Flood damage—two words bound to send shivers down any homeowner’s spine. Whether it is from torrential rain or a burst pipe, water can hold an unbridled fury that transforms a tranquil living space into a frenetic zone of chaos and distress.
As flood water damage can range from minor inconveniences to major structural concerns, having a keen understanding of the different types of flood damage can prove a real relief for property owners, be it for prevention or recovery from an unfortunate incident. In this comprehensive guide, our team at Restoration Specialists explore what encompasses various flood damage house scenarios and how they might occur.
What is considered flood damage?
Before we delve into the different types, let’s provide a definitive answer to the question, ‘What is considered flood damage?’
In relation to houses, flood damage refers to the destruction and related adverse effects caused by uncontrolled water intrusion into your property. The water flow could be from various causes, such as a natural calamity or a fault within the house itself. If you’re lucky, the damage might only be cosmetic, but if left unattended, it could threaten the integrity of the building’s structure.
What are the Types of House Flood Damage?
Heavy Rainfall
As the name suggests, prolonged heavy rainfall can quickly lead to flooding in areas with subpar drainage or those that rest at lower elevations. When excessive rain saturates the ground, water can enter basements and crawl spaces, causing damage to the foundation, saturating walls and flooring, and destroying personal belongings. It’s not just a nuisance but a serious threat to property and personal safety.
Storm Surges and Coastal Flooding
For those living by the coast in New Zealand, you are undoubtedly no strangers to the odd storm. One trade-off of calling the coastline home is having to contend with a higher risk of boisterous storm surges and tides merging to cause coastal flooding, resulting in significant floodwater damage.
During storms, the overland flow paths for stormwater are impeded by tidal or coastal conditions, which increase the chances of flooding from rivers, streams, and inundated stormwater systems. As a result, properties can suffer from structural damage, severe erosion, and even harmful contaminants brought into living spaces.
Plumbing Issues
Modern plumbing has come a long way but isn’t immune to environmental damage. Burst pipes, leaky plumbing fixtures, and general plumbing issues can all cause severe flood damage in houses. When pipes or fixtures fail, water can flow uncontrolled into living areas, leading to the destruction of personal belongings and expensive structural damage.
Sewer Backups
A functioning sewer system is easy to take for granted until it rebels. This type of flood damage occurs when the sewer system becomes overwhelmed or clogged, causing wastewater to flow back into the house. The result is not just water damage but potential health hazards due to contamination, such as from the spread of bacteria or other harmful pathogens, demanding immediate attention.
Malfunctioning Appliances
Whether due to a defective part or general wear and tear over time, appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can develop leaks or experience failures, leading to a flood and subsequent water damage. Be sure to observe regular maintenance to prevent any unexpected leaks that can ruin your floors, walls, other electronics and more.
Building Envelope Issues
New Zealand is home to a diverse selection of properties, offering a range of different styles, designs, and even from an array of time periods. With this assortment, however, each may hold their own issues, particularly with how they age or withstand our weather, demanding persistent upkeep. Building envelope issues may arise with neglect, such as damaged or unmaintained roofing, leaking windows and doors, or blocked gutters, often resulting in water ingress issues. These can be as destructive as foundation problems, leading to long-term damage if not addressed promptly.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters, such as floods caused by heavy rains, hurricanes, or river overflow, can result in severe flood damage to houses. The destruction can be widespread and devastating, requiring extensive restoration efforts.
Why is Flood Water Damage Restoration Important?
While the visible scars of different types of flood damage are undeniably distressing, the hidden consequences lurking beneath surfaces can be even more insidious.
If not promptly and professionally addressed, lingering moisture becomes a fertile breeding ground for mould. Such a dangerous invader does more than just tarnish surfaces — it poses genuine health risks, ranging from allergies to more severe respiratory issues. Given the covert nature of mould growth, homes may become health hazards long before the issue becomes visually apparent.
Beyond the health implications, the structural integrity of your property is also at stake. Water, especially when allowed to persist, has the uncanny ability to compromise even the sturdiest of structures. Foundations can weaken, and crucial support structures can erode, causing not only a dip in property value, but also creating new, potential safety hazards.
Timely and professional restoration for a house with flood damage is also intertwined with financial considerations. For those insured against flood damage, a swift and thorough restoration process can streamline insurance claim processing. Delays or shoddy work can lead to complications, potentially culminating in partial claims or outright denials.
In essence, flood restoration is not just about repairing the present—it’s safeguarding the future.
Why Choose Restoration Specialists for Your Water Damage & Flood Restoration in Auckland?
Navigating water damage demands expertise, and that’s precisely what Restoration Specialists offer in Auckland with our flood restoration services. With our swift 24/7 response, we minimise further damage, saving you both time and money.
Our certified technicians adhere to the IICRC’s rigorous global standards, ensuring top-notch service. Equipped with advanced tools, we provide unparalleled drying, monitored day-long for optimal conditions. Our detailed reporting offers transparency, while our construction background facilitates seamless reinstatements. Collaborating with a spectrum of insurance providers across New Zealand, we stand as a trusted ally in your flood recovery journey. For more, contact us today by calling 0800 332 664 or sending an email to info@resspec.co.nz.