Dealing with Your Insurance Company Regarding Water Damage or Mold: PUDDLES Can Help!

March 3, 2025

Hurricane Helene, flooded this home (all 2,700+ sq ft) in Gainesville, FL with Cat 3 water.

We conducted a 2’ flood cut throughout the entire house, sprayed with antimicrobial, and dried the home in 3 days. 


These silent invaders thrive in the damp, humid environment typical of bathrooms (think of extended hot showers), often growing unnoticed within walls, under floors, and behind fixtures. The mold you can see (if any) usually pales compared to the mold you cannot see, which poses a greater challenge to your health and the integrity of your home or business.


Understanding the Complexities of Insurance Claims for Water Damage and Mold

As a homeowner in Gainesville, FL, dealing with water damage or mold removal can be a nightmare. Not only is it a health hazard for you and your family, but it can also cause significant damage to your property. In such situations, homeowners often turn to their insurance companies for help. However, dealing with insurance claims related to water damage or mold remediation can be a complex and time-consuming process. 


For example, “hurricane claims” always take longer than you think mainly because your home is one of hundreds, if not thousands, that were similarly affected at the same time. Your insurance company and their adjusters become inundated, literally overnight, with thousands of claims within the same geographic area. 

Why Insurance Claims for Water Damage and Mold Can Be Complex

Insurance claims for water damage or mold can be complex for several reasons. One, insurance policies often have exclusions and limitations that can make it challenging to get coverage for water damage or mold. Additionally, insurance companies may require extensive documentation and evidence to support your claim, including photos, receipts, moisture readings, and other records. Moreover, insurance adjusters may dispute the extent of your damages or the cause of the water damage or mold. Unfortunately, your entire experience will be significantly impacted by who you get as the field adjuster and the insurance/claims adjuster. 

A room with a lot of insulation on the wall and floor.

How  PUDDLES  Restoration Can Help.

PUDDLES is a Certified Firm with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), with specialize certifications as: 


  • Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS);
  • Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS);
  • Water Damage Restoration (WRT);
  • Applied Structural Drying (ASD);
  • Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT); and
  • other certifications


PUDDLES understands the complexities of insurance claims related to water damage and mold removal in Gainesville, FL. Based on our experiences, we offer a range of services to help homeowners and businesses navigate the insurance process. Our team will assess the extent of your damage, document it thoroughly, and provide you with the evidence you need to support your claim. One of our recent claims from Hurricane Helene, after deleting hundreds of pictures, resulted in 963 pictures and 13 videos to submit to the insurance company. As a courtesy to you, we can work directly with your insurance company if you wish.

Water Damage Repair Services

If you are dealing with water damage, we can help. PUDDLES water damage repair services in Gainesville, FL, include water extraction, structural drying, and mold remediation. PUDDLES use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that your home is thoroughly dry. Moreover, we work quickly to minimize damages and reduce further problems.

Mold Cleanup Services

If you have mold, PUDDLES can also help. PUDDLES’ mold cleanup services in Gainesville, FL, include mold inspection, mold removal (i.e., mold remediation), sanitization, among other things.  We use advanced techniques to execute the mold remediation, including containment procedures, removal of contaminated materials, HEPA filtration at 700 cubic feet per minute, cleaning the affected substrate(s), application of EPA approve anti-microbials, etc.

 

Dealing with insurance claims related to water damage or mold can be very stressful and overwhelming.  We have witnessed first hand the manner in which you can be treated if you get an insurance representative who is having a bad day; and when that representative is overworked with hundreds of claims, it can be worse for you. PUDDLES can help you navigate the insurance process as we have done for many clients.  

 

We care about our client’s property and aim to leave your homes or businesses better than we found them. The added stress of returning your property to its pre-damaged condition is one less thing for you to be concerned about. We are here to help you and make what is often a catastrophic, once-in-a-lifetime experience into a not-so-bad, distant memory! Call us now or visit our website to learn more and schedule an appointment. 


A person is spraying a wall with a sprayer

PUDDLES  Restoration

Website:     www.PUDDLESrestoration.com
Phone:       
(352) 722-3790

Email:         Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com

July 14, 2025
EXAMINATION: Individuals seeking licensure as a Mold Remediator must first take and pass a department approved exam for mold remediation. For information about the examination, visit the Examination Information webpage. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE : A copy of a transcript is required demonstrating an Associate of Arts degree or higher in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene or occupational safety or related field of science from an accredited institution. The applicant must also demonstrate a minimum of 1 year of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation; or a high school diploma and 4 years of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation. This is not a complete listing of educational and experience requirements. Please see the application instructions page for complete information. FINGERPRINTS: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process. You must submit your fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE immediately after submitting your application for licensure. It may take up to five days for your fingerprint results to be received by the Department after they are submitted to the Florida Department of Law enforcement (FDLE). Please note that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires that an application for licensure should precede the submission of your fingerprints. To learn more about fingerprinting, please visit our Fingerprinting webpage . INSURANCE: Applicants for a Mold Remediator license are required to attest that they have obtained general liability insurance in the amount of no less than $1 million dollars as determined by statute. FEE: Pay the required fee as provided in the application. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, please include a check payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Military veterans, their spouses and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. Please visit our DBPR Military Services page for more information. APPLICATION: Complete the application by clicking on the "Online Services" link or the "Printable Application" link at the bottom of the page.  NOTICE FOR APPLICANTS SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS WHERE CRIMINAL RECORD RESULTS WILL BE USED FOR LICENSING PURPOSES PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
July 14, 2025
In the State of Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses and regulates mold assessors and mold remediators. To become licensed, individuals need to meet specific education and experience requirements, pass an approved examination, and undergo a criminal background check. Licensing Requirements: Requires specific education (e.g., Associate's degree in a related field) and documented field experience, or a high school diploma with more experience. Mold Remediator: Requires the same educational and experience qualifications as a mold assessor, plus passing a department-approved exam. Examination: Both mold assessors and remediators must pass a state-approved examination. Background Check: A criminal background check is part of the licensing process. Fees: Application and licensing fees apply, and are non-refundable. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
Water Damage Restoration in Gainesville, FL
July 8, 2025
Two referral partners (Ref Ptnrs A & B) called us to perform an emergency water damage inspection b/c they were told that houses Y & Z were wet. Ref Ptnr A had one business day left for the inspection period. Ref Ptnr B was accused of causing water to get under ¾ inch solid glued-down wood flooring (these were really nice floors), and the contractor started removing the floor. Fortunately, Ref Ptnr B was able to convince the contractor to STOP removing any more flooring by saying, “My guy is licensed and certified and has the correct equipment to determine if the floor is wet, and he [ PUDDLES ] will be here by 7:00 AM tomorrow to inspect the floor.” CONCLUSION: Neither house Y or Z was wet. If the floors had read wet: Ref Ptnr A’s real estate deal would have failed, and Ref Ptnr B would have incurred 10X what he was paid to fix the floor. Our followers know that green is good when using a Protimeter MMS3 moisture meter, but to be safe, we also used a FLIR infrared camera and a Tramex CMEX5 Moisture meter to inspect the ensuite master bathroom-tiled floor.
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A close up of a sliding glass door with a dirty floor.
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Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
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What Happened A contractor in Gainesville, FL stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
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What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
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Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Gainesville, FL.
Roof Tarp
March 25, 2025
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Gainesville, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.