Mold is a form of fungus that develops when spores in the air settle on a surface and begin to grow. To grow, mold requires spores, an organic substance to feed off of, warmth, darkness, moisture, and oxygen. Unfortunately, there are many areas in a typical home that provide an ideal environment for mold growth. As an added complication, mold doesn’t become detectable, either by sight or smell, until it’s already spread significantly. But, by understanding the most common areas for mold formation in your home, you can take extra precautions to keep mold to a minimum.

Let’s go over the most common areas that household mold grows in. For major mold problems, remember to contact your Denver mold removal experts.

Where Household Mold Commonly Grows

Beneath Sinks

Given that mold grows with the help of moisture, darkness, and warmth, it’s very common to find mold underneath sinks. Especially if you have a plumbing leak, mold can start to grow underneath the kitchen or bathroom sink. You’re unlikely to check beneath your sink regularly, and the area under your sink isn’t lit. So, you may only notice mold under the sink by recognizing its musty odor. Cleaning the cabinet area under your sink regularly with a cleaning solution containing either bleach or hydrogen peroxide to prevent mold growth.

Inside of Filing Cabinets

Wood pulp is what paper is made out of. This organic substance is an excellent food source for mold. If moisture is introduced to a filing cabinet full of paper, either due to high humidity levels or water damage, mold can quickly develop. Especially for important papers stowed away in a filing cabinet, mold presents a serious risk to your paper records.

You can prevent mold damage to your filing cabinets by not storing them in areas of your home with high humidity, such as the basement and attic. You may even place a dehumidifier in your office or storage room if high moisture levels are a concern.

Appliances

Appliances are important to Denver homeowners’ day-to-day routines. However, household appliances also provide moisture that can encourage mold growth. Appliances that commonly cause mold growth include:

Washing machines

Washing machines, especially front-loading models, often lead to mold growth. This problem is more likely to occur if you close the door immediately after completing a load of laundry. Washing machines are airtight, meaning that any residual moisture trapped in the machine can lead to mold growth. Ensure that you leave the door of your washing machine open after each load so that it can dry out. You can also wash the inside of the detergent dispenser and gasket with warm water and soap, then run an empty cycle with baking soda or bleach to prevent mold growth. Keeping your washing machine clean will help reduce the probability of mold growth.

Refrigerators

Refrigerator mold is a prevalent issue among homeowners in Denver and beyond. So, it’s important to clean your refrigerator regularly. A combination of water, baking soda, and fungicide can be used to wipe down the entire interior of your refrigerator, including the shelves and drawers. You should also clean your freezer in the same manner.

Air ducts

If any mold grows in your air ducts as a result of moisture or humidity, it can circulate throughout your home. You can identify mold on the air registers of your HVAC system. Additionally, a musty smell may become apparent in your home as the mold infiltrates the ducts that carry heated or cooled air throughout your home.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are a great tool for making homes in dry climates, such as Colorado, more comfortable. Unfortunately, when humidifiers are improperly maintained, mold growth can occur. Humidifiers circulate a high amount of water throughout the air and should be cleaned frequently.

Floor Mats

You may not think twice about the floor mats in your home. But, whether outside of your front door or in your bathroom, floor mats can create a prime environment for mold growth. The mat outside of your front door can collect moisture from snow, mud, and even dew on the grass in your front yard. The bathmat can collect moisture whenever someone steps out of the shower or bath. To avoid mold growth in your home’s floor mats, make sure to launder them frequently.

For help with a household mold problem, contact Denver Restoration today.

Household mold is a concern that many homeowners in Denver and across the country share. Mold can grow deep within the walls or ceilings of your home, often obscured by furniture or otherwise invisible. By the time you do notice the mold, it may have spread to a significant degree. Unfortunately, while household mold is an extremely common problem, it can also become a health hazard if it’s not addressed by Denver mold removal experts promptly.

How much do you know about household mold? Let’s dive into the five most frequently asked questions about household mold to broaden your knowledge and help you better protect your home.

What is Mold?

So, first off, let’s define what mold is. Molds are organisms that consume nutrients from organic materials and generally appear powdery or fuzzy. Minuscule spores are created by molds to reproduce. These spores circulate throughout the air to eventually land on a surface with some moisture. The mold spores will then consume whatever material they have landed on to grow. Mold can grow on anything from paper to carpet to wood and food, so long as moisture is present. High amounts of moisture and humidity inside a home will increase the amount of mold growth that takes place. While mold growth can’t be fully eliminated in any indoor place, it can be kept to a minimum by keeping moisture to a minimum.

What Are The Types of Mold Exposure?

There are multiple ways in which you can be exposed to mold, including:

Inhalation

You may inhale mold spores through the nose. This can trigger allergic reactions as the spores reach the lungs. In people with asthma, mold inhalation can also cause an asthma attack.

Ingestion

Mold exposure can also occur if you unknowingly ingest moldy food.

Physical contact

If your skin comes into contact with mold, you may experience a rash in the area where the mold contact occurred. This typically only occurs in those who commonly have allergies.

What Are The Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

Not all instances of mold exposure will lead to physical symptoms. However, mold exposure can cause symptoms that are similar to other allergies, including:

Sneezing
Coughing
Sore throat
Congestion
Runny nose
Red, itchy, or runny eyes
Rash on the skin
Headache

How Can I Identify Household Mold?

There are many signs of household mold that you can look out for, including:

Discolored Walls

Mold can take on all different colors and textures. Oddly-colored parts of your wall could be caused by mold growth. If you notice that they’re a strange spot or cluster on your walls, it’s worth taking a closer look. It may be immediately identifiable as mold, or you may need to contact Denver mold specialists for an expert opinion.

Musty Smell

Even after cleaning, if you notice a musty smell coming from anything in your home, mold could be causing the smell. After washing the curtains and the carpet, as well as taking out the trash, and the smell persists, you may be facing a household mold problem.

Odd Smells From The AC or Heater

If you notice an odor when your HVAC system is running, mold could be the culprit. Air conditioners create an optimal environment for mold growth due to the high moisture level. You can avoid mold growth in your HVAC system with regular maintenance.

Peeling Wallpaper

If there is moisture in your wallpapered walls, the wallpaper may start to peel. This is a big sign that mold development is likely and that you should try to reduce the excess moisture in your walls.

Why Does Household Mold Develop?

For mold to grow, mold spores, a source of organic matter for food, oxygen, moisture, and darkness need to be present. Mold can start to grow in one to two days in an optimal environment.

Ultimately, moisture and humidity are the main reasons why household mold develops. Anything from a leaking pipe to wet clothes drying on a rack could increase the humidity in your home enough for mold to grow.

If you suspect that your home has a household mold problem, contact Denver Restoration today. Our expert team can identify and resolve the problem to restore the comfort of your home.

Whether it be a leaky pipe, natural disaster, or damaged sewer line, there are several scenarios that can lead to severe water damage in your Denver home. Water damage can devastate your home, creating a dangerous situation that needs immediate attention. Denver water damage restoration can bring your home back to its former condition so that it’s livable once again.

That said, while your water damage restoration team is on the way over, what can you do to keep the situation under control? Safety should be your first concern, and if it’s not safe to stay in the house, make sure to get your family and pets to a safe location. Electrical risks should be a primary concern, as well as the possibility of slipping and falling. If it’s safe to do so, you can remove valuable items from the flooded area to dry out.

Ready to learn more about what you can do before the water damage restoration team arrives? Keep reading for our top tips.

What’s Susceptible To Water Damage?

First off, it’s helpful to understand the parts of your home that will be most affected by water damage. Water is vital to human life, but can also seriously damage:

Wood
Insulation
Plaster
Drywall
Framing
Flooring
Appliances
Air conditioner
Heater
Piping
Electrical wiring

Considerations in Water Damage Restoration

What makes the difference between mild, moderate, and severe water damage? The following factors are the main considerations in evaluating a case of water damage:

The Type of Water

The water that’s causing the damage should be the first consideration in water damage restoration.

Clean water

Clean water may come from a pipe leak or in the form of rainwater. This water isn’t dangerous and thus makes the water damage restoration process much safer.

Gray water

Gray water typically comes from leaking appliances, such as a washing machine, dishwasher, or toilet. This water is usually mildly contaminated. It doesn’t present a serious safety risk, but it will be best handled by water damage restoration professionals.

Black water

Black water is seriously contaminated and may come from the sewer or a close-by body of water, like a river. Handling black water can be very dangerous and is a task that should be left to the professionals.

The Amount of Water

Leaks and floods can vary in the amount of water that impacts your home. Small volumes of water can often be managed successfully by homeowners who have the appropriate resources. For moderate and high amounts of water, professional Denver water damage restoration is the safest, most effective option.

The Extent of The Damage

Similarly, the extent of the water damage can dictate how extensive a water damage restoration job will be. Extensive damage, such as water damage that has reached multiple floors of your home, will need the expertise of a professional to manage.

Water Damage Restoration Steps

So, what can you do before the water damage restoration professionals arrive? Let’s review this information so that you have a better understanding of a typical water damage repair project.

Remain Safe.

We can’t emphasize it enough: Staying safe after water damage affects your home is of the utmost importance. Before you take any steps after a water disaster, make sure that everyone in your household is safe.

Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Company.

While water damage coverage will vary based on the insurance policy, your insurance company may provide coverage for some of the damage to your property. Contacting your insurance company as soon as possible after the damage occurs will give your claim the best possible shot at approval. You can document the damage, both with pictures and written records, to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation.

Shut Off The Power.

Electricity coupled with a flood can create an extremely dangerous situation. Turning off your power after a flood or other water-related accident can reduce this risk. However, only turn off your home’s power if you can do so safely. Otherwise, leave it to the pros.

Once the Denver water damage restoration professionals arrive, you can trust that you’re in good hands. The team will help you with the next steps and ensure that you’re kept in the loop along the way. Contact Denver Restoration today to learn more.

Water damage in your Denver home can be a tricky problem to pinpoint. It can be difficult to see water damage, as the leaking water may be flowing through your walls or ceiling before it becomes evident. This could mean that weeks or months could go by without anyone noticing the water damage, in which case the damage could be severe by the time that you get to it. Plus, once the water damage does become visible, whether through water marks, mold, or pooling water, the signs of damage may not be at the root of the problem.

AC units shouldn’t leak if you perform proper maintenance. However, if maintenance has slipped through the cracks, your AC unit may leak and cause water damage throughout your home. An AC leak may become evident in all areas of your home, including the living room, bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways, closets, and bathrooms.

AC-related water damage is a frustrating issue that can require water damage restoration in Denver. But, by understanding the risk of AC water damage and taking steps to prevent it, you can keep your home in top condition.

Causes of AC Water Damage

Condensation

Condensation is the key culprit when it comes to water damage from an AC unit. The AC’s evaporator coil creates it. This coil is connected to your home’s plumbing system from the main drain line. If your main drain line gets clogged, the excess water will flow into the evaporator’s emergency drain pan. In the case that both the main drain line and the evaporator coil get clogged, however, the pan may not be enough to contain the leaking water, eventually leading to water damage throughout your home.

But, how does condensation build up from your AC unit in the first place?

AC Water Damage Causes

AC water damage can vary from a minor puddle surrounding the AC unit to a broken AC unit and even a collapsed ceiling due to a major leak. Simply put, the longer that AC maintenance is neglected, the worse the AC damage will become.

Here are some issues that can lead to AC water damage:

Clogged or dirty AC air filter
Clogged condensate drain
Disconnected condensate drain
Dirty condensate pump
Cracked or damaged drain pan
Dirty evaporator coil
Condensation accumulation in your home’s ductwork
Low refrigerant levels

Insurance Claims For AC Leaks

When your AC leaks, you may be able to get compensation for the damage from your homeowners insurance company. However, making a claim can be stressful when the AC leak causes extensive damage throughout your Denver home. An AC leak can lead to damage to your walls, ceilings, baseboards, flooring, drywall, and insulation. The more extensive the damage, the more costly the repairs will be.

With an AC leak, you not only have the damage to your home to worry about, but also the damage to your AC unit. Air conditioners are expensive appliances, and an AC unit may need to be fully replaced after a leak. Also, homeowners will need to dry out the area around the AC unit after a leak, especially if there is pooled water. Water damage restoration is especially helpful in this scenario, as restoration professionals can promptly clear and dry out the area using the fastest, most effective methods.

Avoiding AC Water Damage

Avoiding AC water damage in the first place is ideal. It will spare you from the hassle and expense of managing an AC leak. To prevent AC water damage, follow these basic tips.

Clean the AC unit.

One of the most basic AC maintenance tasks will work wonders to prevent AC leaks: Cleaning! Cleaning or replacing the filters regularly (ideally once monthly while the AC is in use) will lower the risk of an AC leak. Additionally, cleaning the area around your outdoor condenser unit will ensure that your AC unit can continue operating properly and efficiently.

Schedule professional AC inspections

An AC leak may be caused by a problem that you wouldn’t notice without professional help. To make sure that any AC problems are caught early on, before they become severe, schedule regular AC inspections. Professionals will recommend maintenance and repairs as needed to keep your AC in top condition.

For water damage repairs after an AC leak, contact Denver Restoration. Our team is highly skilled in water damage restoration and can bring your home back to its previous condition.

Water damage is a major risk to homes in Denver and beyond. However, many homeowners don’t realize that the likelihood of water damage impacting your home is fairly high. Water damage is common and can stem from several different sources. Everything from a big storm to a leaky roof can lead to excess moisture in your home.

The effects of home water damage can be far-reaching. Beyond the simple fact that water damage will speed up the deterioration of certain parts of your home, it can also lead to allergic reactions. To ensure that your household isn’t impacted by the serious negative effects of water damage, it’s important to identify it promptly. While not all types of water damage are easy to spot, there are methods that you can use to check for water problems.

Here, we’ll cover the main signs that water damage is present in your Denver home. Once you spot water damage in your home, be sure to contact your Denver water damage restoration specialists immediately to resolve the issue.

Signs of Water Damage

Humidity

Humidity in your home that can’t be easily explained may indicate a source of water damage. Specifically, a leak may be present in your home if you notice excess humidity. Look for dampness on walls, counters, and other surfaces that shouldn’t accumulate water. A leak could be close by.

Floor Damage

Certain types of damage to your home’s flooring may also be a sign of water damage. Specifically:

Soft Spots

Particularly around fixtures like showers, sinks, and bathtubs, you may notice that parts of the floor are soft or sagging. This could be due to a leak in the appliance or in a nearby pipe.

Warping or Cracks

Wood, tile, and laminate flooring may all become damaged due to excess moisture. These flooring types may warp, crack, or split due to water pooling into the materials. When water damage affects hard-to-see areas of your floor, such as the corners, it can go for a long time without being noticed. Be sure to check the entirety of your home’s flooring, including the flooring in rooms that you don’t spend as much time in, for water damage.

Water Marks on Walls and Ceilings

One of the easiest-to-spot signs of water damage is a water mark. Excess moisture can stain or discolor your floors, ceilings, or walls. You may see water marks in a ring shape, which typically indicates a leaking pipe. These rings will be the most obvious water stains to result from a leak, but smaller marks may also be visible upon closer inspection. While checking for this sign of water damage, make sure to also check hard-to-reach parts of the wall, including the corners and points where the wall meets the ceiling or floor.

Mold

When excess moisture is left alone, mold can start to develop in your home. After all, wherever there is moisture and oxygen, mold can grow. Mold can indicate excess humidity in your home or a leak. Once you notice mold, it’s important to get rid of it promptly to avoid allergic reactions.

To prevent mold from growing in your home with a dehumidifier, promptly drying any surfaces that are exposed to water, and getting rid of any materials that have already developed mold (such as insulation). Mold-resistant insulation is available and can help reduce your home’s risk for mold development.

Physical Reactions

A mold problem can lead to physical symptoms among people in your home. Mold is an allergen that can cause symptoms of respiratory infections. If anyone in your Denver home has asthma, you’ll need to be extra-careful to avoid mold growth, as mold can trigger a more severe reaction in asthmatic individuals.

Symptoms of a mold allergy may include:

Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Sneezing
Coughing
Itchy or watery eyes
Dry skin

Water Damage Restoration

If your home has encountered a leak or flood, water damage restoration services are the most effective way to minimize water damage. Contact Denver Restoration today to learn more about our services for household water damage, including water mold.

Maintaining a clean, organized home is a common goal among many Denver homeowners. But, for all types of reasons, people can often benefit from a helping hand in removing unwanted debris. Professional debris removal services are especially helpful in many situations that require a prompt home cleanout. If you’re decluttering, renovating, or moving out of your home, professional debris removal services can provide notable benefits and help you get the job done faster.

Here, we’ll review the key benefits of professional debris removal for homeowners. With Denver debris removal services, you can regain a clean, uncluttered home.

The Purpose of Junk and Debris Removal

Junk and debris removal services are intended to make it easier to get rid of unwanted belongings. Especially if you have a high volume of junk, the weight of which can be overwhelming, professional services will be the most practical solution. Professionals have the skill and experience to clear out all types of debris with speed, safety, and efficiency.

Debris Removal After a Flood or Fire

After a home incident like a flood or a fire, there may be debris left behind that is unusable or unsafe to keep around the house. In this scenario, when homeowners already have much to do to restore the condition of their homes, debris removal can clear out space. With the debris quickly and professionally taken care of after an accident, you’ll have more room to start work on getting your home back to normal. Debris removal can also be completed during the Denver water damage restoration process after a flood.

Insurance and Debris Removal

Your homeowners insurance policy may offer some compensation for debris removal after a fire or a flood. But, the amount of coverage that you can receive will depend on your policy and your insurance company. Make sure to take photos of the debris before it’s removed to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.

Top Benefits of Professional Debris Removal

Free Up Space in Your Home

Your living spaces will be more relaxing with the absence of clutter. Clutter around your home can drag down your energy levels and increase feelings of stress. If you’ve been wanting to get rid of clutter, but aren’t sure that you can do it on your own, professional junk removal services are the way to go.

Save Time

On your own, debris removal can be a sizable task that requires several hours to complete. If you have a busy schedule and can’t find the time to remove junk in your home, professional services will spare you the time. The professionals will remove junk from your home quickly and efficiently, putting time back into your schedule for other important tasks.

Safety

Especially after an incident at your home leads to debris that you need to dispose of, such as a fire, removing the debris yourself can be dangerous. There may be exposed nails, broken glass, and other dangerous materials that can lead to injury. Professional debris removers know how to safely remove debris from your home. Additionally, professionals have the equipment that’s often needed to remove certain types of debris. By enlisting their help, you can keep yourself and your family safe.

Avoid Injury From Heavy Items

Attempting to remove heavy items from your home can quickly lead to injury. To safely move heavy items, whether it be furniture, appliances, or other weighty items, you’ll need help of some kind. Junk removal professionals know how to safely move heavy items, saving you from an injury.

Proper Disposal of Various Items

Certain items require special care to be properly disposed of, like electronics, chemicals, etc. Safely disposing of these items on your own would require time and research to find a disposal center to accept them. When you hire a professional junk removal service, you can trust that the items will be disposed of safely and properly.

Environmental Benefits

To reduce your impact on the environment, it’s wise to recycle whenever possible. Junk removal services generally recycle whenever possible. Any recyclable items will be sent off to be reused, rather than going straight to a landfill. This is a great way to help the planet without having to spend your time researching how to recycle various items.

When a flood strikes in your Denver home, your insurance company may not be the first thing to come to mind. Most commonly, homeowners rush to protect their belongings and minimize the damage to their property as much as possible. But, once the initial frenzy has waned, it’s time to consider filing your flood damage insurance claim. You can typically receive compensation from your homeowners insurance company to cover the cost of Denver water damage restoration services.

This article can serve as your guide to filing a flood damage insurance claim after a flood in your Denver home. But promptly and properly filing an insurance claim, you can ensure that you receive compensation for the damage.

Step 1: Document The Damage.

Before the process of cleaning up the flood damage in your Denver home begins, it’s important to document the damage for your insurance claim. Snap pictures and take video of the flooded area. Take written notes of the damage as well, and write down an inventory of your possessions. This information will support your insurance claim and ensure that you receive compensation for all of the valuable belongings that were damaged in the flood.

Additionally, don’t toss out belongings that were damaged in the flood. Your insurance adjuster may need to assess them later on to determine the value of your compensation.

Preparing Beforehand

We all hope that a flood won’t impact our homes. Unfortunately, the risk of a flood is always present, and many causes of floods are entirely out of our control. There’s often no telling when a pipe will burst or when a roof will start leaking during a storm. So, preparing for the possibility of a flood beforehand can be immensely helpful if your home does flood. This involves itemizing your valuable possessions as soon as you purchase them. Keep the receipts and take pictures of them. Then, keep these papers in a safe location, such as a safety deposit box. If a flood does strike, you’ll be able to simply get these papers and use them to significantly strengthen your insurance claim.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Agent ASAP.

To get the ball rolling on your flood damage insurance claim, it’s crucial to reach out to your insurance agent as quickly as possible after the flood occurs. Let the agent know that your home has flooded and you’ll file a claim for the damages. With this information, your insurance agent can work swiftly to help you recover from the sudden flood. This will involve assigning an insurance adjuster, who will walk you through the requirements for filing a claim and give you any necessary paperwork.

The Insurance Adjuster

Your assigned insurance adjuster will reach out to you quickly after the initial phone call – probably after just a few days. When the insurance adjuster calls, make sure that you have your policy number and current contact information ready to go. In the event that your adjuster doesn’t reach out after a few days, contact your insurance agent again and to provide this information.

If you work with water damage restoration specialists like Denver Restoration, the task of coordinating with your insurance company will be taken off of your hands. We’ll work with your insurance company for you to ensure that your claim is approved as quickly as possible.

Step 3: File The Paperwork.

After taking the preliminary steps, it’s time to file your flood insurance claim paperwork. This needs to happen within 60 days of the date of the flood. The Proof of Loss form is crucial, as it lays out your final claim under the National Flood Insurance Program. This form is essential to the approval of your claim.

Throughout the process of filing your insurance claim, keep a record of every interaction that you have with your insurance company. Whether it’s a phone call or an email, keep track of your correspondence. You may need these records if you hit any bumps along the road to receiving your flood damage compensation.

Finally, for reliable help throughout the process of filing an insurance claim for a Denver flood, contact Denver Restoration. Our experts will take care of the insurance company for you so that your claim gets approved with speed.

If your Denver office floods, stress and concern are to be expected. But, try not to panic – a flooded office can be resolved promptly and efficiently when you take the right steps from the start. Whether the flood resulted from an extreme storm or faulty plumbing, your business will recover.

Your office can get back up and running as quickly as possible with the help of your Denver water restoration team. Additionally, you can follow the tips outlined in this article to minimize the damage to your business’s property.

Call In The Specialists

Your first step after your office floods should be to call your local water mitigation and restoration specialists. By calling up the professionals right off the bat, you can reduce the damage and ensure that it’s taken care of properly. Plus, with flood experts taking care of the situation, you can feel confident that your office will be restored to working condition ASAP.

The first step in professionally managing a flooded office is the mitigation process. Mitigation is crucial to protect your property, stop further flooding, and prevent damage while keeping you safe.

Water mitigation for your Denver office will include:

A thorough assessment of the area to determine the extent of the flood and the most pressing tasks.
The removal of any standing water using industrial extractors, air movers, or floor and subfloor drying systems.
Drying the area to remove excess moisture that could damage the walls, ceiling, and supportive structure of your office.
Sanitizing the area.

The water mitigation process can vary depending on the type of water in the flood. Clean water, gray water, and black water are the three main types of water in a flood, and the type of water that you’re dealing with will have a significant impact on the extent of the sanitation required. Clean water doesn’t pose a health threat – the main concern will be to dry out the property. Gray and black water, on the other hand, are unsanitary and contaminated. A flood involving gray or black water will require extensive sanitation during the water mitigation process.

Once the mitigation process has been completed, the restoration process can begin to return your office to its previous condition.

Before The Specialists Arrive

In the first moment after your office floods, there are steps that you can take to contain the situation. These steps include:

Shut Off The Electricity

Everyone knows that electricity and water don’t mix. So, to stay safe after an office flood, be sure to turn off the electricity right away. Keeping the electricity on would be a risk to anyone in or around the property, and it would increase the likelihood of damage to your electrical equipment.

Turning Off The Water Supply

For office floods that stem from a leak in the building, quickly turning off the water supply will keep the flood from getting worse. To do this, you’ll need to find the water supply valve, which is generally on the outside of the building. A key may be required to turn off the water supply. So, an important step in flood preparation is locating the water supply valve and the key required to use it. This will ensure that you can turn off the water as soon as a flood is detected.

Stay Away From Electrical Equipment

After shutting off the electricity and water supply, you may feel tempted to go into the office and save any valuable electronics. But, it’s simply not worth the risk to do so. Handling electrical equipment in a flood can cause you serious harm. So, leave it be and let the water damage professionals do what they can in drying out the office.

If It’s Safe, Save Non-Electrical Items

While electrical equipment can be safely removed from a flooded office, you may be able to remove items including furniture, art, and important documents. Of course, consult with your water restoration experts to ensure that it’s safe to do so.

If you enter the flooded office, be sure to protect yourself by wearing gloves, eye protection, and durable, water-resistant shoes. If there’s a risk of water mold, a face mask is also necessary to prevent an allergic reaction to mold exposure.

For professional help after an office flood, contact Denver Restoration.

Water damage: It can be caused by many different factors, but it’s always a major issue for homeowners to look out for. Just one burst pipe or a leak in your roof can quickly become a serious water damage dilemma. If you bring in Denver water damage restoration specialists immediately, the problem can be promptly amended before causing severe complications. But, left alone, water damage presents many significant risks to homeowners in Denver and across the country.

What Causes Denver Water Damage?

Here in Denver, the winters typically bring high volumes of snow, and rainstorms are common throughout the spring and summer. These forms of precipitation create a sizable risk for water damage. In particular, if a part of your home is damaged and lets moisture in, a water damage issue can quickly arise. A leaky roof or a crack in your foundation, for example, can expose your home to the elements.

Leaky appliances and burst pipes are also common causes of water damage. These sorts of issues, such as overflowing washing machines, burst dishwasher hoses, and leaky dishwashers can cause serious problems throughout your home.

The Dangers of Denver Water Damage

Water damage to your Denver home may cause serious problems if left unaddressed. These problems may include:

Health Hazards

That’s right: water damage can pose a threat to your health (and the health of your family) when left alone. Various health complications are possible, namely:

Mold Growth

Dampness and moisture create an ideal environment for mold to grow. Once mold is in your home, it can compromise your air quality and cause allergic reactions. Mold increases people’s risk of developing respiratory conditions, among other health issues. Additionally, water mold can trigger asthma symptoms and make it more likely for individuals to have an asthma attack. Elderly people and young children are more susceptible to health complications from water mold exposure in the home.

Exposure to Toxic Substances or Chemicals

When water seeps into your home and causes damage, it’s possible that the water is contaminated with toxins or chemicals. This is especially true if the water came in due to a flood, or as the result of a burst pipe.

Water with toxins or chemicals can promote the growth of unhealthy bacteria. If you or a member of your family is exposed to that bacteria, it can lead to illness.

Compromised Structural Elements

Water can soften and weaken materials in your home. Flooring, in particular, acts like a sponge and soaks up excess water. This water can then reach the supportive wood structures that hold up your flooring and walls. If the water and moisture are left alone, these structural elements of your home can weaken significantly, posing a threat to the overall strength and longevity of your Denver home.

Bugs

Water attracts bugs. Many insects look for moisture in which to lay eggs. If water damage is present in your Denver home, bugs may well decide that it’s a great environment for their eggs. Once these eggs hatch, you’ll have a higher volume of bugs present in your home. As the bugs die off, they’ll not only spread harmful bacteria, but also draw more bugs into your home. No homeowner wants a bug problem – have water damage in your home repaired ASAP to ensure that your home doesn’t become home for a bug colony.

Denver Water Damage Restoration

If your home has been victim to water damage, don’t worry – the issue can be amended by your Denver water damage restoration experts. The process of water damage restoration is designed to address the full scope of the water damage in your home. This involves a thorough inspection of the affected areas to pinpoint every trouble spot.

In water damage restoration, our team will inventory your belongings and place them in a safe location before getting to work. Once that step is done, the structural restoration process can begin. During this process, our team will prevent further water damage to your home and keep water from reaching your electrical system. We can then start returning the water damaged area to its prior condition through repairs and replacement, making your home safe and comfortable once again.

To learn more about water damage restoration for your Denver home, contact us today.

Homes can flood without warning, whether due to a burst pipe, leaky appliance, or sudden storm. When water damage strikes, you may likely need professional help to restore your home to a livable condition. Part of the process revitalizing your home after a flood includes mitigation.

Especially if you’ve never dealt with a flooded home before, you may not know what mitigation is. Here, we’ll define water mitigation and its purpose as an emergency service for flooded properties in Denver and beyond.

What is Water Mitigation?

Mitigation is the process that comes before restoration after a flood. It’s generally considered to be a service for emergencies. For example, if you find that your basement has severely flooded, you would contact Denver water mitigators to gain control of the situation.

The purpose of mitigation is to stop any further damage to the area so that it can be effectively restored. In the case of a flood, mitigation generally includes measures to dry out the area and prevent damage to the subflooring. Specialized tools, equipment, and methods are used in water mitigation to recover a property after a flood.

It’s also important to know that many of the solutions implemented during water mitigation aren’t permanent. For example, if windows are broken in a flooded property, mitigators may place boards over the windows to prevent further damage. Otherwise, rain, snow, hail, debris, and even wild animals could enter through the broken windows. During restoration, the boarded-up windows would be permanently repaired or replaced.

The Steps of Water Mitigation

Assessment

First off, mitigators will assess the flooded property. They’ll determine the cause of the flood in order to stop any further damage from the same source. Water damage may stem from a sudden event, like a burst pipe, or an issue that becomes worse over time, like a leaky roof. By pinpointing the exact cause of the water damage, mitigators can more effectively stop the damage in its tracks.

In mitigation, there are different methods for different types of water damage. So, the water damage will need to be classified to determine the right course of action. Black, grey, and white are the main categories of water damage, based on the level of water contamination. Grey and black water can be harmful and therefore must be approached differently than standing water that isn’t a health threat.

Devise a Plan

Once the mitigators have evaluated the situation, they’ll make a plan to get rid of moisture in the flooded area. The first priority will be standing water. To remove standing water, mitigators may use floor and subfloor drying systems, industrial extractors, and air movers. This professional equipment can efficiently and safely get standing water out of your home so that the mitigation process can proceed.

Dry The Area

With the standing water gone, mitigators can address moisture in the structure of the property, as well as in the air. A combination of strategies can be used to dry out the previously flooded area, as well as furniture, carpets, rugs, and belongings containing paper like books and documents.

Sanitation and Structural Solutions

The mitigation process concludes with sanitation restoring the structure of the area. Structures that were damaged by contaminated water must be thoroughly sanitized to make the area safe again.

Once water mitigation has been completed, the water restoration process can begin. Restoration may involve replacing or restoring floors, walls, ceilings, and carpeting. Note that water restoration can only start after mitigation has been fully completed. This ensures that the area is safe, sanitized, and protected against further water damage.

The Duration of Water Mitigation

The water mitigation process can vary greatly in duration. In many cases, it can be completed very quickly. Given that mitigation is an emergency service, it’s intended to provide a fast response to flood damage. The mitigators can simply remove furniture and dry out the area that was flooded to prepare it for the restoration process. That said, the amount of time that water mitigation takes depends on the extent of the damage.

For trusted water mitigation services in Denver, contact Denver Restoration today. We’ll make your house feel like home again with prompt, reliable service.

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