Water Damage Mitigation in Denver
When water gets into your property, whether from a flood, a burst pipe, a leaky appliance waterline, or storm damage, you need water damage mitigation from a trusted local provider. It’s the only thing that will stop your home from devaluing due to secondary damage from mildew and mold growth. O'Brien Construction LLC is Denver’s source for a full suite of water and sewage cleanup services, and we also help with restoration once we’ve removed and contained all hazardous materials.
Call (720) 245-1100 now to schedule a consultation that includes an upfront estimate.
Schedule Water Damage Cleanup and Repairs NowWhat Is Water Mitigation?
Water mitigation is the process of taking immediate action to minimize the damage caused by water. This can be due to a flood, leaky pipes, or any other source of excess water. The key goal of mitigation is to prevent further damage from happening and to preserve as much of the original structure and materials as possible. It’s important to address water damage quickly because stagnant water can lead to mold growth and structural damage if left untreated.
Is Mitigation the Same as Restoration?
No, while water mitigation focuses on preventing further damage and preserving materials, restoration involves repairing and restoring any damaged areas or items. Mitigation is usually the first step in the water damage process, followed by restoration. These two processes work hand in hand to fully address and remediate any water damage.
How Do You Mitigate Water?
Water mitigation involves a series of stages to effectively minimize the damage caused by water.
This includes:
- Identify the source of water: The first step in mitigation is to determine where the excess water is coming from. This could be a burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or natural disaster.
- Stop the water flow: Once the source has been identified, steps are taken to stop the water flow if possible.
- Remove standing water: Any stagnant water should be removed as quickly as possible using pumps and vacuums. This prevents further damage and reduces the risk of mold growth.
- Dry out affected areas: After removing standing water, we dry the affected areas using fans and dehumidifiers.
- Clean and disinfect: Any surfaces or materials that have come into contact with the water are cleaned and disinfected to prevent mold growth and remove potential contaminants.
Once these steps have been completed, the mitigation process is considered complete, and restoration can proceed if necessary.
What Happens if Water Damage Goes Untreated?
Water damage can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Here are some potential effects of not addressing water damage promptly:
- Mold and mildew growth. Damp areas are the perfect environment for mold, which causes health issues and unpleasant odors.
- Structural damage. Water can weaken walls, floors, and ceilings, potentially leading to costly repairs or unsafe conditions.
- Damage to belongings. Furniture, electronics, and personal items can be ruined if water damage isn’t addressed quickly.
- Health risks. Exposure to water damage can lead to poor air quality, which can aggravate allergies or respiratory problems.
- Pest infestations. Standing water or moisture can attract pests like insects or rodents into your home.
What Should You Do Immediately After Water Damage?
Dealing with water damage can be stressful, but acting fast can make a big difference.
Here are some key steps you should take right away:
- Turn off the water source. If the damage is caused by a leak or burst pipe, shut off the main water supply as soon as possible.
- Turn off electricity in affected areas. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, so make sure the power to the impacted zones is turned off before entering.
- Document the damage. Take photos of the affected areas for insurance purposes before you start cleaning up or throwing anything away.
- Remove excess water. Use a mop, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. The faster you can clear it out, the better.
- Dry out the space. Open windows, use fans, and run a dehumidifier to help dry out the area and prevent mold growth.
What’s Involved in Water Damage Cleanup?
Water damage cleanup starts with removing any standing water using powerful extraction equipment. We follow this by thoroughly drying your space to prevent mold spores and germs from taking hold and proliferating. Next, we sanitize non-porous surfaces to remove bacteria and lingering odors.
In many cases, damaged materials like soaked flooring, drywall, or insulation may need to be replaced. We’ll evaluate each item, explain our findings, and recommend an appropriate course of action that may include disposal, replacement, or encapsulation.
O'Brien Construction LLC’s Water Damage Mitigation Services
We’re certified to perform personalized water damage mitigation services that help you eliminate hazardous standing water, eliminate harmful germs, restore indoor air quality, and say goodbye to foul odors caused by water damage for good.
Look to us for:
- Water damage inspection
- Water removal
- Structural drying and dehumidification
- Water damage cleanup, sanitization, and disinfection
- Moisture level monitoring
How Do You Remove Water After a Basement Flood?
We use powerful water extraction equipment to remove all the contaminated water after your basement floods. Once we’ve sucked out all the standing water using industrial wet vacuums and pumps, we set up fans and dehumidifiers to further dry out your space.
What Equipment Is Used for Water Mitigation?
We use various specialized equipment to effectively remove excess water and restore the affected area.
Some common equipment used in water mitigation includes:
- Water extractors: These machines quickly and efficiently remove large amounts of standing water from carpets, floors, and other surfaces.
- Dehumidifier: These devices help reduce humidity levels by extracting moisture from the air, which is essential for preventing mold growth and speeding up drying times.
- Air movers: High-powered fans circulate air throughout the affected area, helping dry out damp surfaces and prevent further moisture damage.
- Moisture meters: A measurement tool to assess the amount of moisture present in materials such as wood, drywall, and carpeting. This allows us to assess the damage and monitor the drying process.
- Infrared cameras: These cameras can detect hidden pockets of moisture that may not be visible to the naked eye, helping us identify potential problem areas and ensure thorough drying.
What Happens if Water Gets in Your Walls?
If water gets in your walls, it can cause a whole bunch of problems if it isn’t dealt with quickly. Over time, the water can weaken the structure inside the wall, like the wooden studs or insulation, which might lead to serious damage. Plus, if the area stays wet for too long, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow, which can be bad for the air quality in your home and even cause health issues. You might also end up with higher repair costs the longer it’s left untreated.
What Does Water Damage Behind Drywall Look Like?
Water damage behind drywall can show up in a few noticeable ways. You might see discoloration, like yellow, brown, or dark stains spreading on the surface. The drywall could start to bubble or sag if the damage has gone on for a while. Sometimes, the area will feel soft or spongy to the touch, and you might even catch a musty smell, which could mean mold is starting to grow.
This is where professional tools such as moisture meters and infrared cameras come in handy. Using these, we can help identify any hidden pockets of moisture that need attention.
How Long Does Structural Drying Take?
Structural drying refers to the use of industry-specific knowledge and equipment, such as air movers, to dry the building blocks of your property, including walls, floors, and beams. Depending on the extent of the damage, structural drying can take a couple of days to six weeks to complete.
The drying time typically depends on:
- Water volume
- Damage severity
- Materials affected
Our technicians will tell you how long our structural drying services will take during your initial consultation. We need you to provide us with a few details about your damaged property so that we can, in turn, provide you with an accurate turnaround estimate.
Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Water Damage Mitigation?
Many homeowner’s insurance policies often cover water damage mitigation, but it’s important to check your specific policy and coverage. Some policies may only cover certain types of water damage, such as burst pipes or accidental leaks, while issues due to neglect may not be covered.
If you’re unsure about your coverage or need assistance filing a claim, consult your insurance provider. It’s also important to document the damage and keep records of any repairs or services performed in case you need to provide evidence for your claim.
Call and Have Your Questions Answered by an Honest Water Mitigation Company
O'Brien Construction LLC’s transparent estimates, fast and friendly service, and code-compliant water extraction and cleanup techniques make us Denver’s first choice. Our well-established water mitigation company is always here to support you whenever you require water and mold damage cleanup and restoration services.
Leave it to us to have your home or business property cleaned up, fixed, and ready for safe and everyday use. It won’t take long before you can reoccupy your space and resume life as usual. Call (720) 245-1100 to schedule our services.
Looking for water damage mitigation in Denver? Contact us at (720) 245-1100.