Water Damage
Restore-It Blog

Sarah is cooking in her kitchen when she gets a phone call. It was an old friend from high school, Susan, who contacted her for a potential reunion. As they talk and reminisce about the good old days, a smell alerts her. It's the kitchen. She completely forgot about turning off the stove. She rushes to the extinguisher and puts out the flames. The emergency is over... or is it?

Living in Arkansas presents numerous challenges. One of these is sudden storms. These events often result in roof damage, broken windows, or even flooding, leading many homeowners to wonder, "Will my insurance truly cover this?"

When the fall rains come, do you think about how much water your gutters and soil are handling? And have you ever wondered if those downpours could actually damage the foundation of your home?

Summer break is almost here! But before you start packing your bags for a quick visit to Hot Springs or a longer road trip, have you considered how to protect your home? If the thought of having a nice vacation ruined by coming back to extensive water damage in your home gives you anxiety, this article is for you.

The first step in fixing a water leak in your home is stopping the water flow. What comes next is equally important: making sure everything is dry so no mold grows in your home. But do you know how to prevent moisture from setting in our Southern Arkansas climate?

The sky darkens, thunder crashes, and the lights flicker. You worry about the damage to your home, but are you prepared? It's bad enough dealing with a storm outside to let a storm of anxiety make things worse.

Once the flames die down or the water recedes an important task remains: the recovery process. You are probably asking yourself, "What do I do now?" It wouldn't be uncommon to feel lost and overwhelmed.

This might have happened to you. You are sleeping soundly when the sound of dripping water suddenly wakes you up. You get up to investigate and discover that a leaky pipe has created a sizable puddle in the basement. It's been a long day, and you have work tomorrow, so you leave cleaning the mess for later. In today's hectic life, postponing some tasks is understandable, but that might not be a great idea when dealing with water damage.

Dealing with water damage is like discovering a disaster in your home. Whether it's due to burst pipes or overflowing toilets, the risk of devastation is significant, and repair expenses can be overwhelming. But hey, at least you can count on your insurance to cover the costs... or can you? Not knowing what your insurance policy includes may get you into unwanted future surprises.

Water damage is one of those homeowner nightmares nobody wants to face. Whether it's a burst pipe in the dead of winter, a leaky roof during a storm, or a flooded basement after heavy rain, dealing with the aftermath is stressful, messy, and expensive. But beyond the immediate cleanup and repairs, there's another crucial step: reassessing and updating your home insurance. This step may sound intimidating, but we are here to lend you a helping hand.

Finding out their basement has turned into an indoor pool is a nightmare for many homeowners. Discovering your basement flooded can be a gut-wrenching experience, leading to a lot of stress and anxiety, and with good reason. Some people may not know what to do in this scenario or if there is something they can do to help. But do not surrender to despair! You are not alone in this fight.

Picture this: you stroll into your laundry room, ready to tackle that mountain of clothes, only to be met with a soggy surprise. A burst pipe? Annoying, sure, but manageable. Now, imagine that "water" isn't so…clean. Instead, it's a murky, smelly mess. Your heart sinks. This isn't just water damage; it's a sewage backup, and suddenly, that pile of laundry seems like the least of your worries. While both water and sewage damage can wreak havoc on your home, the key difference lies in one word: contamination.

When disaster strikes and your home is damaged, the last thing you want to worry about is navigating the complexities of insurance claims. Understanding the nuances of your coverage is crucial for a smooth and successful recovery. One of the most important aspects is the difference between Replacement Cost Value (RCV) and Actual Cash Value (ACV) regarding your belongings. These two valuation methods can significantly impact your financial reimbursement and ability to replace damaged or destroyed items.

Whether dealing with a pipe leak or a kitchen accident, having home insurance can be a real lifesaver. However, navigating to jumpstart the insurance claim process can be quite an ordeal, adding up to the stress of the dire situation you may be facing. Learning to file your insurance claim beforehand can give you peace of mind.

With winter coming to South Arkansas, a sudden chill can make your roof a mess. While you may not be used to the effects of chillier climates like in other parts of the States, you can still get ice dams on your ceiling. Dealing with the water damage, leaks included, in the aftermath of a heavy freeze can turn the cold season into a severe—and costly— headache.

Let's picture this scenario: You wake up on a frosty winter morning in South Arkansas. You reach for the tap to get some water, yet nothing happens. Then it hits you: your pipes are frozen. As annoying as they can be, frozen pipes are more than just a temporary setback to your day. Burst pipes, flooding, and major water damage can require extensive repairs. Thankfully, all of this can be prevented by following the right actions.

Thanksgiving in South Arkansas is an exceptional time: with lots of relatives and friends visiting, the typical food staples, and, let's be honest, a little bit of chaos. Heavy kitchen use, unpredictable weather, and unexpected plumbing issues may make the reunion disastrous. If you are worried about a leak or a flood during dinner ruining your gathering, then guess what? We have something for you.

With Hurricane Helene making headlines for the devastation it has caused, it's worth remembering that South Arkansas is not free from natural disasters. Heavy rains and rising river levels can lead to dangerous floods in this region. But are you aware of how to prepare if the floodwaters knock at your door?

Hurricane Helene has starkly highlighted the significant impact that severe weather events can have on people's lives and properties. South Arkansas, which is susceptible to flooding, has experienced numerous natural disasters. As a diligent homeowner, you certainly don't want to be caught off guard. But are you prepared to take action after such devastation?

Proud home of the Southern Arkansas Muleriders, Magnolia is known as an educational hub thanks to the Southern Arkansas University. Nestled in the heart of Columbia County, the city is close to waterways and sometimes is affected by severe weather, making the homes vulnerable to flooding and water intrusion. As a resident, you probably know that mitigation is key to addressing water damage in your home. But are you aware of the costs and all the factors that affect it?