Can It Be Saved? Determining Salvageable vs Non-salvageable.

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

There are many belongings damaged in this picture, can you identify the salvageable from the unsalvageable?

When people suffer water damage on their properties, often there is also damage to personal belongings. So how do determine what items are salvageable and what needs to be discarded? Well, there are several factors to consider. First, we have to consider the source of the water and it’s cleanliness. For instance, if you have a water loss caused by a sink overflow it will not adversely affect belongings as much as say a sump pump loss.  A sump pump loss with sewage involved would warrant discarding and replacement of all damaged items, while the sink flow scenario would likely just require some content cleaning.

After the cleanliness of the water, next we must consider the amount of water. We’ve seen homes with mere droplets and have serviced basements with water 7 feet high, literally. Also, how long has the water gone unaddressed? Water that has lingered for an extended period can cause health effects.

The type of material is another significant factor. Items made from metal and plastic are easily salvaged.   Oppositely, drywall, carpet, and gypsum board are porous and therefore easily permeated. Permeable materials suffer the most damage and may crumble, retain odor, or lose their durability.

Additionally, we also consider the homeowner’s preference. There are times where an item may be beyond salvaging and dysfunctional but irreplaceable to the homeowner, in that case, we exhaust our efforts to improve the condition as well as possible.  

This list is a brief look into some of the factors to consider when determining whether belongings can be salvaged after water damage. If you suffer from water damage and need assistance, we can help. SERVPRO of The Windsors routinely works with property owners to compile a thorough inventory and picture documentation to ensure compensation from your insurance provider.  Call us today!