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How Do You Fix Old Water Damage? A Step-by-Step Guide

DO YOU HAVE PROPERTY DAMAGE? GET THE HELP YOU NEED NOW!

Water damage can cause immediate damage to your property, but many people forget about the long-term effects that can lurk beneath the surface. Old water damage can cause a range of problems, including mold growth, structural issues, and the gradual destruction of your personal belongings.

The good news is that there are ways to fix old water damage and return your property to pre-loss condition. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fixing old water damage. Let’s get straight to it.

Contents

What happens when you don’t address water damage immediately?

New York is prone to a multitude of threats that can result in water damage, including cold weather, serious flooding, and storms.

However, it’s also important to remember that simple human errors, such as small leaks, blockages, and failure to maintain appliances, can result in extensive water damage.

While water damage might seem less dangerous than fire and smoke, it can have immediate and long-term consequences, including:

  1. Mold Growth: Did you know that mold spores begin to form within 24-48 hours? Leaving water damage for over a week can lead to mold infiltrating walls, flooring, insulation – and the entire property.
  2. Further Damage: Prolonged water exposure degrades materials like wood and drywall. Over time, this can cause them to crumble or collapse, creating severe safety hazards.
  3. Other Safety Hazards: Water that seeps into electrical outlets and wiring could increase the risks of your property experiencing a fire.
  4. Pests: Rodents, cockroaches, and termites are attracted to damp and humid conditions. When pests take over the property, removing them can be challenging.
  5. Lost Belongings: Unfortunately, your carpets, books, personal items, and soft furnishings might be unsalvageable when left to worsen.
  6. Higher Repair Costs: It will probably come as no surprise to learn that the worse your water damage is, the more you’ll spend on repair costs. Acting immediately can reduce your overall expenses.

Will my insurance provider cover old water damage?

Old water damage can be challenging to claim, and the insurance company will likely refuse your claim if they can prove that you were negligent. Negligence can occur when a homeowner doesn’t take care of their property and fails to take precautions that will prevent water damage.

If the lack of care contributes to your damage, your policy will probably exclude it. However, it’s also important to note that failing to report water damage and seek support after it occurs can also impact your ability to make a claim.

Examples of negligence include:

  • Ignoring the signs of a leak
  • Not fixing plumbing problems
  • Failing to perform maintenance checks
  • Leaving water damage to get worse
  • Delaying contacting your insurance company

Your insurance company will investigate your claim to determine whether there was any negligence and decide whether to accept or deny it. Unfortunately, if they can prove negligence, you won’t receive any financial support and will need to pay for the water damage repair costs.

Step One: Assess the damage

While a burst pipe or flooded basement is easy to spot, minor leaks caused by malfunctioning washing machines can go unnoticed for a long time. That’s why it’s vital to understand the signs of water damage and remain vigilant.

The most common signs include:

  • Staining or discoloration of the walls and ceilings
  • Warped or swollen surfaces
  • Rotting wood or other building materials
  • A musty smell indicates mildew and mold growth

Arranging a professional inspection

Hidden water damage is challenging to spot, but a professional water damage restoration company knows how to isolate moisture and assess the air quality for mold growth. With access to specialized equipment, we can isolate and eliminate all signs of water damage.

If you decide to assess the building yourself, remember to wear protective gear and take steps to prevent injuries.

Evaluating the building’s structural integrity

Perhaps the most significant risk posed by old water damage is its impact on your building’s structural elements. Porous materials retain moisture, which can weaken foundational aspects over time. The building can pose severe safety hazards when structural damage is left unaddressed.

Documenting any losses

When left unattended, water damage can destroy your personal belongings. It’s vital to document any losses for your insurance company. However, the water damage occurred a while ago, so you might be unable to make a claim, depending on the company’s terms and conditions.

Step Two: The plan of action

Old water damage often requires a more intensive approach than newer damage, as affected areas might have dried out. If this isn’t the case, your restoration company will remove standing water and complete the drying process by using industry-grade equipment such as a sump pump and fan.

Mold removal

Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions, and old water damage usually results in an infestation. Certified technicians perform mold remediation services, which eliminate visible and hidden mold spores from the property.

This will improve the air quality and reduce the risks of developing health conditions such as allergies and respiratory issues.

Removing damaged materials

Unfortunately, some damaged materials are beyond saving and will need to be removed. These include damaged wood, drywall, and mold-infested insulation. Soft furnishings are also hard to save, but your restoration experts will let you know if they need to dispose of an item.

Cleaning and Disinfecting affected areas

Cleaning and disinfecting the property is a key component of the water damage restoration process, as it destroys any remaining mold spores and prevents regrowth. While standard cleaning solutions have some benefits, we have access to industrial-grade sanitizers and deodorizers.

Repairing and Restoring structural damage

Once the remediation process is complete, it’s time to make any structural repairs. This can include replacing affected materials like drywall and wooden components to ensure structural integrity.

The time it takes to repair structural elements depends on the extent of the damage, but your homeowners insurance policy should cover these costs.

Step 3: Inspecting and monitoring the building

Once the repairs are complete, your restoration company will inspect the air quality and ensure there are no further signs of mold and mildew growth. Understanding how to prevent future water damage is essential for properties in New York, as the area is prone to storms and flooding.

Maintaining your gutters and ensuring adequate drainage around the property can reduce the risks of water damage in the future. Using water-resistant materials is also beneficial, as they’ll provide an extra layer of protection for vulnerable areas.

Get support for water damage today

Water damage doesn’t have to destroy your property, and with the right support, you can return the building to its pre-loss condition. When choosing a water damage restoration company, be sure to evaluate whether the technicians are certified and if the company has a 24/7 emergency line.

Manhattan Flood Restoration supports homes and businesses across New York City, rapidly responding to water damage of all scales. Whether you’re experiencing the aftereffects of a flood, sewage backup, or leak, our experts can help.

Please call our emergency line at (800) 874-8146 or fill out the online form if you have a non urgent enquiry.