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Water Damage Insurance Claims on the Rise and Residents of Puerto Rico Advised of Commonly Associated Indoor Environmental Issues

Zimmetry Environmental provides inspections, testing and consulting services to identify and resolve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues in residential, commercial and institutional properties.


Bayamon, Puerto Rico – WEBWIRE

Before settling an insurance claim that involves water damage, it’s important to recognize that mold is also likely an issue and could be growing in places that are out of sight.

The Wall Street Journal published an article earlier this year about a significant increase in homeowner water damage claims filed with insurance companies. The report states that 1 in 50 homeowners filed a claim related to water damage between 2013 and 2017, with the average claim being approximately $10,000.
 
According to the article, the rise in water damage is primarily being attributed to indoor plumbing issues, such as broken valves and burst or leaking washing machine hoses. It’s also important for property owners and managers to recognize that even a relatively small water leak can quickly damage or destroy building materials, furnishing and belongings, and in some extreme circumstances, could even lead to structural damage.
 
Depending on the source of water, it may already contain bacteria, mold, viruses and chemical contaminants. Even water damage from potable water can result in the growth of mold in less than 48 hours. Exposure to mold can be a serious issue as it is a known allergen, respiratory irritant and asthma trigger. Some molds produce toxins, known as mycotoxins, and some types of mold associated with water damage can cause infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.
 
“Before settling an insurance claim that involves water damage, it’s important to recognize that mold is also likely an issue and could be growing in places that are out of sight,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “This is why an inspection and indoor air quality assessment from a qualified building science expert is so essential. If the problem isn’t found and properly rectified, building occupants could be exposed to high levels of mold in the air they breathe. Another key issue that needs to handled when water damaged properties are repaired is the possible presence of asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints. Cleanup, demolition and repair activities can disturb and aerosolize any of these substances if not first identified and then safely removed.”
 
In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, Zimmetry Environmental has the experts to identify exposure risks due to mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos and a wide range of other health hazards. To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their building science, indoor environmental quality, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 


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 Puerto Rico
 Industrial Hygiene
 Water Damage
 Insurance Claim
 Mold


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