What to do in case of water damage

Water damage is one of the most common causes of property damage. However, it is also something that is more serious than what most people think. It can be one of the most devastating events that a property owner can experience. When your house has been damaged by water for a long time, it can result in really bad housing conditions. Your house will start to have mould and eventually it can lead to rot. The fumes of mould and rot are toxic and can have a serious effect on your health. In this article we will talk more about how to prevent water damage but also on what to do when your house is already damaged. 


Water damage Whether it's caused by a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a flood, water damage can quickly lead to extensive damage and costly repairs. As a property damage loss assessor company, we've seen firsthand the devastation that water damage can cause. 


Step 1: Safety First


The first and most important step in any water damage situation is to ensure that everyone in the property is safe. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to turn off the electricity and gas supply to the property to prevent any further damage or danger. If the water damage is extensive, it's best to evacuate the property until it's safe to return. Go to a safer place to make sure you (and possibly your family) are safe before you make any decisions. Call someone that knows more than you do. 


Step 2: Document the Damage


Once everyone is safe, the next step is to document the damage. Take photos and videos of the affected areas, making sure to capture as much detail as possible. It's important to document the damage before any cleanup or repairs are made, as this will help support your insurance claim and ensure that you get the settlement you deserve.

Step 3: Call a Professional


After documenting the damage, it's time to call in a professional water damage restoration company. A professional restoration company will have the expertise and equipment to properly dry and clean the affected areas, as well as prevent further damage from occurring. It's important to act quickly when dealing with water damage, as mould and other issues can develop if the water is not properly removed and dried.


Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company


Once you've called in a professional restoration company, it's time to contact your insurance company. Your insurance policy may cover water damage, depending on the cause and extent of the damage. A property damage loss assessor company like ours can help you navigate the claims process, working with your insurance company to ensure that you get the settlement you deserve.


Step 5: Get Help from a Property Damage Loss Assessor Company


Dealing with water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. That's where a property damage loss assessor company like ours can help. We'll work with you every step of the way, from documenting the damage and filing the claim to negotiating with your insurance company and ensuring that you get a fair settlement. Our expertise and experience in the industry will help you navigate the claims process and get back on your feet as quickly as possible.


In conclusion, water damage can be a devastating event for any property owner. But by following these steps and getting help from a professional restoration company and a property damage loss assessor company like ours, you can ensure that you get the settlement you deserve and get your property back to its pre-loss condition. Feel free to contact us now. We will make sure you will get your affairs back in order.


Dublin: 01 6855675

Laois: 057 86 37500

24/7 Helpline: 087 2061411


Navigating Storm Damage Claims on Your Irish Property

Insurance Policy Essentials: What Irish Homeowners Often Overlook Before Filing a Claim

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Most Irish homeowners only read their insurance policy when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this usually means they discover key exclusions and conditions at the worst possible moment. Understanding the details of your home insurance policy in advance can prevent disputes and ensure that you know what to expect when filing a claim. Commonly Misunderstood Policy Terms 1. Gradual Damage Exclusions Irish home insurance policies rarely cover issues that develop slowly over time. This includes long-term roof leaks, slow plumbing leaks, dampness, mould, and rot. Insurers frequently reject these claims because they consider them maintenance issues rather than sudden events. 2. Maintenance Requirements Most policies require homeowners to keep the property in good condition. If damage is linked to neglect, insurers may reduce or decline the claim. Examples include worn flashing, loose tiles, deteriorated pipes, or blocked gutters. 3. Confusion About Trace and Access Many homeowners assume their insurer will pay to locate the source of a leak. Some policies include this benefit, but others offer limited cover or none at all. Understanding whether trace and access is included is important, as identifying the source of a leak can be more expensive than repairing it. Why Claims Get Declined  1. Insufficient evidence Lack of photos, videos, or proof of sudden damage can lead to disputes with insurers. 2. Repairs performed too early Fixing damage before reporting the claim removes crucial evidence and can weaken your case. 3. Misinterpreting what the policy covers For example, roof damage is not automatically considered storm damage. Insurers often require proof of strong winds in the area and evidence that the damage occurred during the storm. How to Prepare Before Filing a Claim 1. Review your policy regularly A yearly review can help you stay informed about your coverage and any changes the insurer may have made. 2. Know the difference between sudden damage and gradual deterioration Sudden damage is typically covered, while gradual deterioration is generally excluded. 3. Keep maintenance records Photos, invoices, and receipts can protect you if the insurer questions the condition of the property before the incident. 4. Document damage immediately High-quality evidence is essential when dealing with insurance companies. Understanding your policy before you file a claim can save time, stress, and unnecessary costs. When you know what is covered and what is excluded, you are better prepared to take action after an incident. If you want help interpreting your policy or handling a claim, Property Damage Loss Assessors can provide professional support from start to finish. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get expert guidance for your situation.

Storm and Wind Damage in Ireland: Common Issues and How Homeowners Should Handle Them

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Storms and high winds are becoming increasingly common across Ireland, especially during the winter months. These events often lead to property damage that ranges from minor roof issues to major structural problems. Understanding how storm damage occurs and how to respond correctly is essential for any homeowner. Making the right decisions early on can prevent unnecessary repair costs and improve the outcome of an insurance claim. Common Types of Storm Damage in Ireland 1. Roof Damage The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home during strong winds. Tiles can become loose or fall off entirely, leaving gaps that allow rainwater to enter the property. Even a single missing tile can cause significant internal water damage. 2. Damage from Falling Trees or Branches During storms, heavy branches or entire trees can fall onto roofs, sheds, cars, or fences. Even if the tree comes from a neighbour’s garden, the affected homeowner typically files the claim. 3. Chimney and Masonry Problems High winds often affect older brickwork. Chimney pots, flues, and masonry can shift or crack, which may lead to structural concerns or water ingress. 4. Water Penetration from Wind-Driven Rain Strong winds push rainwater into places where it would not normally reach, such as under flashings, through vents, or into roof edges. This can cause stained ceilings, damp walls, mould growth, and damaged plaster. What To Do After a Storm 1. Assess the damage safely The first priority is safety. Avoid climbing onto the roof. Instead, inspect the property from the ground or use a phone camera with zoom. 2. Document the condition of the property Take detailed photos and videos of missing tiles, broken gutters, fallen branches, cracks, and interior water damage. High-quality documentation helps strengthen an insurance claim. 3. Make temporary protective measures Cover open areas with tarps or strong plastic sheets to prevent more rain from entering the home. Insurers expect you to limit additional damage, but they also expect you to avoid permanent repairs until the inspection is completed. 4. Notify the insurer quickly Reporting storm damage promptly is important. Delays can lead insurers to argue that the damage might be due to poor maintenance instead of the storm.  Frequent Causes of Claim Reductions Insurers sometimes reduce or decline storm-related claims for reasons such as poor maintenance, insufficient evidence, or pre-existing damage. For example, if gutters were already blocked or roof tiles were already loose, insurers may argue that the damage was not caused solely by the storm. Storm and wind damage may be unavoidable, but losing out on a valid insurance claim does not have to be. Proper documentation, prompt reporting, and expert support can help you secure a fair outcome. If you need assistance with a storm damage claim or want a professional assessment, Property Damage Loss Assessors can help you navigate the process. Call James today to discuss your storm damage and get reliable guidance for your claim.

How to Choose the Right Moment to Report Property Damage Before Cleaning or Repairing

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
When property damage occurs, most homeowners instinctively begin cleaning up the mess or repairing what has been broken. This reaction is completely understandable, especially when the situation feels stressful or overwhelming. However, starting repairs or removing damaged items too soon can seriously weaken an insurance claim. Timing plays a crucial role, and understanding what to do in the first 24 hours can make a major difference in the outcome of a claim. Insurance companies rely heavily on clear visual evidence to assess a claim. Loss adjusters need to understand exactly what happened, how severe the damage is, and whether the policy covers the issue. If the property has already been cleaned or fixed by the time the claim is reported, insurers may question the extent or even the cause of the damage. This is why the first step after any incident should always be to document the situation before any repairs take place. Why Timing Matters The moment you discover damage, the clock essentially starts ticking. Insurers often require evidence that shows the original condition of the property. If you remove flooring, throw out damaged furniture, repair a pipe, or clean up water before taking proper photos and videos, valuable evidence disappears. For example, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage, cleaning up the water and repairing the pipe before reporting the issue can lead insurers to question how serious the incident really was. The same is true for roof leaks, storm damage, structural issues, oil leaks, and electrical faults. Irish insurers are known for carefully evaluating whether damage was sudden or whether it could have been gradual. Without proper evidence, it becomes harder to prove your case. What To Do in the First 24 Hours 1. Document thoroughly Take photos and videos of everything. Include wide shots of the affected area, close-ups of specific damage, and footage showing the cause of the issue. Make sure the lighting is good and that you capture multiple angles. 2. Prevent further damage Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to stop the situation from getting worse. Examples include turning off the mains water supply, isolating electricity in a flooded area, or placing a temporary cover over a broken window. These actions help, as long as you do not make permanent repairs. 3. Avoid removing damaged items Do not throw away wet carpets, broken tiles, burnt items, or damaged appliances. Even if they appear ruined, they serve as evidence. 4. Report the claim early Most policies in Ireland require homeowners to notify the insurer within a reasonable timeframe. Reporting within one or two days is ideal, and it reduces the risk of disputes. Common Mistakes to Avoid  Homeowners frequently make the mistake of trying to tidy up before taking photos. Another common issue is assuming insurers will take their word for the extent of the damage. Insurers rely on evidence, not verbal descriptions, so documentation is essential. The best way to protect the success of an insurance claim is to act quickly, document everything, and avoid repairs until the necessary evidence has been captured. Cleaning and rebuilding can always take place later. If you want expert help with documenting your loss or dealing with your insurer, Property Damage Loss Assessors can guide you through the full process. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get professional advice before moving forward.