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Water damage at any time can be a frustrating experience. Whether it occurs after a heavy rainfall, and it penetrates through your roof; or a pipe freezes and breaks, and floods out your basement, the damage can occur quickly and be extensive. It can be wearisome sorting through your things, and working with your insurance to get things cleaned up as soon as possible.

The first thing to do is put a stop to the water flow, or contain it to as small an area as possible. After a call to your insurance agent, you’ll probably do best with a restoration company that specializes in water damage.

Not all water damage restoration companies are equal. Always start by asking for experience and referrals. The best companies will have a well trained staff, and have training in everything from proper flood cleanup, to sewer and mold removal, and finally to rebuilding qualifications to put your home back to its original structure.

Also look for a company that can help you work with the insurance company as well as handle the water damage. Because they deal with insurance claims on a weekly basis, they should be able to answer your questions and provide you with the materials you’ll need to satisfy documentation needed by your agent.

The basic restoration process includes:

• Removal of all items affected by the water
• Thorough cleaning of ceiling, walls, floors, carpets, furniture, and any other valuables
• Dehumidifying
• Correction of the problem that caused water damage
• Restoration, including repairs, repainting, and repurchasing items destroyed by water

While it is difficult hiring a company for services you’re not quite sure of, trust your instincts. If you’ve done your research, and click with one personality, go with that firm. The key is to have trust, as they will have a major affect on your home and your lifestyle until the job is complete.

image source nespresso

The water heater broke.

The drainage system backed up.

Whatever caused the water damage in your home; it isn’t just about removing the water. It’s also about restoring the area to its original condition.

Before you can begin the drying process, the water needs to be extracted from the area. The quicker the water is removed, the less chance you’ll have water damage to the walls, floors, and ceiling.

After extraction, the area should be dehumidified to remove any additional moisture not removed through extraction. Simply drying can cause more damage to the area. Warm air holds moisture. With dehumidifiers, water vapor is collected from the warm air, while constantly circulating dry air back into the area. The process is continued until the area is thoroughly dry.

The faster this process is started, the less chance you’ll sustain damage.

Even in small floods and mishaps, the chance of sustaining major damage is still a possibility. Timeliness and proper equipment is your key to getting your home back to original condition.

[Paul Davis Restoration in Denver Colorado brings you the Dry-In 3 Guarantee. We guarantee your home can be dried out in 3 days, to ensure you the most convenient and economical service for your water damaged home.]

When you walk through your home after extensive damage due to fire or flooding, it’s easy to wonder if things will ever be the same. Doing things the right way from the beginning will ensure you get back to normal quickly, and restore as much of your property as possible.

Ceiling and Wall Cleanup
It’s not as simple as repainting. Smoke and water can damage both paint and the wallboard itself. Determine how extensive the damage is, and remove anything that is unrecoverable. Then patch, repair, and repaint to match the surrounding areas.

Carpets and Rug Cleanup
Residue from smoke, soot from fire, and damage from water can all affect carpets and rugs in different ways. Damage doesn’t just lie on the surface; it settles down onto the fibers and can be ground deeper every time someone walks on it. Carpets and rugs need a deep-down thorough cleaning, with repairs where the damage can’t be cleaned.

Cleanup of Blinds and Drapery
Different window coverings need different treatment. Fabrics should be carefully inspected to determine which cleaning method is most appropriate. Consider the fabric of the window covering, and the type of damage that occurred. Draperies may need wet or dry cleaning, depending on the material.

Deodorizing the Areas
Cleanup is just the beginning. Whether damage has been caused by smoke, mildew, mold, settling water, or a variety of other causes, even after the area looks clean there can still be a lingering, unpleasant odor. Odors can come from many different sources, and can often require more than one method of deodorization.

[In the Denver Metro Area, Colorado, rely on Paul Davis Restoration to get your house back to original condition quickly. We’re here for you.]

image source ToniVC

If you are a homeowner (or even a renter) its bound to happen.

• You get a late freeze, and the outside pipes burst, causing water to leak into your basement.
• Your drain stops up, causing a small flood across your carpet.
• The water heater breaks, leaving 3 inches of water in your crawl space.

Yet even these somewhat minor incidents can quickly escalate into a full-blown nightmare if proper procedures aren’t followed. It may not be enough to clearing out the water with a wet/dry vac, drying out the carpet with a heater, and wiping down walls and tiles with bleach to keep mold at bay. It may look safe from appearance sake, but underneath could be the start of a huge problem.

Do you have homeowners or renters insurance? If so, you may be able to get professional service to ensure your families safety. It’s better to have an expert look at your problem through eyes of experience rather than dealing with it on your own. Mold is often a silent intruder that can bring about a variety of health concerns, with everything from simple headaches or allergies, to things as serious as fungus growth on lungs or death.

Broken pipes can be the start of sever problem. With a little pro-active work, you can ensure it doesn’t escalate into a more serious problem for you or your family.

For water damage restoration in the Denver Metro area, we’re here to help.

When water damage happens in your home, its natural to want to fix the problem as quickly as possible. But before you rush in and hire the first water damage restoration contractor you find online or in the phone book, think again. Take the time to find the right contractor for your needs. One that will get the job done quickly, and more important accurately.

1. Start by assessing the situation on your own. Do you know the cause? What areas of your home were affected by water damage? Be ready to communicate as much information as you have when you connect with potential contractors.

2. Resist the urge to hire the first contractor you make contact with. Most will want to begin work within an hour or two of the call. Spend extra time talking with several contractors, and be comfortable with the one you ultimately hire.

3. Do a simple search online to find potential contractors. It you’re comfortable with their websites, give them a call. What types of services do they offer? Are they bonded and insured? Have their employees passed background checks?

4. Get references. Because this is a new venture for you, it’s easy to get caught up in the emotion. Before you hire the wrong contractor, spend some time checking out past jobs. Were they happy with the company? We’re things completed in a timely manner?

5. Check the agreement. Make sure you understand the contract, and get things in writing. It’s easier to understand the entire process before work begins, than to assume things along the way.

Water damage can be hazardous to your health, and can put your home in danger. When water damage occurs, cleaning it up and getting to the root of the problem as quick as possible is imperative. If treated quickly, you can minimize the damage, prevent the growth of mold and other harmful contaminants, and reduce the amount of restoration needed to be done.

1. Put safety first. When water damage occurs, it can lead to a variety of problems. It can damage the foundation of a home, can short circuit the electrical system, and can create hazardous situations. Don’t enter a water-damaged area unless you are sure of your safety.

2. Video and photograph the area. Technology has helped with documenting problem areas. Grab your camera and video, and document the damage caused by the water. Capture detail problem areas, as well as a full view of the situation.

3. Secure your personal belongings. Once you’ve ensured you can enter a water-damaged area safely, move personal items out of harms way. Items like artwork, photographs, paintings, albums, paperwork, and books should be moved to safety, and dried out if they were affected.

Also contact a restoration expert who has experience in curing water damaged property. They understand the process needed to return your home to its original condition, and ensure you don’t have continuing problems with things like mold and other hazardous materials.

Whether you have a new or old home, protect your investment before water damage occurs. Here are some tips to help you prevent water damage in the bathroom before it happens.

1. Check faucets in the sinks and in the shower and tub area for leaks.

2. Sinks often need to be re-caulked to prevent water damage to the top counter space, and to the base of the sink.

3. Watch for soft spots or discoloration around the tubs and showers. Both can be a sign of slow leaks and water damage.

4. Cracks in tiling and grout can allow water to seep in, and damage the structure of the tub or shower.

5. Correct toilet problems immediately. Overflow of toilets can lead to water damage, even if it doesn’t occur frequently.

6. Watch for mold. Water damage can start small, and can lead to larger issues rapidly. When in doubt, call in an expert on water damage for guidance.

What do you do when you wake up to several inches of water in your basement?

Water damage is one of the most common reasons people make claims to their homeowners insurance. From burst pipes, to leaky appliances, to a broken water heater, to a flooded basement, all can cause major water damage to your home.

Unfortunately, when you wake up to several inches of water, you’re in an emergency situation. Instead of panicking, take some time to understand and assess your needs.

Find the source. If it’s a burst pipe, turn off the water supply. Control the water supply if at all possible to reduce further damage.

Start removing water by mopping and blotting.

Move books, photos, artwork, and other personal assets to a safe, dry location.

Begin removing furniture, rugs, draperies and other items to dry out, and make additional room for cleanup.

Contact a local water damage restoration company to help you assess the damage, and begin restoring your home to its original condition.

[Paul Davis Restoration will help you with all of your water damage restoration needs throughout Denver Metro area.]

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