- If dripping ice and melting snow are seeping their way through your roof and walls, it’s time to do some major damage control. Musty smells and watermarks on walls and ceilings are a sure sign that water damage is wrecking havoc on your home.
“If the moisture problem is not corrected, it can lead to serious structural damage,” says Dan Williams of Williams Agency “Increasing temperatures, humidity and rain can make the problem even more prevalent,” Williams adds.
Moisture damage such as rust, rot, mold and mildew is specifically excluded in most standard homeowner’s policies. Mold contamination is only covered on a limited basis and only if it is the result of a covered peril. Dan Williams says it is imperative that the source of the moisture be eliminated and the affected area properly dried, cleaned, and if necessary, replaced as soon as possible.
If you have water damage, Erie Insurance suggests the following steps to dry out and protect your home:
- If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers.
- If the damage occurs during the cold months, leave the heat on. In the summer, use an air conditioner if available.
- Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
- Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe furniture dry.
- Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
- Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying.
- Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
- Open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying.
- Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.
- Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible.
- Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
- Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
- Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
You may be tempted to turn up the heat to speed up the drying process but, that’s a big mistake. Increasing the heat could promote the growth of bacteria and mildew. Instead, attempt to stabilize the air temperature at 70 degrees. You should also avoid using an ordinary household vacuum to remove water and never use electrical appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors. If the electricity is still on, avoid going into rooms with standing water.
Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. And although cleaning up the damage is important, the problem will only reoccur if the area is not kept dry. “The best defense is keeping your home dry and water tight,” Williams says. Proper home maintenance can help prevent water damage from becoming a more serious problem.”
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 16th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 18th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has over four million policies in force and operates in 11 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more, visit www.erieinsurance.com.
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