Florida is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms. In fact, the state has one of the highest risks for storm damage in the United States. When these storms strike, they bring with them torrential rainfall, high winds, and the potential for flooding. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause water damage in multiple ways. Flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surge, as well as leaks due to wind-driven rain, can result in significant water intrusion inside your home. Additionally, the sheer force of the wind can damage the structure of your home, creating openings for water to enter.

However, one challenge homeowners face after a hurricane or tropical storm is the hurricane deductible. Many insurance policies have a separate deductible for hurricane damage, which can be much higher than the standard deductible. This higher deductible means you may be responsible for paying more out of pocket before the insurance kicks in, potentially reducing the overall payout for water damage repairs.

Windstorms, which are often classified as separate from hurricanes or tropical storms, can still bring destructive winds that cause water intrusion. For instance, high winds from windstorms can cause roof damage, break windows, and open cracks in the building’s structure, allowing water to enter. Additionally, wind-driven rain can penetrate even small openings in your home’s exterior, leading to leaks and water damage inside.

Like hurricanes, windstorms can come with their own set of windstorm deductibles in many Florida homeowner’s policies. These higher deductibles are often applied to windstorm-related damages, potentially lowering the amount you are reimbursed for water damage claims.

One of the more common and insidious causes of water damage is a roof leak. Roof leaks can be the result of weather-related wear and tear, or even aging roofing materials that fail to properly shed water. In Florida, the intense sun, heavy rains, and high winds contribute to roof degradation over time. In Colorado, hailstorms tend to be the most common cause of roof leaks. Once the roof starts to leak, water can infiltrate your home’s attic, ceilings, and walls, potentially causing structural damage and fostering the growth of mold and mildew. Roof leaks can occur suddenly after a storm or develop over time as small holes in the roof worsen.

Flooding is another significant cause of water damage, particularly for homeowners near coastal areas or those in flood-prone zones. Florida’s unique geography, with its extensive coastline, makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding caused by heavy rains, storm surges, or even high tides. Storm surge, the rising of the ocean’s waters pushed inland by winds from hurricanes or tropical storms, can cause devastating flooding that overwhelms homes, submerging them in water.

Flooding and storm surge are sometimes covered by a separate flood insurance policy, as these damages are often excluded from standard homeowners insurance. Homeowners may find themselves facing confusion and frustration when attempting to file a claim for damages caused by storm surge versus regular flooding. We discuss this in-depth on our page dedicated to storm surge, which you can read by clicking here.

Leaks from your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system are another common source of water damage, particularly in the Florida climate where AC units run for much of the year. Over time, condensation buildup or a malfunctioning cooling system can lead to water pooling around your HVAC unit. If left unchecked, these leaks can cause damage to the flooring, walls, and even the ceiling. Often, homeowners don’t realize the extent of the damage until mold growth becomes apparent or significant structural damage occurs.

Water leaks in the kitchen and bathroom are particularly problematic, as they can go unnoticed for long periods. Common culprits include malfunctioning dishwashers, leaking refrigerator water lines, and faulty sink connections in the kitchen. In the bathroom, leaks can result from worn-out plumbing, cracked shower pans, or malfunctioning toilets and bathtubs. These leaks can cause extensive water damage, affecting flooring, cabinetry, and walls. They can also lead to mold and mildew growth if not addressed quickly.

Frozen or aging pipes are often the cause of burst or leaking pipes in Florida and Colorado homes. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage, especially if it’s not discovered and addressed quickly. The water from a burst pipe can flood a room, ruining carpets, walls, and furniture, and can even lead to electrical hazards if the water comes into contact with exposed wiring. Burst pipes are often sudden and unexpected, causing widespread water damage before you have a chance to react.

Water backups occur when one of the several drainage systems in your home becomes clogged or fails. Whether caused by a blockage in the sewer line, a malfunctioning sump pump, or a failure in the storm drainage system, water backups can flood basements, bathrooms, and other parts of your home. These backups can lead to significant damage, including contaminated water, mold growth, and structural damage.