Does My Storm Damage Need Containment in My Home?

Containment is needed when storm damage introduces hazardous materials into your living space. This includes water from a contaminated source, like sewage or floodwater, and any situation where mold growth is visible or suspected. The primary goal is to stop these contaminants from spreading through your home's air ducts and open areas.

If the storm damage is confined to a small area of clean water, like a single-room leak, containment might not be required. However, if the damage is extensive or you notice a musty odor, setting up containment is a wise precaution. It creates a controlled work zone for the pros, ensuring safety and efficiency.

• Contaminated water from flooding or sewage backups
• Visible mold growth on walls, ceilings, or insulation
• Extensive damage affecting multiple rooms or the HVAC system
• Demolition of wet materials like drywall or carpet
• When using air scrubbers or dehumidifiers that need contained air
• If there is a known asbestos or lead paint concern in the work area

The pros will assess the damage to determine the appropriate level of containment. They might set up a simple single-barrier system or a more complex double-barrier. The specific setup depends entirely on the severity and contamination level found during their initial inspection.

Once established, they perform all demolition, drying, and cleaning work within the contained area. Special equipment like negative air machines may be used to create lower air pressure inside the containment, ensuring spores and dust are pulled in, not out. After the work is complete, they safely remove and dispose of the containment materials.

The cost for containment is typically part of the overall restoration project. Containment work often adds to the total, depending on the size of the area and materials needed. Costs depend on factors like the square footage requiring barriers and the complexity of the setup.

If your storm damage is covered, your insurance policy may contribute to containment costs as a necessary part of the mitigation process. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Always review your policy details and document all damage and communications with your insurance company for your records.