A home can endure water damage a number of ways, and the resulting mess can range from minor to catastrophic. The most serious concern is a flood, but fortunately only certain areas have ever see one. Homes at the greatest risk are those near a river, or in a basin surrounded by hills. Those houses on the side of a hill may be invaded by runoff, but it is generally houses on a low-lying area surrounded by higher terrain that must worry about a flood. When a flood does happen, it may persist for a long time and saturate and rot the floor. If it does not persist, then the floor still becomes saturated, and must often be treated before it becomes safe again. Floor wood does not have to be submersed for very long before it incurs permanent damage. Other damage is to electrical wiring and to appliances, which may be ruined beyond salvage. The costs may run over ten thousand dollars for water damage house repair, since this is the standard fee simply to replace wires in a house. For the floor, overlying surface material must be stripped as soon as possible, and this means carpeting, foam, and even linoleum, since this only spares the floor from surface spills. This allows the wood to dry, and it also allows both the homeowner and professionals to assess damage. For such a catastrophe, it is unavoidable to seek professional help. Your home must be appraised just to see if it is safe to continue standing. A professional can see what repairs are possible, and can give advice about home water damage cleanup. There is no such thing as home water damage removal when it comes to a flood; permanent damage to the floor and the foundation may occur, and while the wood may be dry enough to remain functional, your home will be permanently devalued. It may not even be worth repairing. On the bright side, most people will never have to see this side of ownership, but in case you do, it is worth having flood insurance.Â
