Should You Consider Remodeling After Water Damage? Expert Insights for Homeowners

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

We explore expert insights on what to consider before taking the next step and help you make an informed decision about remodeling.

Water damage can be one of the most distressing experiences for homeowners, with effects that range from minor inconveniences to significant structural problems. After dealing with the immediate aftermath, many are left wondering: Should I consider remodeling after water damage? In this blog, we’ll explore expert insights on what to consider before taking the next step, and help you make an informed decision about whether remodeling is the right choice for your home.

Understanding the Impact of Water Damage

Before diving into whether remodeling is the right choice, it's essential to understand the full impact of water damage on your home. Water can compromise the structural integrity of your property, damage electrical systems, and ruin materials like drywall, insulation, and flooring. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing issues make up nearly 28 percent of all homeowners' insurance claims in the U.S., making it a common and costly problem for many families source.

Key Considerations Before Remodeling

Remodeling after water damage isn't just about making your home look good again—it's about ensuring your property is safe, functional, and protected against future damage. Here are some crucial factors to consider:

1. Extent of the Damage

• Structural Integrity: Before any remodeling can begin, assess whether the water damage has impacted the structural components of your home, such as the foundation, beams, or load-bearing walls. If these areas have been compromised, immediate attention from a structural engineer or contractor is necessary.
• Hidden Damage: Water often seeps into areas that are not immediately visible, such as behind walls, under flooring, or in the insulation. Ensure that all hidden moisture is properly dried and inspected to prevent future issues like mold growth or rot.

2. Insurance Coverage

• Claim Scope: Review your insurance policy carefully to understand what’s covered and what isn’t. While some policies may cover the cost of repairs, they may not always cover upgrades or complete remodeling efforts. Discuss with your insurance adjuster what your options are before making decisions about remodeling.
• Documentation: Ensure that you’ve documented all the damage thoroughly with photos and detailed notes. This will be vital when communicating with your insurance provider and securing the funds necessary for both repairs and remodeling.

3. Cost vs. Value

• Budgeting: Remodeling can be costly, so it’s crucial to weigh the expenses against the potential value added to your home. Consider the cost of materials, labor, and any upgrades you wish to make. If the damage has led to outdated or damaged finishes, remodeling can not only restore your home but increase its market value.
• ROI (Return on Investment): Certain remodeling efforts, such as upgrading to more water-resistant materials, can have long-term benefits. For example, replacing damaged flooring with water-resistant vinyl or tile could prevent future damage and add resale value.

4. Future Prevention

• Upgrades for Safety: When remodeling, think about incorporating upgrades that will help prevent future water damage. This could include installing sump pumps, enhancing your home’s drainage system, or choosing waterproof materials for vulnerable areas like the basement or bathroom.
• Flood-Proofing: If your area is prone to flooding, consider adding flood-proofing measures such as raised electrical outlets, backflow prevention systems, or even elevating parts of your home. These improvements can save you from future headaches and additional repair costs.

The Benefits of Remodeling After Water Damage

Once you’ve considered the factors above, remodeling after water damage can offer several benefits:

• Restored Aesthetics: Remodeling allows you to update the appearance of your home, possibly improving on the previous design and making it more modern and functional.
• Increased Property Value: A well-done remodel not only repairs damage but can also add value to your home, especially if you choose high-quality materials and finishes.
• Enhanced Durability: By selecting water-resistant or waterproof materials, you can make your home more durable and resistant to future water-related incidents.

Final Thoughts: Is Remodeling Worth It?

Remodeling after water damage can be a significant investment, but it can also provide peace of mind, knowing that your home is safe and restored to its full potential. Before moving forward, make sure you thoroughly assess the damage, review your insurance coverage, and consult with professionals who specialize in water damage restoration and remodeling.

By taking these expert insights into account, you can make a well-informed decision that will not only restore your home but also protect it from future issues.

Steps to Prepare for a Water Emergency

6/11/2024 (Permalink)

By following these steps and being prepared, you can help minimize the impact of a water emergency on your home and belongings.

Water emergencies can strike unexpectedly and cause significant damage to your property if you're not adequately prepared. Whether it's a burst pipe, flooding, or a plumbing malfunction, being proactive and prepared can help minimize damage and protect your home and belongings. In this guide, we'll outline essential steps to help you prepare for a water emergency and mitigate potential damage.

Know Your Home

Familiarize yourself with the layout and key components of your home's plumbing system. Locate the main shut-off valve for the water supply and learn how to turn it off in case of an emergency. Understanding your home's plumbing system will help you act quickly and decisively during a water emergency.

Inspect and Maintain Your Plumbing

Regular maintenance of your plumbing system can help prevent water emergencies. Inspect pipes, faucets, and appliances for signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage. Repair any issues promptly to prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. Consider scheduling annual plumbing inspections to catch potential issues early.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

Put together an emergency kit that includes essential supplies and tools to help you respond to a water emergency. Items to include in your kit may vary but could consist of flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, water, blankets, and a portable radio. Keep your emergency kit in a readily accessible location.

Invest in Water Detection Devices

Consider investing in water detection devices, such as water leak sensors and alarms, to alert you to potential leaks or flooding. These devices can provide early warning of water-related issues, allowing you to take swift action and prevent extensive damage. Place water detection devices in areas prone to water damage, such as basements, crawl spaces, and near appliances.

Secure Valuables and Important Documents

Take steps to protect valuable items and important documents from water damage. Store valuables in waterproof containers or elevated areas to minimize the risk of water exposure. Make digital copies of essential documents, such as insurance policies, identification, and medical records, and store them in a secure, cloud-based location.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Review your homeowner's insurance policy to understand what types of water damage are covered and what may be excluded. Consider purchasing additional coverage or endorsements for specific water-related risks, such as flood insurance or sewer backup coverage. Keep a copy of your insurance policy and contact information for your insurance provider in your emergency kit.

Stay Informed

Stay informed about potential water-related risks in your area, such as severe weather forecasts, flooding, or plumbing issues. Monitor local news and weather reports for updates and advisories. Being aware of potential risks can help you take proactive measures to protect your home and family.

By following these steps and being prepared, you can help minimize the impact of a water emergency on your home and belongings. Taking proactive measures and having a plan in place will give you peace of mind and ensure that you're ready to respond effectively in case of a water-related crisis.

5 Questions about Flooded Drywall

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

1. What Is a Flood Cut? 

When your home has been damaged by floodwaters, the water restoration professionals in Orlando, FL, will cut out the wall at least 12 inches above where flood damage stopped. This is called a flood cut. 

2. What Happens When Drywall Gets Wet?

When drywall, or plasterboard, gets very wet, or when it is wet for a long time, it loses structural integrity. When this happens, the wall becomes soft and weak. Additionally, the area could see mold growth and become discolored or smelly. 

3. Is It Necessary To Tear Out Wet Wallboard?

A speedy response may save the wall. However, if the drywall has obviously absorbed moisture, or if it is soft, stained, obviously wet, or smelly, it must be removed and replaced. This job can expose you to hazards. Instead of taking personal risks, contact a local water damage specialist. 

4. What Are the Main Concerns With Flooded Walls?

Flooding carries a high risk of contamination. Floodwaters may carry infectious diseases, chemicals, and other pollutants. These can lead to problems for your family if those contaminants are allowed to remain in your home after soaking into the plasterboard. 

5. Should Drywall Be Recycled or Destroyed?

Some plasterboard can be recycled if it consists of gypsum powder and paper (as well as some additives). Unfortunately, most of the drywall pulled out ends up in landfills. Some water restoration professionals will haul the materials off for you. If not, reach out to an appropriate source for recycling. 

Flooding leads to many concerns, but contaminated drywall shouldn't be a serious problem. Don't wait for further trouble before you take action. Instead, contact the leading industry-certified water reconstruction professionals at SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs/Longwood, to put your home back in shape.  

My Leaky Roof Caused Water Damage, Now What?

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners know how expensive roof repairs and replacements can be. When looking to buy a new home, one of the first questions often asked is “how old is the roof?”. Different roofs typically last different lengths of time. Generally, asphalt shingle/composition roofs last around 20 years, fiber cement shingles last around 25 years, and wood shake roofs last around 30 years. Since it can thousands of dollars to replace a roof, it is important for homeowners to keep their roofs in the best shape possible.

Things like heavy rains, storms, and any type of adverse weather can reduce the life of a roof or require repairs along the way to keep it functioning. Some of the most common signs of water damage on your roof include:

• Ceiling is discolored
• Mold begins to grow in rings
• Smelly odors coming from the walls
• The texture of the flooring begins to change
• Water begins to accumulate

Roof damage signs can be misleading since they often appear in places other than the roof. For instance, you may have roof damage but the issue appears on the ceilings, floors, attic, walls, around home appliances, or even along the home’s exterior or foundation. The most important thing to know about roof water damage is the need to act quickly. If left untreated, damage repair can become extremely costly as the fallout reaches different areas of the home.

If roof water damage is discovered in your home, it is extremely important to take specific safety measures. 

1. Catch any dripping water with buckets. 
2. Determine whether or not the leak is coming from the roof. 
3. Talk to a roofer to decide what the next step should be.
4. Reach out to a water damage restoration specialist to address the issues caused by the roof problem.

At SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood, our water damage repair and restoration team is highly trained and has many years of experience in restoring a home after roof damage. Contact us today at (407) 830-9899 and we will send our team out to get your home back to normal in no time.

4 Easy Tips to Prevent Water Damage

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most costly disasters your home or business can experience. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that billions are spent on water damage each year. View these suggestions from SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood for preventing water damage. 

1. Be careful where you plant.

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters.

On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high, be safe, and get a professional to check them.

3. Use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals.

Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

2. Never pour grease down your sink.

It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water; grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease into an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. However, we know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. Contact us at (407) 830-9899. 

Understanding the Types of Water that Lead to Water Damage

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage comes in many forms. It can occur quickly or slowly; it can be a quick fix or a significant, time-consuming property issue. When your property has water damage, SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood wants to help you!

Being educated about water damage types can help give you peace of mind and help you attack the issues quickly and efficiently. There are three general categories of water damage.

1. Clean Water

This water is clean and comes from an uncontaminated source. If this occurs, know that it is not dangerous if consumed by pets or people. This type of water damage may occur if an incoming water line bursts, you have a bathroom flood due to an overflowing sink or tub, or have a small leak from an internal water pipe. SERVPRO can help extract the water and dry surfaces out for you. It's essential to have this done by an expert, as any remaining wet areas can bring on further issues such as mold, fungus, or rotting materials.

2. Grey Water

Grey Water comes from a source with some contaminants in it. If a leak or puddle of "Clean Water" is left for too long, this can turn into Grey Water. Other sources include sump pump failures, overflowing washing machines, and even some sewage pipes. This water type may cause people and animals to become sick if their exposure is high or consumed. 

3. Black Water

Black Water is the most hazardous type of water damage that can occur. This water is too contaminated and likely comes from a natural disaster or sewage plumbing. This water may sometimes look clean but can contain microbes that can cause health effects. When it comes to home flooding emergencies, Black Water floods can be the most destructive. This is due to the water's unsanitary conditions, causing bacteria, chemicals, and toxins to absorb into the porous items in your home. Carpets, upholstery, and drywall are often destroyed in this unsalvageable disaster.

Clean and Grey Water has the potential to even turn to Black Water if left standing or unattended. Call SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood to help remove water and disinfect your home immediately if this affects your home, and avoid exposing you and your household as it can cause illness. Our team of professionals can help in any circumstances needed! We’re available 24/7 at (407) 830-9899.

How to Restore Your Belongings After Water Damage

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

We can bring your household items back to life after water damage!

Water in home settings can be devastating, whether from leaking pipes or backed-up drains or toilets. While there may be nothing you can do to prevent your items from becoming waterlogged in the event of an unexpected water leak, there are some things you can do to restore your belongings after water damage occurs. Here are a few ways you can clean up various items in your Florida home.

1. Separate Items

Before you officially begin the cleanup process, separate your items into those that are porous and nonporous. Porous materials may include wood, paper, rugs, and other types of fabric. Generally, these are more likely to harbor mold and bacteria from broken pipe water, so it’s essential to clean them quickly. Nonporous items are usually much easier to clean since they don’t absorb water and are less likely to harbor bacteria and mold.

2. Dry-Clean Nonporous Items

Dry cleaning may be appropriate when removing light water residue from nonporous items in your home. Items can also be dry cleaned before floor restoration professionals come in and thoroughly clean your items. 

3. Air-Dry When Appropriate

If you’re not dealing with dangerous water, such as sewage, it may be appropriate to gently air-dry most of your belongings. If possible, do so indoors unless the weather outdoors is ideal. You can increase the airflow inside your home using open windows, air conditioners, and fans. 

4. Toss Dangerous Items

Depending on the nature of floodwater in home settings, it may be dangerous to keep saturated items. If there is a high likelihood of the floodwater containing harmful bacteria, it may be best to throw away contaminated objects. In other cases, professionals may be able to safely clean and salvage some of your valuables. 

While you may be able to clean some of your belongings that water has damaged in your home, safety should always be your top priority, whether you’re dealing with a broken pipe or a sewer backup. It’s best to wait for professional help to arrive for help with dry-cleaning or salvaging contaminated items. 

Call SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood (407) 830-9899. for additional information regarding water damage. We can professionally clean and restore the contents of your home. We are experts in water damage restoration and have top-notch equipment to dry out your home and get your life back on track as quickly as possible.

Common Signs of a Shower Leak

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

A shower or bathtub leak can lead to structural issues in your Florida home's walls, flooring, and ceiling. Some shower leaks are hard to catch early on. If you know the common signs of trouble, you may be able to start investigating the source of water before the leak causes too much damage.

Water Damage

When water pools where it isn't supposed to, it can cause building materials to start breaking down. Common signs of water damage around a shower include the following:

• The stained ceiling below the second-floor bathroom
• Damaged flooring in bathroom
• Stained spots on walls adjacent to the shower
• Cracked grout in tiled showers

Mold and mildew growth could be another sign that moisture is building up inappropriately in your bathroom. If you notice any of these signs of water damage, you may want to call in some residential restoration specialists to help you fix your space.

Obvious Drips

A continually dripping faucet or showerhead is a visible sign of a leak. However, in some cases, homeowners may not be able to hear the leak. Leaky pipes can be located in the walls around your shower. Gaskets and valves that reside in the walls can deteriorate and start allowing water out. If you can't see a shower or bathtub leak, don't assume it's not there.

Malfunctioning Shower Pan

The shower pan is your shower's last line of defense. This membrane catches water and directs it to the drain. However, a shower pan leak can start due to poor installation or new cracks. If you plug a shower drain, a damaged shower pan may still allow water to flow out. Fixing this issue can get quite expensive because you may have to redo large portions of your shower or tub.

Keeping your eyes peeled for signs of a shower or bathtub leak may be a good idea. If left unchecked, these water drips can lead to severe amounts of damage to your home. For additional information regarding water damage, contact SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood at (407) 830-9899 today!

Flood Damage Emergency Tips

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

During a water damage emergency, quick action is crucial. SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood responds immediately and uses advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water. We monitor and document the drying process to verify your property's water damage restoration. After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Determine if it is safe to stay in the home or business. 
• Stay informed with the latest weather information, especially when the National Weather Service issues flash flood watches and warnings.
• Be mindful of electrical and "slip and fall" hazards.
• Remember, floodwater is not safe water.  
• Contact your homeowner’s insurance and/or flood insurance. 
• Call SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood at (407) 830-989 for water damage restoration. 

 What to do After Flooding

Follow the recommendations below to protect your home or business from further water damage after an emergency. Wait out the storm in safety before taking action. The best practice is to check the local and national weather reports before cleaning up after a flood. 

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting. 
• Wipe water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 
• Prop up wet upholstery and cushions. 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer. 
• Gather loose items from floors and store them in a dry place.

What Not to do After Flooding

You should never put yourself or your family at risk to clean up your home or business after a flood or storm. Always use your best judgment. If the property or an area of the property is not safe to enter, call SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood for professional help. We advise against the following after a flood.

• Do not drive on flooded roads, it only takes two feet of water to lift and float most automobiles.
• Prohibit children from playing near high water, storm drains, or ditches.
• Avoid using your household vacuum to remove water. 
• Do not use television or other electric household appliances. 
• Stay away from rooms where ceilings are sagging.

If disaster does strike, trust your local SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood to be by your side when you need us. We are a phone call away at (407) 830-9899 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.