Water Damage Mold Cleanup and Restoration MN Part 2
Water Damage Mold Insurance Claims Continued from Water Damage Mold Cleanup and Restoration MN Part 1 Mold has recently emerged as the dominant cost driver in some states. Mold is certainly not new—it’s been around for hundreds of millions of years—but the sharp rise in mold claims is definitely a 21st -century phenomenon. Multi-million dollar jury awards, sensationalized reporting in the media and profiteering by some individuals have led to an explosion in mold claims and costs. Water Damage & Mold “Mold is Gold” has become the popular mantra of trial lawyers and no wonder. The true magnitude of the problem is obvious — there has been a 300% increase in mold-related lawsuits during the past three years. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are 10,000 such cases pending today nationwide (“Lawsuits, Insurance Claims Over Mold Damage on the Rise, USA Today,July 17, 2003.) The cost to the construction industry is staggering. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent each year on mold litigation, claims and remediation. It’s hard to put a precise dollar figure on mold damage because most insurers don’t separate mold claims from water-damage claims, according to Claire Wilkinson of the Insurance Information Institute. About 22% of all homeowners insurance claims result from “water damage and freezing,” a category that includes mold remediation. A 2003 white paper on mold from the III put the cost of the average mold claim between $15,000 and $30,000, at least five times the average non-mold homeowners claim at that time. Fixing Water Damage NOW Prevents Mold Problems Later! Mold Can’t Grow Where Mold Can’t Eat! Unlike asbestos and other materials that have been the focus of “toxic” tort litigation and construction defect claims, mold is naturally occurring. The three elements necessary for mold growth—food, air and water— are found in every building. In fact, mold is everywhere. Because mold is always present, it is impossible to conceive of anyone who has not been exposed to some form of mold. Eliminating mold growth, or even the possibility of mold growth, is a key component of water damage restoration. The most effective way to prevent mold growth on water damage losses is to begin the drying process quickly. Restoration companies who are aware of possible mold growth problems usually know how to dry structural materials with heat, air movement and by lowering the indoor relative humidity. This is an effective way to dry a building because material removal is minimized and mold growth is retarded. Water damage is hazardous to health and dangerous for any home or business, therefore time is of the essence when it occurs. Within minutes of water intrusion, damage can begin. Unwelcome moisture starts by staining ceilings, walls, and floors, and then can turn into dangerous mold growth. It only takes mold 24 to 48 hours to grow in the right moisture conditions. Chances are, if you can’t see the mold and have a musty smell, that you have “hidden” mold. Hidden mold tends to be located in the air ducts, on the back side of dry wall, paneling or wallpaper, on the underside of carpets and pads, behind furniture, just to name a few locations. The long-term health issues associated with mold can be reduced by ensuring that a proper cleanup is done. If you...
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Water Damage Mold Insurance Claims Water damage claims are probably the most common claims made under homeowners’ policies in the country. Over the past 12 years, insurers paid out more than $100 billion in catastrophe-related losses—about $700 million per month—many times more than in previous decades. Most water damages are caused due to frozen, broken or burst pipes, leaky appliances and flooded basements. In fact, frozen and broken water pipes rank No. 2 only behind hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of insurance claim costs in the U.S. In most cases, pipes break during freezing weather. A third, and probably most devastating, type of water claim is from flooding. Flooding is also probably the most misunderstood of the types of water claims. The reason for the misunderstanding is that flood is not normally covered by most insurance policies. To have flood coverage, it is usually necessary to have special flood coverage. A good rule of thumb in trying to determine if there is coverage for water damage is, “If the water comes down, it might be covered. If it comes up, it is usually not covered.” The exception to this is the backup of sewers or drains. On some policies, drain backup is covered. The first goal is to avert serious health problems that can be caused by mold, mildew, fungus or contaminated water. Water damage never comes at a convenient time! But when it does, it needs to be done right or the lingering odor or telltale marks that can significantly reduce the value of your property. Insured Bill of Rights You need a restoration expert that works for you to protect your interest. Under The law, it is your right to choose what company will perform work in your home or business. The Insured Bill of Rights states that you have the right to choose! When deciding which restoration company will suit your needs best, look for a qualified and reputable company, that will stand behind work performed and warranty responsibilities. Click here to view the Insured Bill of Rights PDF Insurance Damage Repair Bill of...
read moreWater Damage Restoration MN | Frozen and Broken Water Pipes
Water Damage From Frozen & Broken Pipes Frozen and broken water pipes are not thought of as a catastrophe or anywhere near the same scale as a natural disaster, but damage from water is the most prevalent, yet least recognized catastrophe. In fact, frozen and broken water pipes rank No. 2 only behind hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of insurance claim costs in the U.S. In most cases, pipes break during freezing weather. As temperatures fall, water expands and causes localized pressure. When the pressure becomes too great, a break occurs. This may create a pinhole leak, hairline break or large crack. Damage from frozen and broken water pipes can be a homeowner’s nightmare. When a pipe bursts, water gushes from the pipe like a fire hydrant, turning a basement into a lake within just a few minutes. Water from frozen and broken pipes causes the most damage while people are away from home or while they’re on vacation and their home is vacant. The plumbing can rupture and water can run unnoticed for several days. Repairs of around $50,000 are common due to water’s fury. Vacant Home in Brooklyn Park MN Here is an example of a home in Brooklyn Park Minnesota. The home was vacant and the Pergo floors were water damaged. Furnace went out and fridge water filter broke and caused flooding Removed the laminate floor and dried it out Structure was completely disinfected Frozen and Broken Water Pipes are Preventable Frozen and broken water pipes are a significant cause of loss across the nation. Damage can include soaked and water damaged drywall. Wallpaper turns moldy. Kitchen cabinets warp, and carpets, floors and draperies can be ruined. Photo albums, paperwork, antiques, furniture and clothing also can be destroyed. Sometimes homes actually have to be totally gutted because mold and mildew cover every inch from floor to ceiling. Unlike hurricanes, frozen and broken water pipes are preventable. Efforts to prevent pipes from breaking in your home will save you from the nightmares of a water damage emergency and help reduce the enormous insurance claims that result. Policyholders share the financial burden of frozen and broken water pipes through increased homeowners insurance rates. Research suggests that leaky pipes and general water damage from showers is costing homeowners even more than theft or damage caused by criminals. According to the research, water damage related insurance claims cost the industry $730 million last year. This is nearly double the cost of claims for theft and burglary last year. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), break-ins and theft damage cost just $370 million in comparison. The report found that more than 370,000 people made a water leak claim last year, with the average claim just under $2,000. The average burglary claim was $1,400 last year. Obviously, preventing broken water pipes is in your best interest Tips To Prevent Frozen and Broken Pipes According to the Insurance Information Network, there are five easy things you can do to protect your home from frozen and broken water pipes: 1. Disconnect all garden hoses and other outside hose connections. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. 2. Insulate all exposed pipes located in your...
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Prevent Water Damage From Broken Water Pipes Water damage or basement flooding can come from a variety of sources. There could be bad weather conditions or there could be a leaky or broken pipeline. Even a cracked foundation will result in water damage. If it was something as simple as a faucet, you can do it your self. But, it can get more complicated when a hidden pipeline is broken. Frozen, Broken Water Pipes Can Be Home Owner Nightmare Water is capable of causing extensive damage to your home property with damage to floors, ceilings, walls, rugs, furniture and other personal property. A slight 1/8-inch crack in a water pipe can release and amazing 250 gallons of water per day. Broken Water Pipes Broken Water Pipe in a home in Plymouth MN from a pinhole leak First identify the extent of the water damage by inspecting the area for stains and softness. You also want to pinpoint the source of the problem. Pipe breaks are a leading cause of flood damage. In most cases, pipes break during freezing weather. In fact, frozen and broken water pipes rank No. 2 behind hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of claim costs in the U.S. As temperatures fall, water expands and causes localized pressure. When the pressure becomes too great, a break occurs. This may create a pinhole leak, hairline break or large crack. Find That Leaking Pipe! The dripping water may be coming from quite a distance away and is certainly an indication of a much greater problem. If you know there is water leaking, but you cannot find the source yourself, then you should get professional help right away. These types of problems only get worse the longer they are left untreated. Broken Water Pipe in a home in Plymouth MN Pinhole leak in ceiling water pipe in the basement Removed wet sheet rock and insulation If the insulation is wet, remove it and dispose of properly. After being wet, most insulation is ineffective, but it will continue to hold moisture for a long time and will create high moisture conditions which will damage metal, masonry, and wood. Materials in your home that get wet from leaks, like sheet rock, wood and carpet, can not only result in expensive repairs but pose a serious health threat from mold and mildew. Do not attempt to dry sheetrock. It is impossible to completely remove mold from porous surfaces such as paper, Sheetrock (drywall) and carpet padding, so these materials should be removed and discarded. Usually, attempts to dry sheetrock after a flood have been a waste of time and effort because it is labor intensive to dry interior walls and it is not possible to dry interior walls with insulation or multiple layered sheetrock. Mold resistant sheetrock may be specified when installing replacement sheetrock. • Disinfected and dried structure Drywall Water Damage If you have a sheetrock (drywall) water damage repair job due to a leaky or broken pipe, a flood or other cause you need to give it immediate attention. If mold gets in or behind drywall, it’s a serious matter. Where there has been water damage, black mold may appear, but mold can also grow in areas that are hidden. It’s common for...
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Flood and Water Damage MN – Wondering About Your Insurance Coverage For Water & Flood Damage? The spring thaw may seem a long way off. But it’s not. It is often said about Minnesota that we have two seasons—winter and road construction! With spring rains and spring flooding just around the corner, and there are things people can be doing today to help ensure they’re as prepared as possible should flooding occur in their area. The first thing people should consider – even those in low-risk flood zones or areas which have never flooded before – is purchasing flood insurance. According to an interactive tool on NFIP’s website just 2 inches of water could cost you $7,800 in cleanup. And over the past 10 years, the average flood claim has amounted to over $33,000. Flood Safety Awareness Week is March 12-16 Learn more about flood risks and what steps you can take before, during and after a flood. You may figure that if you are in a serious flood that federal disaster assistance will pay for your damage, right? Wrong! Federal disaster assistance comes in the form of a low-interest loan, not a grant, and only if the President formally declares a disaster. You are eligible to purchase flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Check the Community Status Book to see if your community is already an NFIP partner. Consumers should be aware that flood insurance policies generally take 30 days to go into effect. For more information on flood insurance, and to find out your flood risk, visit www.floodsmart.gov. FLASH_Insurance_Guide Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Flooded Basement? Here’s a question thousands of homeowners and renters will be asking now that Spring is just around the corner. Will insurance cover the water damage in my basement? Unfortunately for most the answer is “probably not.” Standard Homeowners’ insurance does not cover damage from flooding, so unless you have a specific flood insurance policy, you will have to foot the bill for any water damage from the recent rains. The Insurance Information Institute offers this rule of thumb: water that comes from top down (ice dams, for example) is generally covered, but when water comes from the bottom up, such as in flooding, it’s not covered. Homeowners Insurance Is Not Flood Insurance! Only Flood Insurance Will Cover Your Flood Losses If an individual relies on a homeowners insurance policy to cover whatever flood damage occurs, the result will not be favorable to the property owner. Only flood insurance will cover such losses. Because flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, property owners should not let an imminent flooding force a decision to obtain this insurance. There are two basic insurance policies that deal with a homeowner’s damage due to water — a flood insurance policy and a homeowner’s insurance policy. Losses not covered by one of these policies may be covered by the another policy. Knowing the losses to which your home could be exposed will help you decide whether to buy one or both of these insurance coverages. While insurance policies may differ in the coverages provided, often there are basic features common to all policies. The homeowner should ask his or her insurance professional about the specifics of one’s specific insurance...
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Water Damage Restoration Is A Job For The Professionals Water damage restoration is not a simple process. It involves many stages using high powered machinery and expert knowledge so as not to cause further damage. Water damage cleanup has become a bona-fide science. What used to consist of a contractor setting up a few fans in a flooded basement has now become a bona-fide science, largely in part to the greater understanding we now have of the serious negative health repercussions that can be caused by mold, mildew, and bacteria growth, and the better technologies available to tackle a water restoration job. Water damage cleanup or water damage restoration is so advanced that they have developed a word for the process and science of drying; Psychometry Psychometry Definition: the science and practice associated with atmospheric air mixtures and water vapor, their evaluation, control and effect on materials. A professional water damage restoration contractor will use these innovative methods for water extraction and removal that involves drying of carpets, rugs, mats, floors and walls to deodorizing and disinfecting effect that restores your damaged areas. Water Removal Equipment Moisture detectors, hygrometers and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation. Infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal. Submersible and commercial grade pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. Truck mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal. Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, & Anti-Microbial Treatments Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture. Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms. State-of-the-Art Drying Equipment Drying equipment helps prevent property water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls and furniture. Industrial grade dehumidifiers minimize secondary water damage. High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads and furniture, evaporating moisture. Some situations call for special drying techniques that require other state of the art equipment and training. Initial scoping needs to be done to determine how extensive the water damage is. Water always seeks equilibrium with its environment and wet always goes to dry, if it can. Just finding the extent of water damage on the floor isn’t enough. The water damage needs to be mapped to determine how far up the walls it has wicked, and how far down into the substrate the water damage has gone, including possibly entering the crawlspace in a conventional foundation. This can’t be done by touch. Very specialized water damage inspection tools and meters will be required, and an experienced water damage professional has them. A thorough understanding of water damage demands every water damage contractor be familiar with the “science of drying” also called psychrometry. Ask your water damage contractor what the dry standard is of each structural component suffering potential water damage. With proper water damage inspection tools and water damage experience, he should be able to tell you on a scale of 100 points the moisture content of the water damaged materials. If he can’t, call a different water damage restoration professional. Make sure your water damage restoration contractor draws a “moisture map” of the affected areas showing the full extent of the water damage migration, and that he updates the map regularly to show the progress of the water damage/structural drying project. A professional water damage restoration contractor should select the structural drying equipment in...
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Water Damage Repair and Restoration Minneapolis Years ago water damage restoration was really primitive compared to how it is done today. To say an industry has come a long way is an understatement. After years of careful analysis, today’s drying techniques are based on objective factors like: building size, type and amount of moisture present and materials involved. Precise instruments are used to measure the drying progress so that the technician is sure all moisture has been removed. There are a variety of equipment and solutions available to the contractor to remove water. A professional water damage restoration contractor should select the structural drying equipment in a scientific method based on materials, size of the water damage area, and the class and category of the water damage. Water Damage Is Classified by Category and Class of Damage: Category The Category of the water loss is based on the waters point of origin: CATEGORY 1 – Originates from a source that does not pose a substantial harm to humans. (Water from faucet, garden hose, water heater, water supply line etc.) CATEGORY 2 – Contains an elevated level of contamination and has potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. (Water from dishwasher, washing machine, laundry tub, water softener etc.) CATEGORY 3 – Contains pathogenic (disease causing) agents and is grossly unsanitary.”Black water” includes sewage and other contaminated water sources entering or affecting the indoor environment. (Water from drains, rivers, lakes, oceans etc.) If Category 2 water is not removed promptly from the structure, it may be reclassified as Category 3. CLASS The Class of the water loss is based on the size and items affected: CLASS 1 – Slow rate of evaporation – (Least amount of water) Water losses that could affect only part of a room or area; or even large losses containing low permeability/porosity materials (e.g. plywood, particle board, structural wood, VCT, concrete.) Little or no wet carpet and/or cushion is present. Minimum amount of moisture can be held in the remaining structural materials. CLASS 2 -Fast rate of evaporation – (More water than class 1) Water losses that affect the entire room of “carpet and pad.” Water has wicked up the walls as much as 24 inches. There is moisture remaining in structural materials (e.g. plywood, particle board, structural wood, VCT, concrete.) Due to the amount of water held in dirt or mud, Crawl spaces in most circumstances, will also fit under Class 2. CLASS 3 – Fastest rate of evaporation – (Most amount of water) Water may have come from overhead. Everything is wet. Must have carpet and pad. Ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, cushion, and sub floor in virtually the entire area are saturated. CLASS 4 – Specialty Drying Situation- (Same amount of water as a Class 1 ) These losses involve wet materials with very low permeability/porosity ( e.g. hardwoods, sub floor, plaster, brick, concrete, stone ) Class 4 differs from a Class 1 due to the deep pockets of saturation that require the use of a desiccant or low grain dehumidifier to achieve the low specific humidity. Even then, the Class 4 drying job will take longer to dry than a typical Class 1. Specialized Training When you are evaluating a water damage professional, it is best to look...
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Water Damage MN | MN Water Damage Extracting, Drying & Disinfecting Water Damage To Home in Richfield MN It is any homeowners worst nightmare; WATER DAMAGE! Coming home to a flooded basement, broken or burst pipes and sewer or septic backups or even water damage from an ice dam is a bad day for anyone. It is a disastrous situation. This home in Richfield Minnesota had a severe foundation issue. The entire lower level was flooded in 2 feet of standing water. The sheetrock had to be completely removed. Drywall, insulation, and in some cases ceilings should be removed and replaced. It takes a long time for water under vinyl floors, and in the walls, to dry out. While they are wet, two things are happening. Water spreads up the walls and insulation much higher than the flood water level due to a process called “wicking.” As the water spreads through the walls and insulation, mold quickly develops. With the mold established in the drywall and insulation, it will grow anytime in the future that the humidity is high enough. Just sealing the surface with paint, polyurethane, or fiberglass is not adequate. Removing the drywall and insulation was the only way to determine the extent of wicking. Water Damage Restoration Is A Job For The Professionals Water damage restoration is not a simple process and involves many stages using high powered machinery and expert knowledge so as not to cause further damage. A professional water damage restoration contractor will use innovative methods for water extraction and removal that involves drying of carpets, rugs, mats, floors and walls to deodorizing and disinfecting effect that restores your damaged areas. Water Removal Equipment Moisture detectors, hygrometers and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation. Infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal. Submersible and commercial grade pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. Truck mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal. Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, & Anti-Microbial Treatments Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture. Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms. State-of-the-Art Drying Equipment Drying equipment helps prevent property water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls and furniture. Industrial grade dehumidifiers minimize secondary water damage. High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads and furniture, evaporating moisture. Some situations call for special drying techniques that require other state of the art equipment and training. Initial scoping needs to be done to determine how extensive the water damage is. Water always seeks equilibrium with its environment and wet always goes to dry, if it can. Just finding the extent of water damage on the floor isn’t enough. The water damage needs to be mapped to determine how far up the walls it has wicked, and how far down into the substrate the water damage has gone, including possibly entering the crawlspace in a conventional foundation. This can’t be done by touch. Very specialized water damage inspection tools and meters will be required, and an experienced water damage professional has them. A thorough understanding of water damage demands every water damage contractor be familiar with the “science of drying” also called psychrometry. Ask your water damage contractor what the dry standard is of each structural component suffering potential water damage. With...
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Prevent Frozen Pipes and Water Damage Winter storms can cause significant damage for homeowners. Although weather forecasting has improved over the years, the intensity of a winter storm can be difficult to predict. Storms this time of year are the third largest cause of catastrophe losses, behind only hurricanes and tornadoes. In these hazardous conditions homeowners can have problems with frozen pipes. When pipes burst because they froze or snow accumulation leads to significant water intrusion, your home and contents can suffer significant damage. Even if you live in an area where your home is frequently subjected to sub-zero temperatures and your plumbing system is designed to handle the cold temperatures, loss of power or heat can lead to frozen pipes and catastrophic damage. If you are located in a region that is prone to freezing temperatures taking steps to prevent frozen pipes and other leaks can reduce the risk of property damage. Cold Weather Homeowners Tips Thousands of families have one or more rooms in their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter by water pipes freezing and bursting. When the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, water pipes in homes with little or no insulation are likely to freeze and break. A one-eighth inch crack in a pipe can spew out more than 250 gallons of water a day, causing serious water damage to your home, destroying floors, furniture, appliances and personal items. According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, claim payments by all insurance companies over the past decade for these kinds of losses have exceeded $4 billion. If you’re leaving for a trip or are concerned about a coming cold snap, there’s plenty you can do. Frozen water pipes represent the biggest potential problem for most homes. A little advance planning will usually prevent frozen pipes. Insulate pipes, especially those leading to the outside, and plug holes around the pipes with insulation or spray-in foam. Make sure there is warm air flowing around pipes that are located near an outside wall. Check pipes under sinks to make sure they will get adequate heat. Set the heat in the home warm enough to avoid problems. At night, the heating system needs to circulate water through radiator and baseboard heating units to avoid freezing. Make sure there is clear access to the main water shut-off valve in case there is a leak or a pipe suddenly bursts. Open the water faucets in your sinks enough to allow a slow trickle of water to maintain the flow of water in the lines and help prevent freezing. Make sure your sink drains are open. Shut off the water supply during periods when the home may be unoccupied, particularly when colder weather is expected. Water Damage Cleanup Minnesota homeowners, property managers, building owners, and churches suffering the effects of frozen pipes, cleaning needs to be done quickly to avoid further damage. The temperature and weather conditions may not be ideal for a cleanup, but it is imperative that you act quickly to avoid mold growth. Mold formation is the greatest setback most people face when dealing with water damage. Molding due to water damage can spoil possessions and can cause health problems. Some health problems triggered by exposure to mold include allergic reactions such as asthma, non-allergic...
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Minnesota Water Damage Restoration Minneapolis MN Water damage cleanup, repair and restoration can be a costly operation. In fact, water damage is one of the top reasons why most home insurance plan holders make claims. Most water damages are caused due to burst pipes, leaky appliances and flooded basements. When your home suffers from storm damage, a flooded basement, sewage damage, immediate action is required to remove the water and minimize the damage and loss. The winters are a time when water intrusion into your home has an added opportunity to occur when it snows and the temperatures remain at or below freezing for a minimum of 2-3 days. Although the first half of the 2011-2012 Winter storm season has been relatively mild, it is still possible for Old Man Winter to pack a powerful punch. Winter weather that is more severe than usual in your area can cause a number of problems ranging from water leaks to burst pipes, flooded basements, and roof collapses. These problems are frequently thought of as a northern climate problem. However, whenever an unusually cold spell occurs or a particularly heavy ice or snow accumulation builds up for the area, some buildings start getting into trouble. Ice Dams Ice dams — or ice buildup on roof eaves are all too obvious and all too familiar to Minnesota homeowners. Snow buildup on your roofs can form what are called “ice dams” and leak water into your attic. If enough moisture penetrates through your roofing materials and gets absorbed in the insulation or sheet rock, you won’t notice it until the damage has reached a level that could require a professional to remove it. If you uncover snow-related damage to your home as you are digging out from a blizzard, keep in mind the insurance industry’s approach to paying water-related damages. Snow, after all, is but frozen water and insurers have canceled policies, reduced coverage and raised rates to fight the growing numbers of claims paid for water- and moisture-related damage. Insurers also encourage policy holders to do what they can to avoid the need for such claims. If you are a repeat “offender” with previous moisture-related claims or didn’t previously take steps to prevent or minimize snow damage and damage that could result when snow melts, you could lose your policy, get hit with higher premiums or discover the snow-related damage simply isn’t covered. Maintain Your Home Throughout A Snow Storm “Mold is an issue right now. If you didn’t clean up that puddle of water for three months and it creates mold, it gets tricky. The industry prefers that you take care of your home as much as possible. Houses that have been flooded are at serious risk for molds, especially in areas when are high humidity and temperatures provide the mold with the perfect place to reproduce before cleanup begins. Juries have awarded huge sums of money to homeowners who initiated lawsuits against their insurance companies, with most awards given to people whose insurer did not pay for moisture-related repairs in time to prevent severe mold problems. Freezing conditions such as burst pipes or ice dams, a condition where water is unable to drain properly through the gutters and seeps into a house causing damage to ceilings and walls, is covered (while the...
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