Understanding Flood Damage vs Water Damage in the Central Texas Area
As property owners, it’s essential to understand the differences between flood damage and water damage in the Central Texas area. The region is prone to intense weather conditions, including thunderstorms and hurricanes, which can cause significant damage to properties. But not all types of water damage are the same, and neither are the ways in which they are handled. In this article, we will explore the differences between flood damage and water damage. We will also delve into the different categories of water damage and their respective insurance coverage.
Flood Damage vs Water Damage
Flood damage and water damage are two different categories of water damages that occur on properties. Flood damage occurs when water enters the property as a result of overflowing rivers, heavy rainfall, or natural disasters. Whereas water damage refers to damages that occur when water enters the property due to burst pipes, plumbing issues, and leakages.
Different Categories of Water Damage
Water damages are categorized into three categories: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3.
• Category 1 Water Damage: This is the least contaminated type of water damage. It occurs from broken water supply lines, faucets, and clean-to-failure appliances.
• Category 2 Water Damage: This is also known as greywater damage, and it happens when water causes damage with mild to moderate contamination. This can be a result of overflowing washing machines and dishwashers, and sump pump failures.
• Category 3 Water Damage: This is referred to as blackwater damage, which is a result of severe contamination, including sewage backups, floodwaters, and other contaminated waters.
Difference in Mitigating Flood Damage and Water Damage.
Flood damage is more challenging to mitigate compared to water damage because floods often damage many properties, and the water is usually contaminated. The property must be dried to prevent mold and fungal growth. However, before water restoration begins, floodwater must be removed, and all surfaces sanitized with a disinfectant. Water damage mitigation is simpler because it often involves finding the source of the water damage and cleaning up and drying the affected area.
Difference in Insurance Coverages and Approval Processes.
Flood damage and water damage have different insurance coverages. Flood damage is often not covered in standard homeowners' insurance policies and typically requires specific flood insurance. On the other hand, water damage caused by bursting pipes or other plumbing accidents is included in most standard homeowners' insurance policies. However, it is essential to consult with your insurance company to determine your level of coverage.
Insurance approval processes also differ slightly between flood damage and water damage. For flood damage, it is the responsibility of the insurance policyholder to prove the damage was caused by floodwaters. Water damage, on the other hand, requires a timely and accurate assessment with the insurance adjuster to ensure the insurance claim is approved.
As a property owner, understanding the difference between flood damage and water damage may help you prepare better for any unfortunate incident that may occur. It’s crucial to have flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area, whereas water damage insurance coverage is included in standard homeowners' insurance policies. In case of damage, calling a professional restoration company and an insurance adjuster will enable you to hasten the recovery process and get a fair insurance settlement.
As property owners, it’s essential to understand the differences between flood damage and water damage in the Central Texas area. The region is prone to intense weather conditions, including thunderstorms and hurricanes, which can cause significant damage to properties. But not all types of water damage are the same, and neither are the ways in…