The distribution of human populations close to water is the chief cause of floods, not geology or the weather. Floods from the sea can cause overtopping of flood-defenses like dikes and flattening of dunes or buffs. The worst floods usually occur when a river overflows its banks. Periodic floods occur naturally on many rivers, forming an area known as the flood plain.
The most likely appliances to flood your home and cause water damage are the water heater and washing machine, according to a study released February 15, 2005. Carried out by Safeco Insurance, the study demonstrates that one out of every 10 water-damage claims can be traced back to a fault in one of these two appliances, which are more likely than Mother Nature to cause damage in the home.
In the winter, ice dams and bursting pipes can ruin your carpets and cause water damage to ceilings and walls. An ice dam is a buildup of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof, frequently at the gutter, blocking water from draining off your roof. As a precaution against roof leaks from an ice dam, you can install a water-repellent membrane under your roof covering.
You can begin restoration efforts on your own once you know how your home insurance company intends to handle your claim. Try opening windows to air out your home and start cleaning out any excess water that remains in your home by mopping or blotting water off surfaces. You will want to get as much water out of your home as quickly as possible before the items begin to mold or develop an unpleasant mildew odor.
You may need a professional water damage restoration company, which has skilled technicians, expert cleaners, biocides, extraction, drying and dehumidifying gear, and moisture gauging and monitoring tools. You can find a certified professional by calling the non-profit Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) toll free at (800) 835-4624 or by accessing www.certifiedcleaners.com.
Flood insurance covers damage from rising ground water, not things like a broken pipe or a leaky bathtub. Still, it’s a good idea, since homeowners’ insurance only covers damage from wind-driven rain
Adam O’Connor
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/floods-and-water-damage-in-your-home-what-you-need-to-know-about-water-damage-restoration-80475.html
Help! Condo owner needs advice. Negligent/filthy neighbor with extensive water damage and rat infestation!?
I own a condo/town home. I noticed water was puddling in my kitchen from under the baseboard of the wall that adjoins my neighbor. I called a plumber out to be sure it wasn’t an issue in my unit. Couldn’t find anything here. Noticed that the next door neighbor’s patio area had a lot of collected water and also mold on the exterior siding. Also noticed what looked like water coming down the window from inside. Rang the doorbell and knocked w/ no answer. Noticed her car parked out front ( she only has one). Got worried and called condo association but couldn’t reach anyone since it’s Saturday. Got really worried after extensive knocking on neighbor’s door and no answer. Called cops. Cops come out and enter home ( back door was unlocked). Cops find home empty but are flabergasted at the state of affairs inside. The entire upstairs bathroom floor had collapsed into the kitchen area with water pouring down walls– entire dining room/kitchen area flooded. Cops also mention extensive mold on walls and rats and roaches running around!! Garbarge everywhere inside. A complete nightmare. The cops said the place needs to be condemned. Finally talk to property management company who seems to think that it’s okay to wait until Monday to do anything. We have our plumber turn off the water outside. A few hours later a water and fire damage restoration company shows up stating they received a call from the unit owner ( landlord). The guy says the tenant has ‘been out of town’ and is supposed to be meeting him there. We inform him of what is going on inside. Tenant shows up in a cab and promptly tells us that she was unaware of any problem and has been out of town since Wednesday. She also mentioned that the landlord was aware of the issue before the condo association called him?? How did he know if she didn’t know?? It’s obvious by the extensive damage inside that this has been an ongoing problem. Not only that but what explains the filth, garbage, and rats?! I need some good advice on what my next steps should be. We are going to file a complaint at city hall and I will be contacting the owner and demanding that he pay for a full inspection of my unit as well as any necessary repairs. I am worried about the health hazard and the potential damage to my structure! Should I seek legal help? Any advice is greatly appreciated.