To the average homeowner, you may not understand there is any difference between water damage and flood damage. Both can cause a great deal of damage to the foundation of your home, flooring, walls, and possessions.
But to your insurance company, the differentiation between water damage and flood damage is very important and could affect the likelihood of your insurance claim being accepted or denied.
The Difference Between Flood Damage And Water Damage
These two causes of damage to your home are not interchangeable. When it comes to your coverage for damage repair, there are differences.
- Water damage: Usually caused by plumbing, or interior water sources such as a backup from a toilet, a flooded air-conditioning unit, or an overflowed washing machine.
- Flood damage is usually caused by water originating from a natural disaster, hurricane, or heavy rain event. This can include flash-flooding, sump pump failure, or prolonged roof leaks.
Causes of water damage
Homeowners often experience water damage as a result of a burst pipe or a plumbing issue. Water damage also occurs when a toilet, refrigerator, washing machine, or HVAC system doesn’t drain properly, causing a flood.
The resulting damage can be severe depending on the leak’s location and how long it is before someone finds it. Water from a second floor or in an attic will often impact the floors beneath it
Heavy rains may cause water damage without causing flood damage. If your home’s roof is damaged during a storm and rainwater leaks into the house, it is usually considered water, not flood damage. The key difference is the event that caused the damage, in this case, a storm.
Causes of Flood Damage
The definition of flood damage is a little more complex. Generally, flood damage is damage done to your house as a result of a flooding event. So, it must rain enough to cause a flood or flash flooding in your area.
This can happen during a natural disaster or a strong storm or hurricane that produces heavy rainfall in a short period of time. It can also occur when you don’t have a proper slope for stormwater runoff around your home or when a rain or storm control basin near you overflows.
What is Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?
It’s common for people to believe homeowner’s insurance will cover flood damage. Homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. While your policy usually covers water damage, it will not pay for expenses related to a flood event. Again, it’s imperative to remember that flood damage and water damage repair are two separate things as far as insurance is concerned.
A homeowner must have separate flood insurance to have coverage for a flood caused by weather events. If you live in an area with a high risk of floods, obtaining a separate flood insurance policy is necessary.
Water, Flood, and Storm Damage Repair in Springfield, Ohio
No matter where it comes from, water damage can be devastating to your home. It is essential you act quickly to address water, flood, and storm damage repairs in Springfield, Ohio in a timely matter. Reliant Restoration professionals are here to help!