Water damage is an expensive and common problem in the United States. The Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates that water damage accounts for more than 20% of all homeowners insurance claims.
Water damage can occur from a variety of sources, including:
Water damage can be classified as clean water damage or gray water damage.
The type of water damage will determine the severity of the damage and the cost of repairs.
The root cause of water damage is often a failure in the building’s envelope. The building envelope is the system of materials that separates the interior of the building from the exterior. If the building envelope is damaged, water can enter the building and cause damage.
Common causes of building envelope failure include:
By understanding the causes of water damage, you can take steps to prevent it from occurring in your home or business.