Water damage and flood damage can often be used to describe the same situation but they do have unique differences that we will share here. These differences should be noted, as each has its own unique issues that can affect the scope of damage and the method of fixing that damage. The confusion is easy to understand, given both types of damage are caused by water entering a home or space where it should not be. So it is crucial to determine what distinguishes water damage from flood damage when it comes to your insurance coverage and policy. Let's say you have water damage insurance—and need to file a claim with your insurer — you will need to prove that the majority of the damages claimed fall within definition of water damage by the insurer. On the other hand, your flood damage insurance policy will also not cover damages you claim that may have been caused by water, not necessarily flood water. This is where it pays to know what your policy covers and how to be clear what kind of claim to put in for if you do have this situation.

1. How is water damage defined?

Most water damage arise from a homes plumbing. Your home’s walls, ceiling, and even your furniture can be damaged by water because of a leaky pipe or a clogged tub that has overflowed. In some cases a pipe may burst inside a wall causing damage to walls, floors etc. If the leak or issue is not found and repaired quickly, it can cause severe damages to other parts of your house. It may seem odd to think of, but water damage can also occur due to a fire. When a fire happens in your home, the water used to put that fire out can cause huge amounts of damage if left undealt with for more than a few days.

2. How is flood damage defined?

As the name suggests, flood damage happens when water enters your home due to a flooding event. These are common in Florida with our torrential rains and hurricanes. Flood damage is most common in low-lying areas, where heavy rain pools from higher areas and then gushes down to these lower areas, causing flooding. If a clogged city sewer system’s contents overflow during heavy rains and enter your home, this too can be considered within the definition of flood damage. Check with your local insurance agent to find out details on this.

3. Are all weather-related water incidents considered flood damage?

No, not all weather-induced water incidents will be considered as flood damage. If the water came into your home through a damaged roof shingle or tile or an untreated concrete wall, most insurance companies will treat that as water damage and not flood damage. In other words, to be fully considered flood damage, there must be a flood taking place in your physical area due to storms or other similar events. The damage that does occur must be caused by water coming into your home from the surface, not from above.

4. How do I restore my home after water or flood damage?

First, call a local restoration service near you like Spectrum Cleaning and Restoration. A knowledgeable and experienced water damage restoration specialist will come out and inspect the extent of the damage to the home and do the necessary repairs to return it to its state before the water of flood damage. Restoration companies will utilize flood cleanup and water damage repair teams to make sure your needs are met and you can have peace of mind. Our Spectrum Cleaning and Restoration team can also analyze whether the cause of the damage falls within being either water damage or flood damage for proper filing of your insurance claim.

Wrap Up on water and flood damage

All flood damage is a form of water damage, but not all water damage is from a flood. This is important because if you only carry one kind of insurance, you’ll need to make sure that the damage falls within the correct category or you may not be covered and you will be left to pay for the costs out-of-pocket! That's where we can help so call us if you see water!