The following information from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a public service to those who have suffered water-related losses due to storm damage (e.g., hurricane, tornado).

Whether insured or not, it is important for property owners to document damage with photographs or video, and immediately, to begin loss mitigation procedures themselves; or hire a qualified contractor to do this on their behalf. It is totally inappropriate to put off mitigation while waiting for an insurance claims representative to arrive on the scene to evaluate the loss. By that time, in all probability sufficient time will have passed to grow and amplify microorganisms, which may not be covered by insurance. Loss mitigation is defined by insurance policies as “reasonable and prudent measures designed to preserve, protect and secure property from further damage,” including microbial growth and amplification.

According to the IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC S500), there are three different categories of water that cause damage in buildings. The following is a summary of each of them.

Category 1 Water – That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water could become progressively contaminated if it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, and subflooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water, can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Some examples of where this water could come from are: burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances, vertically falling rainwater.

Category 2 Water – That which begins with some degree of contamination and has the potential of causing sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. As with Category 1 water, time and temperature could cause Category 2 water to become increasingly more contaminated.

Category 3 Water – That which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Some examples include: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. There are two ways in which water enters a building as a result of wind storm damage: The first involves falling or windblown rainwater that enters as a result of damage to roof components or wall assemblies. The second involves horizontally traveling ground surface water (Category 3) containing silt and soil contaminants that infiltrate into structures, generally through doors or around foundation walls. This ground surface water (storm surge) may accumulate to a depth of several inches or several feet. When structures are partially submerged or remain substantially flooded for weeks, far more elaborate procedures usually are required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will my homeowner insurance policy cover the cost of water damage?

Yes, in most cases your homeowner insurance policy covers water damage or flood damage. It depends on the source of the water. If your sump pump cannot keep up with the amount of water coming into your basement it is considered a flood. Make sure you have flood insurance. If your sump pump is broken and that is why you have water damage you may or may not be covered. Some insurance policies require a special rider on your policy to cover water damage from broken sump pumps. If water comes in from the foundation of your home it will more than likely be covered. It is best to call your agent and ask if you’re covered for flood damage, water damage or sump pump failure.

What is the first thing I should do when I notice water damage?

The very first thing you should do is call Service PLUS Carpet Cleaning & Restoration. If you are covered for the water damage and you do not take action to mitigate the damage you could be responsible for the secondary damage caused by water damage or flood damage. This should be written in your insurance policy. You the homeowner are responsible for any secondary damage caused by water damage or flood damage if mitigation (damage control) is not started. Secondary damage is damage that is caused because action is not taken to stop or remove water. Water in its liquid form can spread under, up and through just about anything. As water evaporates it can create damage to drop ceilings and lead to high humidity. Humidity above 60% over 48 hours is a part of the formula for mold growth. If this happens you will need a mold remediation company to remove the mold. Make sure you are covered for mold removal as it is very expensive.

Will my homeowner insurance policy cover the cost of new carpet or wood floor?

Yes, IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards call for removal and replacement of the carpet pad when category-2 water is present. Category-2 water is unclean and has significant contamination. However, category-3 water is totally contaminated and the carpet and the pad MUST be removed and anything that has come in contact with the contaminated water must also be removed and properly disposed of. The insurance company should pay to have the carpet or wood floor removed and replaced.

I had water in my basement and I used a wet/dry vacuum to get it up but, now there is an odor. Can I get the carpet cleaned to fix this?

No, the odor is the result of improper extraction. The pad is probably very wet and mold has started to grow under the pad. Mold and mildew have a very musky odor. The odor will not go away and no, deodorizer will not remove it. If there is a musky odor coming from the carpet then it needs to be removed. Also, the area will need to be treated with an anti microbial treatment. It may also need to be dehumidified to remove all moister before new carpet is installed.