Why Some Homeowners Delay Professional Mitigation
Why Some Homeowners delay calling for help:
A water damage event can be a stressful time. There are a number of things to consider, all requiring immediate attention, all at once. In the chaos that ensues, some homeowners can be hesitant to call professionals. In the long run, this can end up multiplying the repair costs and health risks. Despite the fear, taking immediate action can make a world of difference. So, Why do homeowners delay?
Reason #1: “It doesn’t look that bad”
Water damages can have the same effect as an iceberg: only a small portion is visible at first glance. What looks like a minor water damage can really be a big problem in disguise. Ultimately, hidden water damage can lead to mold growth if left untreated. This is why a Professional water damage inspection is so crucial. Even the professionals use tools lime hygrometers, moisture meters, thermal imaging devices, and other tools to find hidden moisture. Unfortunately, most building materials act like sponges, drywall can trap moisture, insulation can stay damp and host mold, and framing can rot. Water travels quickly, and soaks its way into porous materials like your walls in a matter of hours. Indianapolis weather can stay humid, especially during certain parts of the year, which can affect the severity of water damage. Mold can begin growing faster than you’d think, which is why speedy response is such a virtue in the restoration industry.
Reason #2: Fear of insurance costs
Some homeowners assume that their insurance wont cover a water damage insurance claim. While every insurance carrier is different, and you should check your homeowners insurance coverage, professional restoration at the first sign of water damage can be much cheaper than the cost of a remodel and mold remediation due to inactivity. Others may assume that their premiums will skyrocket, or that mitigation can cost more than they can afford. In reality, a homeowner is only responsible to pay for costs up to the point of their water damage deductable. Still others think it might be cheaper to go DIY, but as previously mentioned, professional-grade tools are often needed to ensure proper mitigation.
Reason #3: Inconvenience and disruption
People will often delay professional mitigation and repair because of disruption. This could be due to the equipment used in a dryout being “too noisy”, having to move furniture, schedule disruption, and perhaps even temporary relocation. While nobody likes having their lives disrupted so thoroughly, the truth is, the longer you wait to act, the more invasive the repairs become. The longer water is allowed to sit and soak into your home, the more damage it causes, and the amount of repairs needed skyrockets. As much as we hate to invade your daily lives, the disruptions of water mitigation are needed to prevent a much worse level of disruption. We get it, water mitigation is no fun, but we’d rather see you put up with it for a week than for a month.
Especially with the kind of wet weather we’ve seen in Indianapolis and the surrounding area recently, water can find it’s way into your home, and begin to set in. within just 24 hours, your home’s building materials can begin to act like a sponge, soaking up moisture and holding it. Materials like particleboard can begin to warp beyond repair, and wooden flooring can twist, buckle or swell. Within 72 hours, mold can begin to grow, and odors can develop. After a week, structure damage can worsen, including your subfloor beginning to deteriorate. It goes without saying that all of this will increase labor costs on the repair side.
This is why calling a certified restoration professional like Faulkner Restoration can make all the difference. If you’re dealing with water damage in Indianapolis, acting fast can prevent long-term structural damage and mold-related health issues. Our team of certified and trained professionals offer 24/7 emergency water damage restoration services in Marion and the surrounding counties. If you need anything from emergency water cleanup in Indianapolis, to water damage restoration in Greenwood, or Mold remediation in Southport, give Faulkner Restoration a call today at 317-782-9999.