The following submission was created by Mike Collins at ICC Restoration & Cleaning Services, a resource listed for you in our business directory.
Water damage is a leading cause of property damage. Between 2007 and 2009, water caused approximately $9.1 billion in annual homeowner policy property losses. In fact, according to the American Insurance Association, water damage claims are the leading claim of homeowners insurance (www.leakdefensesystem.com/Water_Damage_Stats/; https://www.propertyinsurancecoveragelaw.com/2009/01/articles/insurance/why-causes-of-loss-are-important-to-you/).
These leaks can be slow and gradual, such as a leaking faucet, or they can be on a sudden and large scale as with a broken water pipe. Either way, water can create a variety of problems for you and your property in terms of financial and emotional cost, and the resulting cleanup.
Has your home been damaged by water? As a homeowner you will need to decide if you can manage this type of cleanup on your own, or if you should hire a professional. The answer is up to you, however in order to to make an informed decision you should know some important information about water cleanup.
Water can cause a myriad of damage to floors, ceilings, and walls. It can cause mold to develop, and clean up can be quite dangerous. Before the water cleanup can be started, it is important to determine all the areas that will need to be cleaned. If you have carpet, it will need to be pulled up to remove the water underneath it. At this point, you will need to consider if it can be cleaned or if it should be replaced. A second consideration is to check the ceilings for sagging, dampness and brown stains. In some cases, ceilings will have to be replaced. Insulation will also have to be discarded if it is wet. This will allow the joists to dry. At this point, new insulation will need to be installed. You will also need to watch for water in the walls. Mold and bacteria can develop without proper sanitation. This is very unhealthy for anyone living in your home. This is knowledge that you will have to take time to learn before you can do cleanup if you want to ensure that it is done properly and safely.
No matter where the water cleanup needs to be done, always be conscious of the wires and electrical outlets. Water around these areas can easily cause electrocution!! Many homeowners hire professional clean up companies for this reason alone. Professionals have the knowledge and expertise to cleanup water from anywhere. Water damage cleanup professionals know the complexities and dangers of this type work. They are prepared to manage these risks without injuring themselves or someone else.
Please take the time to consider these issues before attempting any type of water cleanup on your own. Hiring a professional team can be well worth the investment for a variety of reasons, most importantly is your safety and well-being.
For more information please visit the websites cited above, or contact
Mike Collins
ICC Restoration & Cleaning Services
651-739-4289 (office)
952-457-4902 (cell)