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.

Mold: It’s something that you never want to see in your home, period. While mold may seem like just a pesky cleaning problem, it can have serious health ramifications. Mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms, making it all the more important to get professional help for mold in Denver.

But, how can you spot household mold in the first place? It’s not as easy as you might think. Mold may be hidden in your home, making it difficult to identify until it’s a serious problem. For example, if mold starts to grow within your walls, your walls will likely need to be replaced. Not only is it a hassle to replace your walls, but it’s also an expense that not all homeowners are prepared to cover.

But, there are signs of household mold that you can keep an eye out for. By noticing and addressing common signs of household mold, you can fix the issue before it requires extensive (and costly) repairs.

5 Signs of Household Mold

Water Damage

Water damage, mainly in the case of a leak or flood, is a key sign that mold may grow in your home. Mold thrives in moisture, so water in your walls and flooring creates a prime environment for mold growth.

Common signs of water damage include bubbles, softness, or water stains on the walls and ceiling. You may also notice that your walls appear warped after water damage has occurred. These walls should be checked for mold.

Also, pay attention to pipe leaks. Mold often grows in the walls nearby leaking sink pipes and can cause significant damage if left unrepaired.

Condensation and Humidity

Similarly to water damage, condensation and humidity are signs that mold growth is likely. You’ll mainly notice condensation around the windows in your home, making the risk for mold in these areas high.

A dehumidifier can keep mold growth at bay if your home is humid. Place the dehumidifier near the windows that most commonly show condensation. This will keep the walls dry and stop mold growth before it starts.

Unpleasant Odors

Mold gives off a musty, distinctive odor. The smell of mold is certainly not a pleasant one, so you’re likely to notice it if a mold problem has developed in your home. You can try to trace the odor back to the source of the mold, which can help you find hidden hold infestations.

If you can smell mold but are unable to locate the mold itself, call your local mold removal specialists. Experts in mold will be able to find the mold, even if it’s hidden, and start the removal process.

Allergic Reactions

If you or members of your family are having an allergic reaction in your home, the cause could be mold. Allergic reactions to mold generally involve respiratory symptoms like sneezing, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and an itchy throat. Most cases of mold allergy are mild, but the mold should be addressed promptly nonetheless. Especially for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, mold can present a serious health risk.

Visible Black Mold

The most obvious sign of mold is visible black mold. If you see black or brown mold spreading across your walls or ceiling, you have a problem that should be addressed ASAP. Mold may also be pink, blue, green, or even white in color. White mold is tricky to identify on white walls and ceilings, but it tends to have a fluffy appearance that’s unique from other types of mold.

Professional Mold Removal

If you think your Denver home has mold, your best option is to contact Denver restoration specialists as soon as possible. Mold experts will be able to identify and thoroughly clean up all of the mold in your home. This will restore the air quality in your home to prevent allergic reactions that often occur after people are exposed to mold.

In comparison to trying to remove the mold on your own, professional mold removal is a safer and more effective option. When you enlist the trusted team at Denver Restoration for your mold removal job, you can prevent the mold from reappearing in your near future.

If the basement of your Denver home has flooded, don’t panic. Basement flooding is an issue that impacts many homeowners. You can quickly receive help to fix the damage and get your home back to pristine condition.

Here, we’ll cover the steps that you should take immediately after your basement has flooded. Water restoration services in Denver from our expert team will eradicate the damage after a basement flood.

Speed is Key After a Basement Flood

One of the most important tips to remember after your basement floods is to act quickly. Water damage will get worse when left alone. Especially for personal items that are particularly susceptible to water damage, such as books and documents, you can minimize the damage by drying them out ASAP.

So, after your basement floods, don’t delay in taking the steps listed below. The sooner that you can start the process of restoring your basement, the less extensive the water damage repairs will be.

Step One: Contact An Emergency Services Team.

For your own safety and to ensure that the water damage is minimized as much as possible, contact a team of certified technicians after your basement floods. Attempting to handle the process of restoring your basement alone can be overwhelming, dangerous, and may exacerbate the damage. So, stay out of the flooded basement and call professionals instead.

Step Two: Mind The Electricity.

Your electricity may need to be disconnected before the restoration process can safely begin. Make sure not to touch or go near any electrical outlets or items after your basement floods. These can pose a major risk if they come into contact with water.

Shut off your circuit breaker unless it’s stationed in the basement. In many homes, the circuit breaker is located in the garage, which is easy and safe to access after a basement flood.

Step Three: Water Removal

For basement floods involving less than two feet of standing water, you may be able to safely drain the water with a new sump pump. If the flood only involves a few inches of standing water, you can likely remove it with a wet vac.

Whether you use a sump pump or a wet vac, there will still be water left in your basement after you’ve drained it as much as possible. This small amount of excess water can likely be removed with towels and a mop.

Step Four: Dry Your Basement.

Even after all of the standing water has been removed from your basement, residual moisture remains. Left alone, this moisture can quickly lead to mold development in your floors, walls, and ceiling. Household mold can cause allergic reactions and may require extensive repairs in severe cases. So, it’s wise to take as many preventative measures against mold as you can. But, if you do suspect a mold problem in your home, contact water restoration services in Denver for help as soon as possible.

Fans and dehumidifiers can work wonders in preventing mold growth. Make sure to move the fans and dehumidifiers around your basement to fully treat the area. Also, for optimal results, keep the dehumidifiers a minimum of six inches from the walls. This will promote air circulation to dry the area as quickly as possible.

Step Five: Deal With Wet Belongings.

Once your belongings have been retrieved from the basement, dry them as much as possible. To deal with paper items like books and documents quickly, you can put them in the freezer. This will keep them from getting moldy until you can decide the best course of action for salvaging them.

For large items and furniture, find or clear out space for them to dry. The garage may work well for this. During this process, you may want to also remove the carpeting. Carpeting generally won’t survive a flood – you’ll likely need to replace it. By removing it now, you can avoid mold growth in your flooring.

Step Six: Protect Yourself Against Future Floods.

After dealing with a basement flood in Denver, do everything you can to avoid a similar event in the future. Don’t store important documents, books, and other important belongings in the basement. Then, talk to your water restoration team about how to address flood risks in your home.

Your home is a center point for you and your family. It’s where you sleep, eat meals, and likely spend most of your time. Considering the sheer amount of time that you spend at home, it’s crucial to maintain your indoor air quality. The air that you and your family breathe needs to be clean and allergen-free to avoid discomfort and potential health complications.

To protect the health of your family, you can perform basic maintenance tasks to maintain the air quality in your home. Along with the help of Denver mold experts, you can ensure that your home is a safe, comfortable place to live.

Household Mold

One of the main threats to your home’s air quality is household mold. This common issue often stems from water damage and can impact your family’s health.

How Mold Develops

Mold appears on surfaces of your home made from organic materials that it can feed off of. These include drywall, wood, and other common home construction materials. Mold development starts with excess moisture in key areas of your home. When minuscule spores settle onto a wet surface in your home, mold has what it needs to grow.

Spores are too small to see without a microscope, making it impossible for the average homeowner to identify the very beginning of a mold problem. You’ll likely only notice household mold once it’s already developed.

The Effects of Mold

Household mold impacts the quality of the air that you breathe in your home. This can lead to some health concerns. The main problem associated with indoor mold is allergens. Mold creates allergens, which can trigger symptoms (like sneezing, red eyes, runny nose, and skin irritation) in some individuals. For people with asthma and an allergy to mold, household mold can lead to asthma attacks.

To avoid allergic reactions and other adverse effects, it’s important to have mold taken care of by mold and water mediation specialists. A team of professionals will be able to identify the source of the mold, remove the mold, and restore the air quality inside your home.

Hidden Household Mold

Unfortunately, household mold can’t always be easily spotted. Household mold can be hidden, which typically prolongs the process of identifying and removing it. When left unaddressed, hidden household mold can cause serious damage and impact the structure of your home. But, by knowing the most common signs of hidden household mold, you can remain alert and avoid a major mold problem.

Signs of Household Mold

Recent home water damage
- If your home has experienced water damage, make sure to have a team of water restoration experts in Denver service your home. A professional team can examine your home for hidden mold and fix the issue before it becomes severe.
Odors
Water marks, cracks, bubbles, or soft areas in your walls or ceiling
Allergic reactions

Tips To Improve Home Air Quality

The good news is that you can improve and maintain the air quality in your home by following these simple maintenance tips:

Remember to change the filter of your air conditioner regularly – ideally every few months. Air conditioners filter pollutants out of the air while they’re helping maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Over time, the filter will get bogged down with pollutants and won’t function properly. When this happens, the air quality in your home will drop. Thankfully, by simply switching out your AC filter, you can avoid this issue.
To control the level of moisture in your home, consider using dehumidifiers in rooms that are at a higher risk of mold growth, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Have your air ducts cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth and dust accumulation.
If you notice odors, damage to your walls or ceilings, or allergic reactions among the people you live with, have your home checked for hidden household mold.
If your home has experienced water damage, enlist professional help for water restoration in Denver. Experts on water damage and mold can help pinpoint the issue and eradicate the water damage. With your home restored to a clean, safe condition, you can feel confident that mold isn’t compromising your home’s air quality.