Wind and water damage are two of the most common types of property damage that homeowners and business owners can face. Both can cause significant destruction, but they differ in how they occur, what they damage, and how they are managed.
What is Considered Damaging Wind?
Wind damage occurs when powerful gusts of wind cause physical damage to structures, objects, or landscapes. The severity of wind damage depends on the strength of the wind, the duration of the storm, and the quality of the building materials. Strong winds can uproot trees, tear off roofs, and cause structural damage to buildings. Wind can also break windows, damage doors, and destroy outdoor structures like sheds and fences.
What Counts as Water Damage?
Water damage, on the other hand, occurs when water infiltrates a structure or object and causes damage. Water damage can result from a wide range of sources, including flooding, burst pipes, roof leaks, and sewage backups. Water can cause significant damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and possessions, and can also pose a serious health risk if it contains harmful contaminants like bacteria or mold. With this in mind, we at Disaster Services would like to continue discussing the differences between wind and water storm damage.
How Can We Mitigate Wind & Water Damage?
One of the key differences between wind and water damage is the way they are mitigated. Wind damage is typically addressed through repairs and replacements. If a roof is damaged, for example, it may need to be replaced entirely. If a window is broken, it can be replaced with a new one. Wind damage can also be prevented through measures like reinforcing building materials, securing outdoor objects, and trimming trees and branches. Water damage, on the other hand, requires a more extensive mitigation process. Once water has infiltrated a structure, it can quickly spread throughout the building and cause damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. The first step in mitigating water damage is to remove the water as quickly as possible, which is typically done through the use of pumps and other specialized equipment. Once the water has been removed, the affected areas must be thoroughly dried to prevent mold and other harmful contaminants from developing. This may involve the use of dehumidifiers, fans, and other drying equipment.
Insurance Coverage
Another key difference between wind and water damage is the type of insurance coverage they require. Wind damage is typically covered under standard homeowners insurance policies, although some policies may have exclusions or limitations. Water damage, on the other hand, can be more complex to insure. Flood damage is typically not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies and requires a separate flood insurance policy. Water damage from other sources may be covered, but the coverage can vary widely depending on the specific policy.
Flood, Water & Wind Damage Restoration in Baytown, Pasadena, League City, Pearland, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring & Greater Houston, Texas
Wind and water damage are two common types of property damage that homeowners and business owners can face. While both can cause significant destruction, they differ in how they occur, what they damage, and how they are mitigated. Understanding these differences can help property owners better prepare for and respond to damage caused by wind or water. Whether you have experience severe wind or water storm damage in Houston, TX, call Disaster Services and let us help you recover!
