IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLOOD AND WATER DAMAGE?

When your home is exposed to excess water, it leads to many problems, like: mold, wall deterioration, ceiling leaks, damaged belongings, and weakened structural integrity. When this happens, property owners can file a claim with their insurance company for water restoration costs, but first, it is important to understand the difference between water and flood damage.
Insurance policies are quite specific, and if you want all of your water restoration compensated, the cause of the water – from flood damage or water damage – will change what the insurance covers.

What is the Difference Between Water and Flood Damage?

It is easy to think that water damage and flood damage are interchangeable terms, but when you are ready to file a claim to your insurance company for water restoration, you need to understand the difference to get the best compensation.

What Causes Flood Damage?

First, flood damage is a result of natural causes, to be specific, The National Flood Insurance Program defines it as damages caused when: an overflow of inland or tidal waters takes up two or more acres of dry properties. So, a sudden increase in water level in your area, from ocean, lakes, rivers, etc. that comes and causes damages, is considered flood damage.
Flood damage also occurs from mudflows, or collapsed land areas caused by water. Other natural flooding events such as heavy rainfall, storms, or hurricanes are considered flood damage as well. If you suffer from these events you must see if your coverage includes costs for flood removal and flood restoration caused by flood damage.

What Causes Water Damage?

Just because your house becomes “flooded” does not mean that it experiences flood damage. When you have excess water caused by burst pipes, a faulty roof, broken and leaking appliances, overflowing bathrooms, poorly draining HVAC systems, or any other plumbing issues, this is water damage.
Though it is not a natural flood, the damage can be just as catastrophic. It is important to note that heavy rain water accumulating and leaking through a faulty roof or along pipes is still considered water damage – because it’s not natural “flooding”.
This type of water damage should be covered by your homeowners’ insurance, but it is best to check with your insurer to understand your coverage for water damage restoration services.

The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Water Damage Restoration Services For Water damage or Flood Damage

Now that you understand the difference between water and flood damage, it is important to pick the right water damage restoration services and the correct insurance/claim. The guide below can help you determine your water damage category and best course of action.

How Can We Help Restore Your Home?

Whether you’ve experienced flood or water damage, the aftermath is stressful and you just want to get your space back to normal. Our company is the expert in water restoration in Chicago, and will help you get your home looking great again! We can help with water and flood removal, and follow up with the best water and flood restoration Chicago has to offer.
Contact us today to see how we can help with your flood and water damage repairs, and how we can help you to prevent the same thing from happening again.