How Can I Determine The Differences Between Storm Damage Vs Flooding And Water Damage To My North Nashville Property?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

One easy way to tell the difference between water damage from flood damage is to answer this simple question: is your home the only one having any issues in your neighborhood? If your house is the only one affected, you are probably not looking at storm damage. 

Flood damage is generally considered damage caused by rising or overflowing water entering your home due to a storm surge or rain-induced flooding after building up on once-dry land.

Water damage is when water damages your home before it comes into contact with dry land, including heavy rainstorms or hail storms that allow water to leak through broken windows or damaged roofing.

What Are Some Causes Of Water Damage To My North Nashville House?

Your home can incur water damage from: 

• A burst sewer line 
• An overflowing toilet
• A malfunctioning water heater 
• A broken pipe under a sink
• A malfunctioning household appliance
• Dozens of other sources inside your home.

What Are Some Of The Causes Of Flood Damage To My North Nashville House?

A flood is defined as a temporary situation where two or more acres of dry land, or two or more property units, are covered in water from one of the sources listed below.

According to FEMA, flood damage is caused by:

• overflow of inland or tidal waters
• unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
• mudflow
• Collapsing land along the shores of a lake or a similar body of water. the collapse is a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water that have exceeded anticipated levels 

How Are The Dangers Of Flood Water Different From The Dangers Of Water From My North Nashville Residence?

• Category 1: CLEAN WATER. It comes from supply lines, faucets, and other sources that aren't contaminated and can usually be cleaned with extraction, drying, and dehumidification.
• Category 2. GREYWATER. This water will come from dishwasher leaks, sump pump failures, and other sources that can include contamination. It typically requires a degree of sanitation and decontamination.
• Category 3. BLACKWATER. This comes from sewage, standing water, and other sources that can be seriously contaminated by pathogenic and toxic material. It requires an extreme degree of sterilization before people can safely re-enter the structure without safety gear. NOTE: Floodwater is always category 3.

How Can SERVPRO Help To Clean Up Water Damage?

• We will remove mud and debris. Dirt and sediment will be carried in with water, whether from a natural flood or a burst sewer line. All mud must be removed from your home before we can begin the disinfecting process.
• We will disinfect surfaces and contents. Many of your items, including toys, rugs, and furniture, may have to be disposed of completely.
• We apply biocide, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial to every surface. Contamination by black water and flood water damage can contribute to mold growth. 
• We will repaint and refinish surfaces. The powerful disinfectants necessary for this water and flood damage class may discolor walls, floors, and other interior features more than lower classifications of water damage.
• We will repair any roof leaks or storm damage. Flood damage will often come with extreme weather, so the exterior of your home has likely experienced issues, too. 

SERVPRO of North Nashville is here to help you when the worst happens. In addition to storm damage, we manage fire damage, mold remediation, and more. Visit our website for information about all our services.

We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too.

This franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.