bathtub and the shower are the most at risk due to the fact that water lines are right behind the walls on which they are positioned. Checking for damage under the sink is the next step as water lines can cause severe damage there as well.
Drywalls
Checking for damages behind the drywall is another crucial task. Each time there’s a flood and water level rises above floor level, there’s a direct impact on the drywall inside a property. Accumulation of water inside the drywall can be due to heavy rains or even a burst waterline. Not taking care of such a situation can quickly lead to the growth of mold within the stud spaces.
Another important factor to consider is the severe damage to electrical wiring that internal water damage can cause. Therefore, checking for damages inside the drywall is necessary.
Chimney
A chimney is another area where inspection is required. Since storms can cause roofing damage, it can lead to loose shingles that may cause water to seep down the chimney and affect the vents and exhaust fans that are in place. Having the roof professionally inspected annually is a good measure to prevent leakages but after a storm, it is necessary to inspect the chimney for any internal water damage that it might have suffered.
HVAC Unit
The HVAC Unit has an external and internal part that is situated inside the house. The internal part of the unit collects water inside which is transferred to the floor drain via a small tube. If this water line is clogged then there’s a high chance that mold will develop. Therefore, it’s very important to check your HVAC unit for internal water damage.
Keeping an Eye Out
Apart from all the places listed above, one should ideally inspect their entire house for internal water damage, especially places that have water lines running inside of them. Remember that water internal damage can cause a lot of damage if not controlled in time. Keeping in mind these pointers and regularly checking for leaks will help you save thousands of dollars.
