Northwest Denver has a history of being affected by water damage rapidly due to weather conditions, aged plumbing, and appliance malfunctions. Many homeowners will follow a “do it yourself” approach to the cleanup, only to find out that the moisture has penetrated through flooring, walls, insulation, and into foundation materials, causing structural instability and mold growth, thus leaving the homeowner subject to having to incur excessive repair costs.
Therefore, the only way to avoid this situation would be to partner with a licensed professional company that can assist homeowners with Water Damage Restoration in Northwest Denver, CO, or any other area as soon as they notice water entering their home, thus avoiding possible damage to their home and ensuring the safe restoration of the home.
To help homeowners understand the water damage restoration process and all its phases, this blog will go into detail about each phase and why it is important for a homeowner to understand how their home is affected by water and how professionals can help mitigate potential damage.
Step 1: Responding to Emergencies 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
The response time following water damage events in Northwest Denver is critical to preventing water damage from continuing to occur. The professional water damage restoration team in Northwest Denver responds to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A speedy response will reduce the risk of additional damage (e.g., mold, warping of flooring, saturation of drywall, microbial contamination) caused by an untreated water damage event.
As part of their training, industry professionals will respond to the emergency quickly in order to stabilize the affected area and protect both the property and personal property from additional water damage.
Step 2: Assessing Water Damage and Determining Moisture Condition
The water damage restoration team will conduct a thorough water assessment to determine the origin of the water damage, as well as the category of the moisture. The trained technicians will identify whether the moisture is classified as clean water, grey water, or black water (sewage).
Technicians will use moisture detection devices such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, and hygrometers to locate hidden moisture that is not visible.
This is a critical step in the restoration process because hidden moisture will cause mold growth, odor, and deterioration of materials. The findings from this assessment will assist in determining the appropriate restoration plan for the property.
Step 3: Stopping the Water Source
Before any water extraction can be performed, the source of the water damage must be stopped. The water damage could be caused by different sources, including broken pipes, roof leaks, intrusion from storms, overflowing appliances, etc.; therefore, immediate attention must be given in order to prevent more water from being introduced into the home.
Stopping the source of water ensures that no additional water will spread to other areas of the home and that the drying and restoration processes will not be compromised by continued water damage.
Step 4: Water Extraction Using Professional Equipment
Water extraction is a critical step in the water damage restoration process. Water extraction from standing water in your home.
In the residential water damage restoration process, trained technicians utilize commercial-grade pumps, truck-mounted vacuums, and high-powered portable equipment to remove standing water within your flooring and carpet, subfloors, etc.
The sooner your standing water is removed, the more of your building materials can be salvaged, which reduces your overall repair costs and expedites the entire restoration process, thus making this part of professional water damage restoration in Northwest Denver, Colorado, one of the most important steps.
Step 5: Unsalvageable Material Removal
Unsalvageable materials include damaged insulation that has become saturated with water, crumbled or collapsed drywall, warped flooring products, and certainly any item that has absorbed contaminated flood or sewage-related waters.
Removing these materials will reduce the chances of mold growth and eliminate any health issues. An expert water damage restoration company in Northwest Denver will properly dispose of any unsalvageable products and thoroughly document them for insurance claims processing.
Step 6: Structural Drying and Dehumidifying
Drying is the next step after removing water. Commercial-grade air movers, dehumidifiers, drying mats, etc., create air movement that accelerates moisture evaporation.
Depending upon the extent of damage, this drying process may require several days of continual monitoring, continually lowering moisture levels to eliminate mold growth or weakening of the building structure.
Step 7: Cleaning, Disinfecting, Sanitizing, Deodorizing
Whenever water damages your home, there will be bacteria and contaminants associated with these types of losses and odors. Professional cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and deodorizing all affected areas will help create a safe living environment again for you and your family.
One key element of cleaning surfaces after water damage is the proper sanitizing of surfaces immediately after removing any water that comes from flooding or sewage or after long periods of uncontrolled growth of bacteria due to stagnant (standing) water.
Step 8: Mold Prevention / Mold Remediation
After a flood, even when the surface is dry, spores or bacteria remain in both the air and on surfaces. Preventing the growth of such bacteria is critical to maintaining a safe environment for a long time. If there is an existing case of mold on a surface, certified professionals perform a complete remediation of the mold.
This process includes the complete removal of all mold spores, application of a material designed to treat any affected building materials, and taking steps to prevent any chance of returning or re-growing mold spores.
Controlling humidity and eliminating moisture will help prevent both mold and the further spread of mold. Protecting your home and your health is critical to your safety and overall well-being.
Step 9: Structural Repairs, Rebuilding, and Restoring Your Home
The last step in the restoration process is to rebuild or restore the structure or building itself. Structural repair or rebuilding may entail repairing drywall, installing flooring, repairing cabinets, replacing trim, painting, or repurposing structural components of the building to bring your property back to its condition before flood damage.
By working closely with a competent restoration team, your property can be restored without any residual effects from the flooding.
Why Working with Professionals Makes a Significant Difference
The level of safety, precision, and industry-grade equipment used by certified restoration teams cannot compete with the quality of equipment you would have available to you as a DIYer for the cleanup of a water-damaged area.
Professional restoration teams are extensively trained in the latest equipment and technology and can identify and locate any form of concealed moisture within the home, as well as prevent any mold from continuing to grow and cause future structural problems.
Scheduling water damage services in Northwest Denver not only allows for time and cost savings but also guarantees that your home remains structurally sound and safe for residents for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage Restoration
- How soon should I react to water damage?
Right away. The first 24-hour period is when there is the greatest risk of developing mold, warping, and other types of structural damage. - Can I take care of water damage on my own?
DIY cleanup may be sufficient for small spill issues. However, the scale of the impact on your home from water damage needs to be addressed with the use of proper tools, techniques, and expertise to avoid additional issues in the future. - How long does a drying process take?
In most cases, the drying process will take between two and five days; however, in many instances, it will take longer based on moisture levels and materials used for construction. - Will my insurance cover water damage restoration?
In most cases, water damage that results from an accident or that is sudden will be covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy. However, floodwaters, as well as any damage due to negligence, are not included. Additionally, restoration companies can assist you in documenting your situation. - What signs of water damage are indicative of a hidden area of moisture?
Soft walls in your home, odors of mold or mildew, stains, peeling paint, inconsistent levels of humidity, and unusually high utility bills may indicate that there are areas of moisture present that cannot be easily identified.
About United Water Restoration Group of Denver NW
United Water Restoration Group of Denver NW provides immediate, dependable, full-service water damage cleanup, drying, rebuilding, and restoring services. As a leader in the water damage restoration industry, we are known for our fast response times (24 hours a day, seven days a week), cutting-edge equipment, and dedicated professional staff who will help you quickly recover from an emergency water loss or disaster.
We have the experience to complete everything from extracting water to reconstruction using proven techniques, good communication, and exceptional care. All of these reasons combined make us the preferred restoration company throughout Northwest Denver.
Need professional assistance? Feel free to contact us for more information.
