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About Water Damage |
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Prevent Water Damage in the Laundry Room |
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The washer and drier are usually located in the laundry room and create heat and moisture. Simple maintenance is required to help avoiding water problems and mold. The Washer The washer is connected to both cold and hot water lines. Check them frequently. Start with the joints and fix a leak if you find it. Be sure to check both ends of the water lines. Clean or replace the filters once in a while. A blocked filter will slow the water flow into the washing machine, and may cause some malfunctions. This problem is worse in areas with "hard water". Inspect the shut off valve by looking for drips into the washing machine while it is not in use. If you detect a leak, replace ... |
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The Hazards of Water Damage |
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Once a building has been exposed to a large volume of water, it becomes extremely hazardous as water causes both health and structural risks. Water Damage Related Health Hazards and Risks Dampness and humidity promote the growth of moisture-related mold and mildew that can lead to toxic, mold-related reactions such as immune disorders, pathogenic disease and cancer. Allergic reactions consist of painful headaches, disorientation and dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, chronic asthma, rashes and open sores, and chronic fatigue. Be aware that floodwaters may also be contaminated with sewage and waste. These are fertile breeding ground for disease carrying termites and... |
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Water Damage Mold |
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The first thing created after water damage in a house is the mold. Mold creates a number of problems for the home owner. Fungi are common in nature and serve a central role as breakdown agents for organic matter. They contain fragments, or spores, which are found in virtually every home and building. Major mold that is found in water damaged homes is called Stachybotrys chartarum (atra), more commonly known as SC. It is a greenish black fungus that grows on materials like fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. They become chronically moist or water damaged due to excessive humidity, condensation, and flooding. SC was first noted as a disease when it contaminated cereal grains. ... |
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Water Damage In A Rental Unit
Author:
dan the roommate man
Biting her keys in her mouth, Phyllis jiggled the condo door open with her free fingertip. Peeking over bags of groceries, she stumbled through the living room and into the kitchen. Step. Step. Step. Squish......? Setting the groceries down, her line of vision shifted to her feet... now immersed in a lukewarm puddle of water, and as she scanned the room, she saw that her couches... chairs, and coffee tables were also about to set sail.
Frantically searching for the culprit, Phyllis became more and more frustrated. The sinks were turned off. The tubs were empty. The dishwasher wasn't on and it hadn't rained for weeks. Then she realized where it was all coming from. It seems that good ole' neighbor Joe Brown never felt it necessary to repair that kitchen sink leak. Why should he have? The leak never came in on his side of the apartment wall.
So now what? It wasn't her fault she had a new indoor swimming area, but would she have to pay for the damages? Allstate Agent Joe McLean says that she purchased a good renter's insurance policy, she would be covered. There are renter's insurance policies which protect you in the event of a bursted pipe, water heater, water bed, etc. With this insurance, you won't have to worry about replacing the pipes, carpeting, or your personal belongings directly out-of-pocket.
Unfortunately, Phyllis didn't have water damage specifically covered under her renter's insurance policy. She was therefore only reimbursed for the damage to her personal belongings, not for the replacement of the carpet, or the repair of the leaking pipe. If her neighbor had had coverage, his policy would have paid for the damage... but he didn't. For the next six months everyone pushed the repair costs on to someone else. The plumbers said it wasn't their responsibility any longer, Joe didn't care because it didn't affect him directly, and the landlord argued that according to the lease, he was only responsible for the exterior upkeep of the condos, not the interior. There wasn't even a security deposit for the landlord to take from. Meanwhile, the carpet began to mold, and patience wore thin. In order to avoid going through the tedious small claims court process, Phyllis moved into another condo and away from the stress. The new owner eventually had to fork out the cost for repairs, and the problem was finally resolved.
According to nolo.com, if a neighbor is legally responsible to water damage you suffer, you may be entitled to:
* Compensation for cost of repairs and replacements.
* Compensation for expenses such as having to stay at a motel.
* Compensation for mental distress, if you have suffered an underlying physical injury.
* Reimbursement for medical expenses.
Punitive damages, if a neighbor acted maliciously. For example, if it could be proven that neighbor Joe rigged the kitchen sink leak up to specifically flood out Phyllis' living room out, then the court would not only compensate Phyllis for the damages, but may also order the neighbor to pay extra money to her as punishment for malice.
However, if neither parties have a renter's insurance policy covering water damage, you'll have to go to small claims court to get compensation, and sometimes it's not even worth the hassle. In order to avoid having to give in and pay for damages, or give up and go to court, it's important to invest in a good renter's insurance policy. Contact your local insurance agent to decide which policy gives you the most coverage.
Another moral to the story? When looking into rental property, it is incredibly important to scrutinize the lease. Some landlords state specifically that they will keep all electrical and plumbing systems in good, working condition, but others - as in Phyllis' case, only claim responsibility for the exterior upkeep of the complex. If you are already living in a rental unit and your manager/landlord does not take care of these things, you should definitely invest in a good renter's insurance policy to avoid future problems.
About the Author
Since 1989 dan the roommate man has helped 1000's of people find roommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 or www.roommateexpress.com
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A Quick Note
From The Publisher...
If you like the article above, you may be
interested in the following article which is also related to Water Damage...
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The Visible Causes of Water Damage |
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In order to prevent water damage, you must first learn what causes it. This article will cover the visible causes of water damage, the ones that are easy to self-detect. Rainwater: Rainwater will accumulate along the foundations or beneath the floor during rainy seasons unless directed away by proper drainage. Gutter & Drain: Clogged gutters will push rainwater under shingles, or will cause water to travel down the walls internally. A lack of drains can cause an overflow. Gutters must empty far enough away from foundation walls or else water will accumulate, leading to damage and a wet basement. Windows and Doors: Unprofessionally installed windows and doors allow water to penetrate into the wall. Damaged seals around windows or doors can cause windblown moisture penetration. Leaking Roofs: Old roofing materials can expose the roof deck to water intrusion and damage especially around chimneys and exhaust fans. Old shingles will curl and crack, allowing moisture intrusion. Cracked chimney caps allow water into interior areas of the chimney. Flat roof drains can clog and hold water on the roof, increasing the risks of a leak and a possible collapse of the entire roof under the weight of the water. Attics: Improper attic insulation and ventilation allows heat to escape, turning rooftop snow into an ice-dam. Ice dams will force moisture under roof shingles where it can drip into the attic or walls. About the author: The author is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS ™, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water damage restoration , visit |
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