Water leaking from ceiling when water damage goes untreated.

What Happens if Water Damage Goes Untreated?

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Whether it’s a water leak or storm damage, there a range of issues that can arise if you leave water damage untreated. Many people make the mistake of waiting too long before calling in restoration experts or plumbers – but it’s critical to get in touch with a qualified team as soon as the damage occurs. Waiting for more than just a few hours can end up costing you far more money.

Let’s take a look at what happens if water damage is left untreated.

Structural Risks

Untreated water damage can pose a range of different structural risks for your home or property. Even a small leak can begin the process of severe structural damage. Metal can rust, wood can expand and warp, laminate will be stripped, surfaces will stain, and pressure can build on individual components of your home. When flood waters enter your property, the floors and walls can experience severe damage. Warping, rot, and a range of other problems will quickly develop if you don’t act quickly. Your electrical system may also become permanently damaged if exposed to moisture.

As wood buckles, the structure of your walls and floors can begin to deteriorate. It can take less than 24 hours for the wood components of your home to become compromised. After just two days, the warping may be so severe that you’ll need entirely new flooring or walls.  And don’t forget that water damage can do much more than just damage your home’s structure; it can also destroy its contents. It’s vital to protect furniture and valuable family items (such as photos, memory drives, and books) if there is any chance your home could become flooded.

Health Risks

Water damage also creates a range of health risks. Dangerous molds, mildews, and odors can develop quickly in damp conditions. Worst of all, you may not even be able to see the culprits.  Molds can create a range of respiratory issues and conditions for those who are exposed to them. Health risks can be particularly severe for those who suffer from allergies; certain molds and odors can result in severe allergic reactions.

Financial Risks

It might seem obvious, but it must be stated that leaving water damage untreated also has substantial financial repercussions. Untreated water damage expenses can add up quickly. As structural damage begins to impact other areas of your home, you may be opening yourself up to a huge restoration bill. Keep in mind that if you don’t notify your insurance company quickly, your claim may become invalid.

Choose the Right Water Damage Restoration Company

If you want to avoid further complications from water damage, it’s critical to choose the right water damage contractor. Our team can help you assess the damage and begin the process of restoring your home or property.  If you have water damage in your home or property, make sure to get in touch with our team at Rapid Restoration & Remodel. Even if you’re unsure if water damage has occurred, it’s critical to speak with our team as quickly as possible.

Frustrated woman claiming insurance for water leaks sitting on a couch in the living room at home

How to Choose the Best Water Restoration Company

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When disaster strikes, it’s essential to act quickly. Water can quickly cause severe damage to your home — it only takes a few hours for the water to begin creating structural issues. If you’re looking to avoid costly and lengthy repairs, it’s crucial to get in touch with the right water restoration company.

So, how can you find the best water restoration company when you experience damage to your home? Let’s find out!

Are They Licensed and Insured?

First things first, it’s critical to make sure that any disaster restoration company is licensed and insured. Ask for all relevant restoration and business licenses and proof of insurance. If a restoration company isn’t insured, you may end up financially responsible for their mistakes!

Are They IICRC Certified?

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit organization that helps certify businesses in the restoration and cleaning industries. If a company is IICRC certified, they’ve undergone a rigorous certification that helps ensure they understand standardized practices for restoration.

It’s always a good idea to ask your water restoration contractor if they’re IICRC certified.

Are Emergency Services Available?

Water damage isn’t something that can wait — issues begin to arise from the moment your property is exposed to water. For this reason, it’s critical to work with a water restoration company that offers emergency services to its clients. If a water restoration company takes too long to arrive at your property, the restoration costs can skyrocket.

The best water restoration companies in the country offer emergency services 24 hours a day. This helps give you confidence that you can tackle your water damage problem as quickly as possible.

Does the Company Have Verifiable References?

If you don’t have any experience working with a particular company, it’s vital to seek the opinion of a past customer. Always ask your water restoration company if they have verifiable references that you can contact to discuss their services. If they can’t provide you with any testimonials or references, it’s a bad sign!

Choose a Company That Assists with Insurance Claims

Insurance claims can get complicated. Considering the various costs that are often associated with water restoration services, it’s vital to ensure you receive a payout from your insurance provider. Always aim to work with teams that have experience helping clients file insurance claims — ask your contractor if they’re approved with your insurance provider.

If you want to ensure the claims process with your insurance company runs as smoothly as possible, it’s critical to use a team that has experience dealing with insurance providers.

Choose a Company You Can Trust

Water damage is no joke — it’s critical to choose a team you can trust if you want to avoid headaches in the future. If you’re looking for a water damage restoration company in Portland, our team at Rapid Restoration & Remodel has considerable experience helping clients in the Portland region. We can even help provide mold remediation for mold growth issues in your home.

We’re fully licensed and insured, and we’re certified by the IICRC. We’re also happy to assist you with the insurance claims process. If you have water damage in your home, make sure to get in touch with our team!