Flood Damage vs. Water Damage Explained

There is a fine line, but a clear difference, between flood damage and water damage. That is particularly true in the insurance industry and it is important for homeowners to understand the difference.

People sometimes mistake one for the other, and some even think that both are the same. They only discover their mistake when they may a claim for water damage because of a flood only to find that their home is not covered under terms of their insurance policy.

To avoid such a problem, it is best if you know the difference between the two and to actually have insurance coverage for both.

What is Water Damage?

Water damage occurs when water damages items and structures in your home. The water can come from any source and does not necessarily have to be caused by a flood. Some of the common causes of water damage include a damaged water heater, a backed up sewer drain, a clogged toilet, and a leaking roof.

If you are the only one experiencing the problem, then it is likely that what you have is water damage and not flood damage.

What is Flood Damage?

According to insurance jargon, flooding occurs when water enters your home from an outside source. This can be due to a storm that causes the sudden rise of tidal waters, overflowing rivers or lakes, or a surge of water because of land that collapses and can no longer contain the flowing water.

If you are not the only one experiencing the problem, and everyone in your neighborhood is affected by the deluge, then what you have is flood damage.

Differences in the Handling of These Two Issues

You should be aware that when these events happen, you cannot use the same solutions to get things back to normal. For starters, these two emergencies need separate insurance policies for you to be able to claim compensation for repairs. If you suffer from flood damage but don’t have flood coverage, your water damage policy won’t cover your cost of repairs.

Another difference that you should be aware of occurs when filing claims. If you have coverage for both, you need to know the proper procedure for cleanup and claims filing before you do anything. For example, when flooding happens to your home, a lot of documentation is required. Pictures must be taken, lists need to be made, and you have to wait for your adjuster to arrive before you can proceed with clean-up efforts.

Also, when cleaning up either of the two, flood-related damages will require more extensive cleaning and repairs while water damage may require only the repair of floorboards or walls. Everything depends on the amount of damage from the event.

Contact Teasdale Fenton Cleaning & Property Restoration for Help ASAP

Once you have filed the proper claims forms with your insurance provider, and you want to start the repair and restoration process, you need to contact a restoration company for help. In Cincinnati, OH, the company to call is Teasdale Fenton Cleaning & Property Restoration. We can handle all types of water damage and flood damage restoration. Whether you are suffering water damage due to sewage backup or because your sump pump failed to drain off water heater leaking, we have the equipment and personnel to help you.

We have personnel on standby 24/7 to run to your aid when you call. Contact us at 513-729-9793 so we can help you deal with your water damage and flooding problems ASAP.