For a homeowner, nothing can be scarier than water damage, since it invites significant property damage. Over the years, water has become one of the main causes of home insurance claims.
Floods, burst pipes, leaky roofs and seepage are the most common and obvious sources of water damage. However, there are certain types of water damage that aren’t immediately noticeable but can cause significantly more damage to the property, if left untreated. Even the slowest flow of water is capable of damaging the foundation, corroding pipes, causing foul odor around the house and promoting mold growth, says an expert at Disaster Restore 365, a leading water damage specialist in Houston.
It becomes crucial to track the source of hidden water damage and repair it to prevent further damage. This is why proper water damage inspection is key to perfect water damage restoration.
What is water damage inspection?
After a flood or water leakage, homeowners try to thoroughly inspect their property for water damage. However, most of the times, the damage is not visible to the naked eye.
Water damage inspection is an assessment service provided by reputed restoration companies, free of cost. It is a mandatory requirement for insurance claims. In this process, the property is analyzed by experienced and qualified professionals from a flood restoration company, to assess the extent of damage that has been caused to the house and its possessions. They use specialized tools for effective diagnosis of water damage.
If water has resulted in mold growth, things can become even more challenging. Mold growth in a house is something that needs to be spotted immediately, since it is hazardous to the well-being and health of the residents.
How is water damage inspection conducted?
During a water damage inspection, the house is checked for sources of water leakage that allows water to enter the property’s structure. Most inspection teams start by inspecting the house from the outside and work their way to the interiors. The team take photos or records videos to analyze the severity of the damage. These proofs are also used for insurance claims.
What does the team check for? For effective water damage restoration, the specialists look for everything, from holes and cracks in the walls, roof and foundation to the chimney and windows. Cracked floors, wet ceilings and insulation, and bent ductwork are taken into consideration. In fact, warped and stained wood around the house is a clear indication of water damage.
While inspecting the property, the team also ensures that gutters are not choked, since this can be a major reason for water retention in the house. If mold growth is suspected, the professional inspection team uses advanced moisture detection devices for mold screening and testing to confirm the presence of mold.
After the inspection is done, the restoration company is able to create a roadmap for water extraction, water removal or flood cleanup to determine how they will approach the water damage restoration, while pointing out things that need to be replaced.
Look for water damage restoration company that offer FREE water damage inspection and estimates.
