Flood Damage vs. Water Damage: Differences to be Aware of

Many people often classify all water incidents in their homes as ‘water damage.’ While flood damage and water damage are both types of water-related incidents, they differ in their causes, severity, and restoration efforts. Understanding the difference between the two can be helpful when dealing with restoration efforts. Let’s take a closer look at flood damage vs. water damage so we can get a better understanding of how they differ from each other.

Flood Damage

Natural occurrences like torrential rain, overflowing rivers, storm surges, or flash floods are usually responsible for flood damage. An incident is considered ‘flood damage’ when a significant volume of water enters your home from an outside source and covers a large area. Floodwaters may be dangerous since they often include possible pollutants, including chemicals, sewage, and debris. Typical restoration work for flood damage consists of:

Comprehensive Cleanup:  Removing contaminated water and debris is the first priority, requiring specialized equipment and safety precautions.

Decontamination: Because floodwaters may contain harmful substances, thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the damaged areas are essential.

Structural Drying: High-powered drying equipment is used to dry out walls, floors, and other structural elements of your home to prevent mold and rot. 

Mold Remediation: Given the high likelihood of mold growth after a flood, mold prevention and treatment are key components of flood damage restoration. 

Material Replacement: Due to the extensive damage caused by floods, materials like drywall, insulation, flooring, and furniture may need to be replaced rather than repaired. 

Water Damage

On the other hand, ‘water damage’ is usually caused by internal issues like burst pipes, leaky roofs, appliance malfunctions, or plumbing failures. The water is often cleaner compared to floodwater, and the damage usually covers a smaller area and is more contained. Restoration efforts for water damage often include:

Water Extraction: Quickly removing standing water to minimize further damage.

Drying and Dehumidification: Using equipment to thoroughly dry the affected areas, including walls, floors, and furniture.

Repair and Restoration: Repairing and restoring affected materials, such as patching walls or refinishing floors. 

Mold Prevention: Implementing measures to prevent mold growth, especially in hidden areas. 

Key Differences

Severity and Scope: Flood damage generally affects larger areas and can be more severe, while water damage is oftentimes more concentrated in smaller areas.

Contamination: Flood damage often involves contaminated water, making decontamination very important, whereas water damage is typically from clean sources and may not require such extensive disinfection. 

Restoration Complexity: Flood damage restoration tends to be more complex and invasive, often requiring more extensive repairs and replacements when compared to water damage restoration. 

A quick response is necessary regardless of whether your Nashville home has had flood damage or water damage to minimize the consequences that can result from delayed action. Flood waters can quickly lead to structural damage, mold growth, and contamination. The longer water sits, the more it penetrates walls, floors, and other materials, increasing the risk of permanent damage and costly repairs. The immediate restoration efforts we provide here at Generation Contractors will help prevent the spread of mold, protect your property’s structural integrity, and ensure your home is thoroughly decontaminated and safe to live in following any water or flood damage.