Does Insurance Cover Water Damage?

A lot of homeowners think that their homeowner’s insurance policy can easily cover the cost of water damage once they’ve paid the deductibles. However, this is not always the case. Water damage to your home can be very expensive to repair. Moreover, you need to understand some important considerations related to your insurance policy.

Here’s an overview of the four most common water damage problems, and how an insurance company might handle them.

Burst Pipe 

A burst pipe can prove to be quite expensive. Fortunately, a major part of the damage is generally covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. It can cover water damage to the house frame, personal property and surrounding walls. However, a basic or standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover the repairs to burst pipes.

Moreover, there are situations when the insurance company may deny your claim. It may believe that the burst pipes were caused because of your negligence. This may happen if you let the home’s temperature drop below the freezing point. If you’re able to maintain proper temperature in the home or insulated your pipes during the winter season, you’re less likely to be found at fault.

Washing Machine Leaks 

Washing machine leaks are one of the most common water damage problems. According to a study, over 50% cases of washing machine leaks are caused by a leak in the main supply hose. This connects the washing machine to the home’s water supply.

In this case, the insurance agent will consider the state and age of your washing machine to determine whether water damage should be covered by the insurance policy. The insurance company may also claim that the leak was caused by usual wear and tear to the washing machine. Thus, you may have to pay for the repairs on your own.

It is very important to get all the problems fixed in time. In case you notice any problems with your washing machine, it is important to replace or repair it right away. This will allow you to be eligible for coverage.

Roof Leaks Causing Water Damage 

Whether water damage to your home’s interior or roof will be covered depends on the coverage in your policy. In order to receive compensation, the roof leak should have been caused by a covered peril in the policy.

In most homeowner’s insurance policies, covered perils include rain, fire, hail and wind. In case your insurance agent finds out that the water damage was caused because of an old roof which needed replacement, such damage won’t be covered.

In addition to this, if the roof damage happened during a hurricane or flood, it may not be covered. Although there are many insurance policies which cover damage from hurricanes in the coverage, most claims are subject to higher deductibles. These can easily add up to 1-5% of the total insured value of your house. In case the claim amount does not exceed the total deductible, it won’t be worth filing a claim.

Damage Caused by Storm or Hurricane 

In most standard homeowner’s insurance policies, flood damage is not covered. This is regardless of whether the water damage was caused by a hurricane or storm. A hurricane is defined as a storm with wind speed over 74 miles per hour.

Flood coverage needs to be bought separately. It can be purchased from either a private insurance company or the United States Government. According to industry experts, most insurance providers don’t offer coverage related to hurricane and storm causing water damage.

In fact, in most hurricane-prone and coastal regions, it is mandatory to buy a separate flood insurance policy if there’s mortgage on your home. It is always important to discuss all your options with your insurance carrier.

In case you haven’t purchase flood insurance before a storm or hurricane hits your house, you will have to pay for all the damage out of your own pocket. However, damage caused by wind may be covered once you’ve reached your insurance policy’s deductible. This will depend on the details of your insurance policy. 


It is important to understand your insurance policy in case of water damage. In the event you suffer from water damage be sure to call a professional service company such as Monterey Bay Solutions. 

The Importance of a Professional Carpet Cleaner for your Business

Why does a Business Need a Professional Carpet Cleaner?

Clean carpets are a ‘must’ for any business (big or small) because it’s representative of their reputation, morale and even their level of professionalism. Have you ever been on the verge of hiring a company you desperately needed their service for…until you saw how unprofessional their working conditions were? A company’s carpets are a dead giveaway: the cleaner they are, the more confident you are…in them!

Carpets count—so if you’re still wondering if you really need a professional service, here are some additional things to keep in mind. 

Vacuuming Alone Doesn’t Get Rid of Tough Stains

Carpets are a great addition to any office space. They add warmth to a room and are inviting to prospective clients, executives and employees alike. However, carpets are also a trap for the dirt, chemicals and allergens others bring in on a daily basis.

For that reason, vacuuming alone doesn’t thoroughly clean your carpets fibers, and buying expensive department store carpet cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that are bad for the health of your office and the environment—not to mention, takes an entire afternoon to dry!

It Dramatically Reduces Allergens for Your Employees and Customers

Are you allergic to pollen? Spring time is known as the worst season of all for allergies, but the truth is, carpets can trap grass, oak, or the pollen seed any time of the year—making it uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to allergies.

A thorough professional cleaning company such as Monterey Bay Solutions knows you don’t have a day or two to waste (like many other cleanings involve). That’s why as opposed to taking a few days to dry, it takes just an hour or two—and they think that’s the perfect way to start your work week!

Using a hot extraction procedure which allows the carbonation to break apart the dirt, pollen and grass stains and extract it completely, you have the pleasure of enjoying a deep clean that lasts!

Your business is a top priority and cleaning it is ours!

How to Get Ink Out of Carpet

Carpet stains can be quite stressful, but nothing like seeing fresh ink on your carpet! Below are a few options you can try to get the ink out. Try whichever one you feel more comfortable with and/or have on hand. Time is of the essence so the sooner you attempt to remove the ink the higher likelihood that the ink will come off.

Detergent: Mix about 1 cup of water with a teaspoon of dish washing detergent, creating a soapy solution. Spray this solution onto the stain or dip a cloth into the solution and dab onto the stain. Continue blotting until the stain is removed. If the stain is small, this method should work well.

Rubbing Alcohol: Wet a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and use it to blot the stain, starting at the edges and working your way inwards to prevent the stain from spreading. Continue re-wetting and blotting until the spot fades away. This will probably take 30 minutes or more.

WD-40:  Spray the lubricant onto the stain and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, blot the stain with a sponge and soapy water to remove both the ink and the lubricant.

Hairspray: We can’t vouch for the success of this claim, but many people believe that hairspray can help remove ink stains. It works in a similar way to alcohol, which is why we simply recommend using rubbing alcohol. But if you want to try it, spray hairspray onto the stain and allow the hairspray to sink in for 3-5 minutes. Then, apply a soapy water solution and blot up.

With all of these products, we recommend that you do a test patch on an unimportant and unseen area of the carpet beforehand. Some products (especially spray lubricants) can permanently stain your carpet. Also, always remember to blot (not rub) and don’t pour a liquid product directly onto the stain as this could cause the stain to spread.

After you’ve removed the stain, rinse the area with warm water to remove any residue. Blot the area with a dry cloth to remove excess water and then leave the area alone, allowing the carpet to dry. After it dries, you may need to fluff the carpet fibers up with your fingers.

If your stain still hasn’t disappeared after you attempt with one method you can try another until you find one that works. However, if the stain still isn’t gone after multiple attempts, call Monterey Bay Solutions.  

Water Damage: Questions and Answers

If my carpet and pad is wet, is it ruined?

In most cases, your carpet and pad is restorable IF the water was clean water and has been in the carpet for less than 24 hours.  Repairs can often be done to the carpet if necessary to restore the carpet as it was before the flood.  In most cases your home will be dry in 2-4 days.

What will happen if I try to dry the carpet out myself with a shop vacuum and fans?

Without the proper experience and equipment, the flooded area could take days, weeks, or
months to dry.  The water begins to wick up into the drywall and into the studs inside the wall.  This makes a perfect environment for mold and wood destroying organisms to grow.  Mold grows on wood, baseboards, drywall, and inside cabinets if the building is not quickly dried.  If mold is present, the affected area must be replaced.

What about my hardwood floors?

When a hardwood floor takes in water, it will buckle within a matter of days if not properly dried.  We use special moisture meters to determine how much moisture is present in the wood.  If the flood has just occurred, the hardwood may be restorable.

Do I have to keep this drying equipment continuously going?

Yes.  Turning it off can cause further damage.  Most of our equipment has a timer to tell us how long the equipment was run.

What is this musty odor?

There is often a musty odor that is associated with a flood.  This odor will dissipate soon after the building is dry.  Foggers and deodorizers are used if necessary.  If this odor bothers you, ask your insurance company if they will reimburse you for a hotel expense while the building is drying.

Will opening up my windows help the carpet dry faster?

No.  In almost all cases we will have created a better drying environment with our drying equipment than there is by opening windows.

Will my drywall need to be replaced?

Wet drywall can be restored in most cases provided there is not mold on the drywall.

Will my insurance company pay for this?

In every situation that we have seen, the cost for water damage restoration is paid for by the insurance company (minus your deductible).  Your insurance company wants you to take immediate action in stopping further damage.  Every service that we do for you will appear on the bill to your insurance company.  As soon as we begin the job, you’ll want to call your insurance carrier to let them know that you have a certified company drying the building for you.

How much will this cost?

We will provide you with a current price list of equipment and service costs.  All of our prices are similar to other certified water damage restoration companies and are in accordance with the Bluebook of Cleaning, Reconstruction, and Repair Costs.  The total cost for our service will be determined by how long the structure takes to dry.


Disclaimer:  The information in this booklet is not meant for professional or legal advice.  The statements mentioned are generalities and each individual case could be different.

What Does Scotchgard REALLY Do?

When your carpet was new, it had a coating usually of 3M Scotchgard or Dupont Teflon which had a protector called “flourechemical.”  This treatment prevents spills and dry soils from bonding to the fibers.

2 Ways Factory Protector is Removed From Carpet

1.  Regular foot traffic.  Over a period of six months to two years, depending on traffic, a significant amount of protector is removed from traffic areas and protector needs to be reapplied.

2.  High alkaline cleaner.  Some carpet cleaners use harsh chemicals that strip the protector out.  If you notice your carpet getting dirtier after cleaning, this is likely the reason.

4 Reasons to Get Fabric Protector Re-applied After Cleaning

1.  Reduces permanent stains.  Unprotected carpet and rugs will easily absorb spills even if cleaned up immediately.

2.  Helps save traffic areas from being destroyed.  Traffic area soil cuts your carpet like a knife and causes ugly traffic lanes.  Protector makes vacuuming more efficient.

3.  Makes spots easier to remove for you and the next time your carpet is cleaned.

4.  Helps avoid costly service calls.  For minor spots, you are more likely to be able to remove a stain yourself if the carpet is protected.


The result of having protector applied properly to your carpet and rugs is that it will look better and last much longer.

How Often Should You Clean Commercial Carpet?

It depends.  How much traffic do you have?  Is there food served in any of the areas?  Are children present? The EPA recommends that offices be cleaned every 1-6 months depending on the amount of traffic and whether or not food is served.

Carpet manufacturers will recommend every 2 weeks-6 months depending on the same conditions. Call us at 444-0811 to set up a FREE Flooring Consultation and Inspection.  We will inspect your floors and help you decide how often to clean and what method is best for your situation.

                                EPA Carpet Cleaning Frequency Guide

Environment                      Normal                  Contaminated                           High
                                                                       Outside, Dusty                       Humidity
                                                                                                                     Biogenic

Day Care Center                2 weeks                       1 week                                1 week

Nursing Home                  1 month                        1 month                               1 week

Office Building-

Ground Floor                   3-6 months                  1-4 months                         2-6 months

Office Building-

Higher Floors                   6-12 months                2-6 months                         3-9 months

Food Service 
Establishment                    1 month                       1 week                                2 weeks

Commercial-

Retail, Shop, Bank           3-6 months                    1 month                              2 months 

                                                                                   
                                                                              (From U.S. EPA Letter, January 1989)

Our Cleaning System Also Does This...

• Makes your office healthier
• Your carpet smells fresh and clean
• Washes out spots to prevent them from returning
• Prolongs carpet life and avoids replacement
• Brightens colors of your carpet
• Rinses residue from previous carpet cleaners
• Removes grease and dirt tracks
• Removes dirt, coffee, soda, food spills, grease, oils, vomit, urine, gum, wax, some paints, rust,     inks, make-up, toner, and more!

Water Mitigation: When To Make The Call

What is Water Mitigation? 

Water damage tends to occur when we least expect it and not always in expected ways. Water damage mitigation is the process of reducing or preventing the amount of water damage that happens after a flood or a large leak such as a burst pipe. 

Soaked carpet, damaged walls, and ruined furniture are only the beginning if mitigation is not engaged quickly.

Specific steps are taken to reduce property destruction, to prevent further water damage and to restore your property to its full value. 

When to Call For Water Mitigation

Water moves quickly through a home. Damage is more likely to become permanent the longer you wait to take action- especially if emergency response is delayed beyond the first 48 hours.

Water damage is usually caused by a plumbing failure. When moisture seeps into anything of value there are immediate steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of long-term damage that results.

Steps to take as soon as you detect flood damage:

• Remain calm so your thinking stays clear
• Call us at 831-444-0811
• Close the water main or shut off any water source so flooding stops
• Shut down the electrical breaker in damaged areas before unplugging or removing any electrical devices from the wet carpet or submerged areas.
• Put aluminum foil under legs or feet of any furniture in contact with wet carpet or water to prevent permanent staining
• Lift any curtains or draperies away from wet carpet or water
• Lift and tack up any upholstered furniture skirts
• Remove books, papers, fabrics, shoes, potted plants or other items that are able to stain wet carpet

Avoid doing these things:

• Use your home vacuum – electrical shock can result, as well as damage to the equipment
• Place newspaper in traffic areas to walk on – newspaper ink transfers easily to wet carpet fibers which results in permanent staining
• Walk on carpet any more than necessary – this keeps damage from spreading to unaffected areas

Important to Note

Shop vacuums or companies with only carpet drying equipment cannot prevent water from wicking up walls, under baseboards and molding or into sill plates. Water will penetrate through floor coverings into sub floors, eventually causing damage to rooms below.

Also, if internal building humidity is not controlled, undamaged objects safe from the original flood damage could be ruined as a result of absorbing moisture from the air. Structures not dried out quickly enough or properly will become a food source for mold, later causing a need for even more professional mold removal services.

How To Treat Fresh Carpet Stains

3 Quick Do-it-Yourself Spot Removal Tips

1.      Use a Wet Vacuum to remove as much of the liquid and soil as possible. A wet vacuum will pull up the soil up instead of pressing it down into the backing of your carpet.

2.      After you remove the soil, treat the spot with a quality spot cleaner and gently wipe with a damp towel.

3.      If the spot remains, treat it again and pour a glass of water on the area to rinse. Extract the water with the wet vacuum.

A small wet vacuum is more effective
 for removing spills than towels

              

                   Pre-test Instructions

                   Pre-test by applying the spot treatment 

                   to an inconspicuous area. Gently agitate the 

                   tested area with a white cloth. If bleeding 

                   or shrinkage occurs, do not continue.

Most Spots: Use a spot remover (avoid high residue spotters like Resolve) and follow the directions above.

Grease or Oils: For greasy spots, apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and gently dab the spot. Never pour it directly on your carpet.

Wax: Melt the wax onto a paper bag with a steam iron. Place the paper bag over the wax. Do not allow the iron to directly touch the carpet.

Disclaimer: Use the techniques in this brochure at your own risk. If you feel unsure about removing the stain, call us right away at 831-444-0811 to prevent damage. 

How Monterey Bay Solutions Can Help You Sell or Rent Your Property FAST

In Order to Sell a Home FAST:

1.      The floor HAS to be clean. The floor will make the first impression inside the home.

2.     The odor HAS to be pleasant. There is no excuse for pet odors, musty odors, and smoke odors.

Your property will look great after a thorough floor cleaning from MBS, at a fraction of the cost of replacement. If the floor looks good, your property will sell quickly. We can turn your trashed floor from ugly to beautiful.

What Types of Spots are Usually Removable?

·         Grease and Oils               ·         Coke and Soda        
·         Juice (except red juices)  ·         Food                       
·         Rust                                 ·         Make-up

·         Coffee or Tea

There are many variables in whether or not a stain can be removed (such as how long the stain has been in the carpet). But 90% of the time a dark colored, brown or black spot is removable with our system. More stubborn stains like paint, bleach, red dyes, and furniture stain may be permanent. However, our trained technicians have the ability to perform dye removal or spot dyeing on some of these stains.

Pet Odors and Stains Eliminated

We perform one of three professional procedures for combating pet odor:

1.     Enzymes and topical deodorizers are used for minor odor problems and stains

2.     The water claw sub surface extractor that actually pulls urine from the padding of carpet.

3.     Replacing the padding, treating the carpet face, the floor underneath.

                  Water Claw Procedure

   Pet Accident               Saturate with              Extract with                 Clean carpet!
                                      dedorization               sub-surface              
                                      solution                       extraction

  

      

Call us for a free estimate at 831-444-0811 and let us help you rent or sell a home FAST.