Water damage is a top reason for property insurance claims. It could come from interior issues, like a broken pipe, or from external problems, such as a leak in a roof.
But no matter how it starts, one thing to keep in mind is that water damage spreads quickly through a home. Even a small amount of water can be absorbed into various materials, such as drywall, paneling, carpet and more.
Additionally, water always seeks the path of least resistance as it travels downward. Something like a leak in the roof is not just going to cause damage in the attic. That water could get into the ceiling, the light fixtures, the walls and even upper-level floors.
Is the insurance really paying for everything?
The issue that this creates is that the damage goes far beyond the actual issue. Technically, a person may just have a small leak in the roof. But repairing that roof is just the first step.
Depending on how much water got into the house, it could have ruined numerous parts of the home. The homeowner may actually have to replace ceilings, repaint, tear out walls, put up new drywall, replace carpeting and much more.
Additionally, once water is within the closed system of the home, it can bring on many related issues. It can lead to rot and decay within the house. It promotes the growth of mold, which can start to spread through the home.
In other words, even if a leak seems small, the water damage could be extensive. If the insurance company just offers to fix the roof itself, it could be a significant lowball offer. In reality, there could be tens of thousands of dollars of damage within the home that needs to be addressed, all because of that leak.
If you believe that your insurance company is not paying out correctly or is even operating in bad faith, it is crucial that you understand all of your legal options.