What is Considered Flood Damage and How Does it Differ from Water Damage in Baltimore Maryland ? | SI Restoration

What is Considered Flood Damage and How Does it Differ from Water Damage in Baltimore Maryland ? | SI Restoration

If you have water damage, flood damage or sewage clean-up in Baltimore, Maryland call Jeff at 410-458-5371.

Flood Damage vs. Water Damage in the United States government

Flood and water damage topics are used interchangeably but they have different meanings. Don't worry if you say oops . Flood damage is damage caused by a flooding event or location which is defined as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties.

Misconceptions

Many homeowners assume their homeowners policy covers flood damage but this is not always the case. A Flood is covered by a separate flood policy which is usually required for homes in high flood areas.

Another misconception

A common misconception is that water damage is always covered by homeowners policy but this depends on the source of the water damage. If the water damage is caused by a maintenance issue or neglect it may not be covered. Be sure to review your policies carefully and consider additional coverage if needed.

If you have water damage, flood or sewage clean up in Baltimore Maryland call Jeff at 410-458-5371 .

Flood Damage and Water Damage Differences: Filing a Flood Insurance Claim

Flood issue is damage caused by a flood event ( oops ) which is defined as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties. At this point the water will enter into a home or building and cause damage.

This is considered as a flood damage. Water damage is usually caused by internal issues in a home or building including but not limited to toilet over-flows, busted pipes, water heater leaks, broken sprinkler heads etc. The difference between flood and water damage to home and business owners' is who is responsible - financially and legally. Financially your damage will potentially fall under your insurance company or the official Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA).

FEMA Flood Zone and National Flood Insurance Program

FEMA covers homes in states that are in a “flood zone” or if the flood is in an area that is under a State of Emergency. Aways contact FEMA directly and never assume damage will be covered; as with all government programs the rules can change based on the situation and policies vary from state to state. The official website of FEMA is www.FEMA.gov . Homeland security does not get directly involved with A flood or water damage . The department of homeland security assists other agencies like FEMA to offer better services .Again the official website for FEMA is www.fema.gov

Insurance have a policy which is basically a contract with the home or business owner stating what will and won't be covered. I always recommend to homeowners to look at the exclusion page of their policy Insurance companies cover water damages where the home or business owner could not have prevented the hazard. FEMA works under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which provides insurance coverage for flood and associated risks.

Water Damage Homeowners Insurance Policy

Policyholders are shocked when they find out their claim is denied when they sustain flood damage. People discover the insurance company deemed the damage was due to a “maintenance issue” (what the homeowner could control). Most home and business owners don't even know there are maintenance issues required of them under their policy. Insurance industry home and building owners are supposed to inspect basements and windows to determine potential leak and flood liabilities!

The important thing I found you can do is to review your policy carefully so you're not caught off guard for any type of damage that may occur! Don't skim through your policy look at every page . Filing a flood insurance claim it's important to understand it's when water from a natural source impacts multiple properties due to conditions like heavy rain or rising waters. As well if you find any type of water in your home or business call a restoration company immediately!

The sooner the water is removed the less damage and expense you'll incur. As you've read flood issue and water damage are two different situations. They may look the same or seem the same but depending on who's paying are actually worlds apart in definition. If you have water issues in your home or business make sure you understand the situation before you start.

Contact SI Restoration for your flood or water damage if you live in Maryland or the District of Columbia. The company has certified and experienced staff for Flood Remediation and has been in business for 26 years.

SI Restoration water damage restoration cleanup services are available in the following Maryland areas  :

Towson

Pikesville

Catonsville

Bel Air

Baltimore City

Baltimore County

Dundalk

Essex

Laurel

Parkton

Westminister

Aberdeen

Hyattsville

Burtonsville

Bowie

Chevy Chase

Elkton

Gaithersburg

Rockville  Germantown

Hampstead

Manchester

Mount Airy

Sykesville

Takoma Park

Upper Marlboro