When a water damage event strikes your home—whether from a burst pipe, roof leak, or appliance malfunction—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Many homeowners wonder: Should I wait for my insurance company to approve my claim before starting water mitigation work?

The short answer: No, you should not wait. In fact, most insurance policies require you to take action immediately.

While that’s a completely natural reaction, it’s actually one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Attempting to clean, repair, repaint, or otherwise hide the damage without professional help can create bigger challenges later—and may even reduce the amount of assistance your insurance provides.

When disaster strikes your home—whether from fire, water, or a combination of both—your responsibilities as a homeowner extend beyond simply filing an insurance claim. Most homeowner’s insurance policies include a “duty to mitigate loss” clause, which requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after the initial incident.

Two major threats—toxic gases and aerosols—are released during and after a fire. Acting quickly to begin professional fire damage mitigation is not optional; it’s essential for protecting your home, your health, and your future.

When a fire strikes your home, the aftermath can be overwhelming — smoke damage, odors, and debris can make your home feel unrecognizable. At F1 Mitigation, we’re here to guide you through every step of the fire damage restoration process. Our goal is simple: to safely restore your home and belongings to their pre-loss condition.

The IICRC is the internationally recognized organization that creates the standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. Technicians who earn IICRC certifications complete rigorous coursework, hands-on training, and exams that cover building materials, health and safety, restoration science, and ethical customer care.

Imagine coming home to find a burst pipe soaking your floors or walls. You shut off the water and call for help—but within 24 to 48 hours, another hidden danger can begin to take hold: mold growth.

When water intrusion strikes — whether from a burst pipe, storm runoff, or appliance leak — every hour counts. What starts as clean, clear water can quickly deteriorate into a contaminated mess, leading to costly repairs and unhealthy living conditions.