SERVPRO Busts the Myths Surrounding Water Damage Restoration

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO article busts the myths that exist about water damage restoration and discusses the facts that property owners should be aware of.

Busting the myths around water damage restoration

There are several myths that people believe about water damage restoration that must be debunked. In this blog post, SERVPRO discusses the most common myths and facts about water damage restoration. 

Myth #1: Call the insurance company immediately

Fact: Contacting the insurance company first can cause major delays in the cleanup and repair process, and even lead to loss of certain insurance claims. In case of water damage, these are the steps to follow:

1. The priority is the safety of all occupants.
2. The second step is contacting a local water damage restoration company like SERVPRO for the immediate removal of water. Standing water can worsen the damage and lead to secondary damage such as mold growth.
3. A restoration company can help assess the damage and work with the insurance company and help with the insurance claim.
4. Call the insurance company.

Myth #2: DIY water damage restoration is enough

Fact: Water removal is a crucial but only a small step in the complete water damage restoration process. A DIY approach or renting equipment to cleanup may not prove to be fruitful in the long run. Why?

1. Amateur cleanup by property owners cannot address the water that seeps into the minute cracks and crevices. These obscure water particles quietly damage the property and show up much later as chipped paint, discoloration, sagging ceilings, or warped floors. 
2. Property owners do not have the expertise to operate the equipment.
3. It takes property owners much longer to clean up compared to the time professionals would take.
4. The delay in the removal of water can lead to mold growth - secondary damage - which means more expense and loss.

A professional water damage restoration team undergoes extensive training programs and certifications to become the subject experts. Moreover, professional help is useful when it comes to damage assessment and insurance claims.

Myth #3: Insurance covers everything

Fact: Most insurance companies do not cover flood damage or secondary damage such as mold or mildew. Therefore, it is advisable to review one’s insurance coverage to understand what the insurance policy covers. In case there seems to be a requirement for more coverage, property owners can upgrade the policy, especially if they live near flood-prone areas. It is unwise to wait for a disaster to strike before reviewing the coverage. 

Investing in flood insurance is a good investment.  

Myth #4: The water will dry by itself

Fact: Water damage restoration is not just about removing water from the premises. It entails a long procedure that includes damage assessment, water extraction/removal, drying and dehumidification, cleaning and sanitizing, and restoration of contents and structure. The process ensures that there are no remnants left of the damage that can cause mold growth or structural damage to the property in the future. 

A professional water damage restoration service like SERVPRO will utilize a scientific approach to the water cleanup that will constantly monitor and document the entire drying process from beginning to end.

Myth #5: Water damage doesn’t stink

Fact: Water will seep into the floors and walls if the restoration process has not been carried out professionally. Over some time, mold spores will grow and a nasty smell will persist. This mold does not only smell bad but also may cause certain health effects on the occupants of the premises.

Additionally, mold removal can prove to be quite an expensive and tedious process.

Myth #6: If it’s not visible it isn’t there

Fact: Invisible water damage can be caused by burst pipes and leaks inside walls and floors that are not noticeable. A leak in the sewage can be especially harmful to health if it is undetected and left unaddressed. A professional water damage restoration team can investigate and give the right assessment.

Myth #7: Wood structures and carpets cannot be saved post water damage

A timely and professional water cleanup ensures that there is no mold growth. Professional restoration companies have the expertise to assess if certain structures and contents can be saved. They also have the technology and equipment to restore wood floors and structures such as stairs as well as carpets and upholstery. The factors that decide the fate of these elements are the swiftness with which restoration is done and the quality of the wood and carpets.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Lakeway, Westlake, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For water damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake today at (512) 261-4790.