Did you know that nearly 50% of Non-Catastrophic Homeowner’s Insurance Claims in Florida are caused by water-related incidents?* These problems often stem from common household sources such as leaky pipes, appliances, water heaters, or AC handlers. What may initially appear as minor leaks can escalate into significant damage over time. In fact, the average claim for any of these issues totals almost $14,000, with homeowners facing their deductible on top of the headache.
Timeline of Damage
- Minutes: As soon as water leaks, it starts to spread contamination. Flooring and furniture become soaked and damaged, and drywall soaks up water from the floor like a sponge.
- Hours: Wet furniture begins to swell, humidity levels rise, and unpleasant odors become noticeable. Dyed fabrics may bleed or become discolored.
- Days: Fungi and mold can start growing. Wood begins to warp, and hardwood floors may be irreversibly damaged. Paint may blister, and wallpaper might peel off the walls. Structural components of the home, made of wood, may begin to swell and potentially split.
- Weeks: Homes exposed to water for extended periods can experience widespread mold problems. Health risks may necessitate evacuation, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues. Extensive water exposure over time may require the home to be gutted and rebuilt from the ground up.
Signs of water damage
- Peeling paint
- Wet or dark spots on the walls or ceilings
- A damp, musty, or moldy smell
- Flaking or cracked drywall
- Bowing or warped wood
What to do if you find water damage
Contact your insurance company immediately. Document the damage as best you can. Even if you’re unsure about your coverage, call them first. The company will send an adjuster for a full inspection, and depending on the nature of the damage, they might send a specialist right away to help mitigate for mold.
At VYRD, we offer Emergency Restoration services to our customers to assist with water damage and mold prevention. For repairs, we make the process easy with our Preferred Contractor Network, utilizing skilled professionals who have already been vetted and approved.
How to prevent this from happening
Proactive prevention goes a long way. If you are a VYRD customer, you can enroll in our Smart Home Water Protection program. We offer complimentary water sensing kits that can be easily placed in key areas of your home prone to water damage. When they detect water, you will receive an alert on your phone so you can take care of it right away.
Sources
*Per Citizens Advisor Notice (2017), the frequency of water claims statewide across Florida has risen by roughly 50 percent since 2010
https://www.inspectionsupport.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-water-damage-before-you-buy-a-home