Recent Water Damage Posts

Poor Drainage Around Home Causes Flooded Basement in Ken Caryl?

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team restores flooding damage 24 hours a day and has for over forty years. One of the top reasons for flooding in homes is inadequate drainage outside of the structure. Here are some things you can do to create proper drainage around your home and prevent water intrusion from a flooding event from the Insurance Information Institute:

  • Install rain gutters
  • Install downspouts
  • Grade the soil around the perimeter of the home or building to slope away from the structure
  • Clean and maintain rain gutters
  • Inspect downspouts to ensure they point away from the home and into drainage systems
  • Install backflow valves on sewer lines to prevent sewage from backing up into your home during a flood
  • Waterproof basement walls by applying waterproof coatings or sealants to create a barrier to water intrusion
  • Seal cracks, openings, and gaps in foundation walls, floors, windows, and doors using sealants and caulking materials to prevent water seepage
  • Install flood barriers or shields to protect water entry points like doors and windows

Call Us Today!

When your Ken Caryl home or business has a water damage emergency, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team will restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Pipe Corrosion Cause of Flooding in Commercial Property in Lakewood?

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

We restore commercial water damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

For many years, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team has been restoring commercial water damage in Jefferson County. Water can cause significant damage when left standing. Here are some examples of the kinds of damage water can do to a property when left unresolved:

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
  • A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
  • Paint begins to blister
  • Wood flooring swells and warps
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible

Call Us Today!

When your Lakewood commercial business or home has a water damage emergency, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Ken Caryl Home Flooded During Recent Storm?

7/25/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

For over forty years, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team has been restoring storm damage for Ken Caryl residents. Powerful thunderstorms can cause torrential rainfall that can cause flash flooding with little advanced warning, and urban areas with extensive pavement can contribute to rapid runoff and overwhelming drainage systems.

No matter what the cause, when your home or commercial business has a flooding situation, you can rely on our teams of highly trained storm damage restoration technicians to arrive quickly to mitigate and restore the damage. We use powerful, industrial-grade water extraction equipment to remove the bulk of the water quickly, saving our customers time and money in many cases by avoiding more time-consuming and labor-intensive repairs.

Building Services and Reconstruction

We can simplify the restoration process by mitigating the initial flood damage and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keep costs low. We can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

Call Us Today!

When your Ken Caryl home or commercial business has a flooding emergency, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Commercial Building Floodproofing Techniques for Lakewood Businesses?

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

We restore commercial water damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Is your business in or near a flood-prone area?

Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team has restored commercial water damage in Jefferson County for over forty years. Here are some floodproofing techniques from The Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS) to keep your building watertight and prevent water intrusion issues:

If your building is in or near a flood-prone area, consider utilizing these dry floodproofing techniques to make your building watertight and prevent floodwaters from entering.

  • Keep a supply of flood-protective materials and products on hand to help divert water away from the building, such as water-absorbent barriers, sandbags, or plastic sheeting/tarps for relatively shallow flooding.
  • Install watertight shields over all doors and windows at least 3 feet above the BFE or the 500-year flood level, if known. The type of barrier used will depend on the size and type of opening.
  • For temporary protection of large sections of a building such as large commercial doors or entranceways that may be exposed to deeper flood waters, water-filled barriers can be interconnected and stacked to divert water away from openings
  • Install moveable flood gates, permanent swing flood doors, or submarine doors (the latter two options provide permanent flood protection for deeper water) if feasible
  • For repetitive deep and prolonged flooding, permanent flood walls that surround the property may be considered

Call Us Today!

When your Lakewood business or home has a water damage emergency, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Sump Pump Failure Causes Flooding in Lakewood Basement?

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team aim for five-star reviews with every customer we serve. Here is a Google review from one of our recent customers:

“When the company we originally hired failed to show up for several days we contacted SERVPRO. They were at our door within 20 minutes to assess our situation. From that moment it seemed like we were their only customers and were their top priority.

Mihailo, the lead tech, and his team of Danny, Jesus, John, and Isaac worked extremely diligently to remove all of the wet things from our basement. They packed boxes, hauled them and furniture upstairs, and packed them into a trailer for safekeeping. They were hard-working, very professional, and respectful of us and our belongings. Mihailo made sure to explain every step they were taking and why. He has vast knowledge as to why and how the process works. They were also fun guys to be around and helped make a horrible situation seem not so bad.

Once they finished getting the things out of the basement fans were left to dry out the moisture. They continued to check in daily to make sure things were progressing as they should be.

We would recommend SERVPRO and their fabulous team a thousand times over. Thanks again for turning a terrible situation into one that was handled very professionally.” K. Stravia

Services: Water Removal, Flood Cleanup, Mold Inspection

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency in your Lakewood home or commercial business, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Intrusion Damages Basement in Lakewood Home?

6/13/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Jefferson County.

For residents in Lakewood who have basements, water seepage can be an issue. Basement seepage can lead to water damage and mold growth and can cause structural damage. Our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl team responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year and offer these helpful tips for preventing basement seepage issues from the Insurance Information Institute:

Reseal your basement. 

Water in the basement is often caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seepage after heavy rain when you’ve never had a problem, it may mean that your once-waterproof cement floors and basement walls have deteriorated. Painting vulnerable areas with water sealant can prevent seepage.

Make sure water drains away from the building. 

Seepage is exacerbated by soil that has settled in a way to make water flow toward the building. After a storm, and especially if the ground is already saturated, rainwater that flows towards the building goes down the outside of the foundation wall, potentially through any cracks.

Install a backwater valve. 

Though less common than other causes of basement water, sewer backups are messy. Learn more about your sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a backwater valve, which allows sewage to go out, but not come back in.

Call Us Today!

When you have water intrusion damage in your Lakewood home or commercial business, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Heater Leak Floods Home in South Alameda Home?

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl team has been restoring water damage in South Alameda for over forty years. Our fast emergency response time combined with our use of powerful, industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment saves our customers time and money in many cases.

 According to industry estimates, 14,000 people in the United States experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day. The most common causes of water damage are:

  • Leaking water heaters
  • Severe weather
  • Clogged gutters
  • Leaking pipes
  • Washing machine water supply line leaks
  • Condensation from air conditioners
  • Blocked drains
  • Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

Here are some more facts about water damage:

  • 98 percent of basements in the United States will experience some type of water damage during their lifespans
  • 37 percent of homeowners in the United States claim to have suffered losses from water damage
  • 5 billion is the annual cost to insurance companies from water damage and mold in the United States
  • $6975 is the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim
  • The average age of failed washing machine supply line hoses is 8.7 years
  • 75 percent of water heaters fail before they are 12 years old

Call Us Today!

When your South Alameda home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team will arrive quickly and restore the water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Clogged Storm Drain in Ken Caryl Floods Homes?

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams are trusted leaders in storm damage restoration services. We have been restoring storm and flooding damage for Ken Caryl residents and commercial businesses for over forty years. Here are some tips for things you can do to stay safe during a flooding event:

 Keeping Yourself Safe from Flash Flooding

  • It does not have to be raining at your location for flooding to occur! If you are along a stream that has its source in the mountains, be aware of thunderstorms in the higher elevations upstream.
  • NEVER camp on low ground next to mountain streams
  • Do not cross flooded roadways with a vehicle or on foot. It only takes 6 to 12 inches of moving water for most vehicles to start floating. Also, the road bed may be washed out, making the water much deeper than you might think.
  • If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately, and go to higher ground. Be very cautious at night when it is more difficult to recognize the flood dangers.
  • Get out of low spots, canyons, dry washes, etc. If you are advised to evacuate an area by local authorities, do so immediately! Do not allow children to play around high water or near storm drains.
  • Stay in tune with the latest weather information by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or radio and/or television stations

Call Us Today!

When your Ken Caryl home or commercial business has water damage from a flooding event, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team will clean up and restore the storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Rainstorm Causes Water Damage in Ken Caryl?

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Thunderstorms can turn into torrential downpours, they can cause wind damage, hail damage, and even evolve into tornadoes under the right conditions. For over forty years, our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams have been responding to storm damage emergencies in Ken Caryl. Here are some tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for preparing for a thunderstorm:

Know Your Risk
Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In most places they can occur year-round and at any hour. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Strengthen Your Home
Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home. Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

Make an Emergency Plan
Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from the effects of a thunderstorm. Identify sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study, and play.

Call Us Today!

When your Ken Caryl home or commercial business has storm damage, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team typically responds to storm damage emergencies within four hours of your call for help. We’ll restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Thunderstorm Brings Hail and Water Damage to Lakewood?

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams respond to storm damage emergencies every year in Lakewood. Colorado’s hail season begins around the middle of April and lasts through mid-August each year. The Front Range is situated in the center of “hail alley,” and receives the highest frequency of large-sized hail in North America. Under the right conditions, hail forms during thunderstorms. Here are some definitions for thunderstorms alerts from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:

  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.
  • 30/30 Lightning Rule - You can tell how close you are to a lightning strike by counting the seconds between seeing the flash and hearing the thunder. For every five seconds you count, the lightning is one mile away. If you see a flash and instantly hear the thunder, the lightning strike is very close.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has storm damage, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team will mitigate and restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Flooding Causes Damage to Ken Caryl Properties?

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Jefferson County.

In 2013, Colorado’s Front Range experienced substantial rainfall that caused a horrific flooding event. The widespread flooding caused loss of life and widespread damage to homes and businesses. Our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams have been responding to water damage emergencies in Jefferson County for over forty years. We have the training, equipment, and experience to restore flooding damage quickly and efficiently.

Sometimes the damage is significant and will require construction services to complete the restoration. We can provide continuity of service by supervising a full range of rebuilding services. This gives our customers peace of mind knowing they have one company managing the entire restoration from start to finish.

  • Board Up
  • Carpet Repair and Installation
  • Document Drying
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Drywall Installation
  • Drywall Removal
  • Electrical
  • Electronics Restoration
  • Fine Art Restoration
  • Furniture Restoration
  • General Contracting
  • Hardwood Floor Repair
  • HVAC Services
  • Linoleum Floor Repair
  • Marble Floor Repair
  • Move Out
  • Painting
  • Plumbing
  • Portable Power
  • Roof Tarp
  • Roofing Services
  • Scalable Resources
  • Temporary Fencing
  • Temporary Warehouse Space
  • Tile Floor Repair
  • Tree Removal

Call Us Today!

When you experience a flooding or water damage emergency in your Ken Caryl home or commercial business, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl technicians will restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Extremely Happy Water Damage Customers in Lakewood?

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams have been restoring water damage in Jefferson County for over forty years. Here are some recent Google reviews from happy water damage customers:

“I really enjoyed working with Mihailo and Lyle. Their work was done in a clean and careful way. Mihailo was always responsive and friendly, and I felt very safe with them working in my home after it unfortunately flooded. “Katie Day Weisberger

Services: Flood Cleanup, Water damage-related cleanup & repair, Carpet cleaning, Water removal Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness

“Excellent service from Milo! Listened to our needs and fulfilled our wishes. Everything came out great, easy to work with, and very personable. Used him twice, will use him again!” D.P.

Service: Water damage-related cleanup & repair Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

“Professional, helpful, and knowledgeable of the situation. Great team to work with! Followed through and completed everything they said they would. Very comforting to have them on your side.” Alice Walcher

Service: Flood restoration

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

Call Us Today!

When your Lakewood home or commercial business has a broken pipe or another type of water damage, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl technicians are Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Lakewood Business Floods Overnight?

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in commercial water damage restoration in Jefferson County.

Lakewood businesses have been relying on our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams to mitigate and restore water damage for over forty years. Our technicians work quickly to get businesses operational again after a water loss. We use state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology and techniques to restore any size of water loss quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption to employees and customers.

Here are some examples of the kinds of equipment we use to restore water damage:

Moisture Detection and Measurement

  • Surface moisture meters
  • Infrared imagery
  • Evasive moisture detectors
  • Video borescope

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial-grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Lakewood has a water damage emergency, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl technicians are on-call and ready to assist your 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Broken Pipe Causes Water Damage in Ken Caryl?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Jefferson County.

Water damage can happen at any time and for many reasons. When a pipe breaks and floods your home, our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams are Here to Help. ® We have been restoring water damage in Jefferson County for over forty years.

Plumbing systems and appliances can fail at any time and cause water damage in your home or business. Our restoration technicians have the advanced training, state-of-the-art equipment, and experience to restore any size water loss quickly and efficiently and with minimal disruption to your family or employees and customers.

The Insurance Institute for Business Home and Safety suggests that homeowners and businesses:

  • Provide a reliable backup power source to ensure continuous power to the building
  • Install an automatic excess flow switch on the main incoming domestic water line to monitor and provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve. Use wireless sensors near water sources.
  • Monitor sprinkler systems using a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure and heat unheated sprinkler control rooms

Water damage happens at all times of the day and night and can become a costly repair if not addressed quickly. Our highly trained technicians typically arrive within four hours of your call.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Ken Caryl has a water damage emergency, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl technicians are on-call and ready to assist your 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What is the Process for Removing Water From a Flooded Floor in Lakewood?

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our local Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams use powerful, industrial-grade water extraction equipment to get most of the water off of surfaces quickly. Our extraction equipment can rapidly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your Lakewood home. Here is some information from our website about our water removal process:

Move-Out and Pack-Out Services

When your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, we can organize and efficiently move your belongings to protect your belongings from further damage.

Emergency Water Removal

We use industrial-grade water extraction equipment to remove most of the water. This helps the drying time and prevents secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

  • Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation
  • Infrared cameras find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings
  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for the continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

We inspect the carpet and pad and determine if they should be removed to protect the subfloor.

  • Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove it (if it is needed)
  • Inspect Carpet and Remove it (if it is needed)

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Lakewood needs water damage restoration services, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Expect When I Call for Emergency Water Damage Services in Lakewood?

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration services in Jefferson County.

Water damage can happen at any time for many reasons. Pipes freeze, appliances fail, and plumbing and sewer systems can overflow anytime. When you have a water damage emergency, you’ll want to call a company that can respond quickly to your call for emergency help. Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams are on standby 24-hours a day to respond to your call for help.

When you call, we will ask you questions regarding the nature of your water damage emergency. These questions will tell us how many people and what equipment and resources to bring.

Here are the questions we will ask:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency in your Lakewood home or commercial business, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Much Damage Can Water Do to My Lakewood Home in One Hour?

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team has been restoring water damage in the Lakewood area for over forty years. This water damage timeline describes the damage water causes within one week to two weeks.

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
  • A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
  • Paint begins to blister
  • Wood flooring swells and warps
  • Severe biohazard contamination is possible

More Than 1 Week

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Call Us!

Water can cause severe damage when left unmitigated. When you discover water damage in your Lakewood home or commercial business, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Deodorizing Services for Water-Damaged Homes in Victoria Village?

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

We perform a full range of cleaning services to restore water-damaged properties in Jefferson County.

Victoria Village residents benefit from our comprehensive, six-step water damage restoration process. Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team has the training, equipment, and over forty years of experience restoring water damage. During Step 5, after we have extracted the water and dried the area, we clean, sanitize, and deodorize everything exposed to the water. The following information from our website describes these processes:

Contents Restoration

We pretest every item before cleaning to ensure we use the most effective cleaning method.

  • Wet Cleaning
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Spray and Wipe
  • Foam Cleaning
  • Abrasive Cleaning
  • Immersion Cleaning

Odor Removal and Deodorization

We identify and eliminate offensive odors. Our technical expertise, industrial-grade air scrubbers, and fogging equipment go beyond simply masking odors and other shortcuts that don’t work when your odor problem is severe or persistent.

  • Odor Removal and Deodorization
  • Air Scrubbers and Fogging Equipment

Sanitizing Treatments

When required, we use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property.

  • Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Treatments
  • Sanitizing and Disinfectant Treatments

Disposal

We will remove and dispose of damaged materials with guidance from you and your insurance adjuster.

  • Properly Dispose of Refuse

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Victoria Village has water damage, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Can My Refrigerator Cause Water Damage in Lakewood?

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County!

Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team has been restoring water damage in Lakewood for many years. Believe it or not, in a study published by the Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS), 75 percent of water damage losses involving an ice maker were caused by a supply line failure. Proper installation of the ice maker supply line hose is essential to avoiding water damage.

Here are some refrigerator loss prevention and maintenance tips from the IBHS:

  • Tightly connect the hose to the valve, and avoid over-tightening
  • Ensure the valve connection is secure and check for kinks
  • Inspect the hose every six months
  • If kinks are present, replace the hose
  • Leave a three-to-four-inch space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping
  • When pulling the refrigerator out for cleaning or service, avoid getting the hose caught beneath the wheel
  • Locate the water shut-off valve
  • Inspect the valve every six months to make sure the water supply will shut off, and replace the valve if needed

 Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time in Lakewood, and when your home or commercial business has water damage, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Water Leak in My Ken Caryl Home?

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

We have been restoring water damage in Jefferson County for over forty years!

Does your water bill seem unusually high? Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is a trusted leader in water remediation services in Lakewood. We use advanced technology and techniques to find and identify hidden water leaks in homes and commercial businesses. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted in homes in the United States each year. Here are some tips for identifying water leaks from the EPA:

  • Examining your winter water use is an excellent method to check for leaks. It’s likely that a family of four has a serious leak problem if its winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. You probably have a leak if the meter does not read exactly the same.
  • To check for a toilet bowl leak, place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. You have a leak if the color shows up in the bowl within ten minutes without flushing. 

Call Us Today!

When your Lakewood home or commercial business has water damage, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team can help. We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Supply Line Failure Causing Water Damage in Ken Caryl?

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Jefferson County.

Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team responds to water damage emergencies more often than any other form of property damage emergency in Ken Caryl. Supply line failure is a common form of water damage that may be prevented through routine inspection and maintenance. Here are some  supply line maintenance tips  

Conduct monthly inspections of the hot and cold washing machine supply lines.

  • Look for signs the supply hose may be ready to fail—blisters in the hose, worn tubing, stress cracks, or a loose connection
  • Replace the supply hose with a reinforced steel braided hose if it shows any sign of wear
  • Tighten the connection if it feels loose. The most common site of failure is near the connection where the hose bends.
  • Replace supply hoses every five years, even if there is no obvious deterioration or wear
  • Some signs of deterioration may occur from the inside out and may not be visible until it is too late
  • When replacing washing machine supply hoses, always choose a reinforced steel braided hose over the traditional un-reinforced rubber hose. These hoses will last longer and are far less likely to result in a catastrophic water loss.

Call Us Today!

When your Ken Caryl home or commercial business has water damage, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Comprehensive Six-Step Process for Restoring Water Damage in My Ken Caryl Home?

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

We restore to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Water damage can happen at any time. Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team responds quickly and uses industrial-grade equipment to restore water damage. Although every water damage event is unique, we follow the same process as follows:

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property. This helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We provide sanitizing treatments to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us Today!

When your Ken Caryl home or commercial business has water damage, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Heater Water Damage in Ken Caryl Home?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team has been restoring water damage in the Ken Caryl community for over forty years. Water heaters require professional maintenance. Here is some information about water heater maintenance from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors:

Use a qualified professional only for:

  • Burners should be cleaned once a year for gas and oil-fired water heaters. Have the service professional inspect flues and vents for cracks or loose connections that could leak deadly exhaust gases.
     
  • Have a qualified plumber replace your anode rod once every two to five years
     
  • The service life of a temperature and pressure (T & P) valve is usually three years. Even if a T & P valve looks fine from the outside, manufacturers recommend they be removed and visually inspected for accumulations of corrosion deposits
  • Call a qualified plumber if your water tank is leaking
    • If the T & P valve is discharging water or steam, the ONLY safe intervention is to remove the heat source by cutting off its fuel, if you can. For an electric heater, trip the circuit breaker; for a gas heater, shut off the gas.
    • If your water heater overheats, call a qualified plumber and allow the water heater to cool naturally. Never try to relieve the pressure yourself. Never add cool water to the tank, and never try to cool it by spraying it with a hose. 

Call Us!

When your Ken Caryl home or commercial business has water damage, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is here to assist you. Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are Some Signs of Water Damage in Ken Caryl Homes?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

We have over forty years of water damage restoration experience in Jefferson County!

Our Lakewood and Ken Caryl teams are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to perform a full range of water damage cleanup and restoration services. Water damage can happen for a number of reasons, and unless you know what to look for, a small water leak may escalate into a costly and time-consuming repair. Water damage never gets better on its own, and fast mitigation is necessary to minimize the potential for more extensive and expensive repairs.

Here are some ways you can tell if you have water damage in your home or business:

  • Dark or wet spots on the walls or ceiling
  • Wet areas or water pooling on the floor
  • Flaking, cracking, or bubbling paint or drywall
  • Hearing the sound of running water that you can’t place
  • Hearing the sound of dripping water that you can’t locate
  • Visible dripping water you can see but dripping where it should not be
  • Significant increase in your water bill for no known reason
  • Strong, damp, musky odors
  • Visible mold growing

Call Us Today!

When your Ken Caryl home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, our Lakewood and Ken Caryl team is on call 24-hours a day to assist you. Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Ice Dam Prevention Tips for Ken Caryl?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

We restore ice dam damage in Jefferson County.

Do you have icicles along your roofline? If so, you may have ice dams. SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl offers these tips for preventing roof ice dams from the National Weather Service:

  • If you haven’t already, thoroughly clean all leaves, sticks, and other debris from your home’s gutters and downspouts. This allows melting snow to flow into gutters and downspouts.
  • Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Long-handled devices on the market called “roof rakes” let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping heavy snow loads off your roof reduces the chances of ice dam formation and roof failure due to the weight.
  • All winter long, keep gutters and downspouts clear of snow and icicles.
  • Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Most experts agree that the T=R-value of the attic insulation should be at least R-30 (R-38 is preferable in northern climates). In addition, good airflow under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the vents is essential. The venting allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof.

Call Us!

When your Ken Caryl home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hidden Water Damage in Ken Caryl?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl uses advanced technology, like infrared cameras and hygrometers, to locate and measure the amount of moisture in the atmosphere. If your water bill seems higher than usual, you may have hidden water damage. Here is some helpful information from the Environmental Protection Agency to help you determine if you have a water leak:

  • A good method to check for leaks is to examine your winter water use. It’s likely that a family of four has a serious leak problem if its winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.
  • To check for a toilet bowl leak, place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl within ten minutes without flushing, you have a leak.

Call Us Today!

If your Ken Caryl home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is Here to Help. ® Our technicians are highly trained and certified to locate the source of water leaks and restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Damaged Pipes in Ken Caryl?

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Hidden water leaks used to be a nightmare to locate. Technological advancements have made it easier to detect the location of water damage. SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl uses advanced technology and techniques to find the source of the water leaks quickly, saving our customers time and money.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us to locate water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

  • Infrared cameras may be used to identify the water’s location for thorough water removal
  • Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Here are some examples of the kinds of water damage we find using infrared cameras:

  • Tree roots grow into and around plumbing pipes, causing clogs, leaks, and backups
  • Hidden water damage from leaking plumbing systems
  • Hidden water damage inside walls
  • Hidden water damage underneath floors
  • Cracks and leaks in plumbing and heating pipes
  • Roof leaks
  • Window leaks
  • Door frame leaks

Call Us Today!

If your Ken Caryl home or business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl can help. Our technicians are on-call 24-hours a day to serve you. Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Sump Pump Problem in Ken Caryl?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

We restore water-damaged basements in Jefferson County.

According to a study done by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), a clogged inlet screen or a faulty float switch caused over 40 percent of water damage claims involving a sump pump in the United States. SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl has been restoring water damage in Ken Caryl for over forty years, and failed sump pumps caused many basement floods.

Here are some loss prevention and maintenance tips to keep your sump pump in good repair:

  • Open the lid and remove debris that may be blocking the water inlet screen
  • Pour about five gallons of water into the pump and watch the float valve rise
  • As the float valve rises, the pump should turn on, and the water should discharge through the outlet pipe
  • Go outside and inspect the outlet pipe
  • Water should be flowing from the pipe and away from the home
  • Contact a plumbing professional if the sump pump fails to operate during this inspection
  • Install a battery backup system
  • Choose a system with a battery replacement warning
  • Replace batteries every two to three years

Call Us Today!

If your Ken Caryl home or business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl can help. Our technicians are on-call 24-hours a day to serve you. Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Damaged Leaking Windows in Ken-Caryl?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

We restore water damage in Jefferson County, “Like it never even happened.”

My Ken Caryl home started to have a musty odor, and my hardwood floors started to feel “spongy.” I suspected that the builder may have incorrectly installed my new windows. I called SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl, and they came out and used an infrared camera to identify the water around the new windows and a hygrometer to measure the moisture levels.

Sure enough, the flashing around the windows and the incorrect angling of the facia allowed water to leak over the top of the windows and underneath them. This resulted in damaged, rotting wood and mold growth.

The SERVPRO team remediated the mold, repaired the subfloor and floor joists, and repaired the seals around the windows and replaced the hardwood floors in my house. Now you would never know I had water damage in my home! The professionals at SERVPRO simplified the restoration process because they were able to supervise a full range of rebuilding services, providing me with one person managing the job from start to finish.

Call Us!

Water damage can cause structural damage over time. When you suspect you have water damage but can’t locate the source, SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl can help. We have the training, equipment, and experience to restore water damage quickly and efficiently. Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water-Damaged Belongings Restored in Lakewood?

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

We restore water damage in Jefferson County.

Fast Emergency Response Time for Lakewood

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl has been mitigating and restoring water damage for Lakewood residents and businesses for over forty years. We typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call. Here is a water damage timeline that describes the damage water can do within minutes and in one week:

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
  • A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
  • Paint begins to blister
  • Wood flooring swells and warps
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible

Call Us Today!

When you need emergency water damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-973-4664. We'll restore your water damage in Lakewood, "Like it never even happened."

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Contents Restoration Services in Ken Caryl?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Our team is trained and certified to restore water-damaged contents in Jefferson County.

Water is invasive, and when it is allowed to stand unmitigated, it can damage everything in its path. For over forty years, SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl’s water restoration technicians have been helping people put their lives back together after a water damage emergency. We have the advanced training, specialized equipment, and experience to clean and restore your home or business from top to bottom.

When your belongings require restoration, we pretest every item to determine the best cleaning method to use. Our technicians are trained to use a variety of cleaning methods and may use one or a combination of cleaning techniques to restore water damaged belongings to pre-damage condition:

Contents Restoration Services

  • Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
  • Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  • Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
  • Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl responds to commercial and residential water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Ken Caryl. Call us today at 303-973-4664. We’ll clean and restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Shower Problem in Ken Caryl?

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

We have trusted water damage restoration specialists in Jefferson County.

Have you inspected your shower stall lately? According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IIBHS), homes more than twenty years old were 37 percent more likely to have water damage involving a shower, and more than half of these claims involved a damaged shower stall.

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl has been responding to water damage emergencies for over forty years in the Ken Caryl area, and many of these emergencies may have been prevented by inspection and maintenance. Here are some tips from the IIBHS for maintaining your shower pan:

Inspect tile and grout every six months, paying attention to loose or cracked tiles or cracked and crumbling grout lines, and repair as needed.

Test the shower pan annually by:

  1. Blocking the drain
  2. Fill the shower stall with about one inch of water
  3. Use a pencil to mark the waterline
  4. Leave the water standing in the shower pan for eight hours
  5. If the water level decreases, contact a plumbing professional

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl responds to residential and commercial water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Ken Caryl. Call us today at 303-973-4664. We’ll restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water Damage Prevention Tips for Ken Caryl?

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

We have trusted water damage restoration specialists in Jefferson County.

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl has years of experience restoring water damage in Ken Caryl and offer these tips from the Insurance Information Institute to maintain your indoor plumbing systems:

  • Inspect appliance hoses and faucets.  Check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerator ice makers. Immediately replace any hoses that have cracks or leaks and replace them all every five to seven years.
  • Inspect showers and tubs. Check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight and reseal if necessary.
  • When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine and never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running
  • Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home. Being able to locate and shut off the main water supply quickly will save stress, money, and time.
  • Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
  • Check plumbing and heating pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately.

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl responds to commercial and residential water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Ken Caryl. Call us today at 303-973-4664.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Water Damage Prevention Tips for Lakewood?

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year in Lakewood and offer these tips from the Insurance Information Institute to prevent water seepage into a basement:  

  • Reseal your basement. Water in the basement is often caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seepage after heavy rain when you've never had a problem, it may mean that your once-waterproof cement floors and basement walls have deteriorated. Painting vulnerable areas with water sealant can prevent seepage.
  • Make sure water drains away from the building. Seepage is exacerbated by soil that has settled in a way to make water flow toward the building. After a storm, and especially if the ground is already saturated, rainwater that flows towards the building goes down the outside of the foundation wall potentially through any cracks.
  • Install a backwater valve. Though less common than other causes of basement water, sewer backups are messy. Learn more about your sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a backwater valve, which allows sewage to go out, but not come back in.

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency,  SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 303-973-4664. We’ll restore your water damage in Lakewood, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Flooded Basement in Lakewood?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

We mitigate water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Lake in Lakewood Basement?

I was in the middle of a basement conversion when a powerful storm came through, and my sump pump failed. Water covered the entire basement floor, and I knew I had to act fast before the water did any permanent damage to the wooden framework. I called SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl, and they arrived quickly and immediately began the mitigation process.

They used powerful, industrial-grade water extraction equipment to quickly remove the standing water from the floor. Then they installed air movers and air blowers to remove the excess moisture from the basement, and they documented the entire drying process to ensure the basement was restored to normal moisture levels. They cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized the basement, and by the time they completed the job, you would know my basement had flooded!

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is on-call 24-hours a day and is ready to respond. Call us today at 303-973-4664. We’ll clean and restore your water damage in Lakewood, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is Independently Owned and Operated.

Snow, Rain, Hail, and Fire Danger: All in One Day

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Snow building during a storm can be trouble. Call SERVPRO for any storm damage needs.

Snow, Rain, Hail, and Fire Danger: All in One Day

Snow, rain, hail, and fire danger all in one day.  That is Colorado weather for you in a nutshell.  In fact, it was the reality Colorado experienced just this week!  High country was hit with snow, lower elevations received rainfall, in the east they experienced hail, high winds, and thunderstorms causing threat to the area.  But, that is nothing new to Colorado residents.  Spring is volatile and has many mood swings.  That's why we here at SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen want you to always be prepared, which is why we have created this blog.  

We are highly trained storm damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-storm condition. Using advanced equipment and scientific drying techniques, we document the drying process to validate your home or business is ready.

         We have resources to handle storm disasters. In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 1,700 Franchises across the state and country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.  We truly are ready at any moment.  Day or night. 

         The remainder of this blog explains what water damage can do to your home.  We chose to highlight water because it is most often the culprit of storm damage.  We talk about basement flooding, water damage to your personal items, what to do before we arrive- including prevention tips, and how we at SERVPRO of Lakewood/Ken-Caryl can completely restore your home or business to pre-damage condition. 

What are the Dangers of Basement Floods?      

         There are many risks to having unwanted water in your home.  Even though it may seem harmless, often the water is clean and clear looking, it is likely to contain yuckies that are harmful to you and your family.  As water makes its way over the ground and into your basement, it pulls along with it anything within its path.  The dirties in the water pose the greatest menaces, but there are many that are involved with a flooded basement.  The following is a list of these possibilities.

  1. Pulled in yuckies
    1. Manganese and iron are two heavy metals that are found in high concentrations of ground water. Yards and gardens often contain fertilizers and pesticides that can soak into the water.  Chemical spills or leaking fuel tanks can also get into the traveling water. Animal feces and many other natural and human-induced chemicals can be found in groundwater.
  1. Mold
    1. Mold can start to grow and spread within 48-72 hours after water enters the home. Health effects are produced by molds.  Any source of the water must be fully addressed before the mold can be remediated because it is likely to come back if any moisture remains. 
  1. Water Adds Weight
    1. When water soaks furniture, blankets, fabrics, or other household items, it adds its weight to that item and they become heavy. Therefore, picking up or moving any item that is wet poses a risk to the person moving it. It may not look as heavy as it truly is, and the right force may not be applied resulting in bodily injury. 
  1. Electrical
    1. Water that has come into contact with electrical outlets, cords, or appliances may become charged. It is important that you do not touch or walk through this water in order to avoid electrocution.   The electricity needs to be turned off first.
  1. Slippery Surfaces
    1. Water can also cause surfaces to become slippery. It is important to take every precaution into consideration before entering a room that is potentially slippery in order to avoid bodily injuries. 

Prevention

         There are many ways in which you can protect your home from a potential flood.  The follow are the key ways to help mitigate your risk.

  • Be sure to have a functional sump pump in your home. A sump pump is a common household tool that is installed underneath the floors of basements or crawlspaces.  It collects water that tries to enter the home and redirects it back out.  Check your sump pump on a regular basis to make sure that it is working optimally, and always check to see if it is plugged in.  If you do not have a sump pump in your home, consider installing one. 
  • Know the flood level potential for your home. Every home is different depending on its particular structure and location. Your local insurance agent should have and provide this information for you. 
  • Look out for any foundational cracks and repair them. Most foundational cracks can be resolved by filling in with epoxy that you can pick up at your local hardware store such as Home Depot.  However, if it continues to leak after epoxy has been applied, it is likely a larger problem that would need professional assistance. 
  • Anchor and elevate equipment. In the event of a basement flood, supply lines can be torn free from things such as fuel tanks, generators, and air-conditioners.  Oil from these can leak into the home.  Even a tank that is buried can be pushed by flood waters and effect the safety of your home. 
  • Maintain your gutters and your downspouts by regularly cleaning them.Debris such as leaves and twigs can clog the gutters and downspouts creating blockages.  Your downspouts should be directing water at least 10 feet away from the home so pooling cannot occur near it. 
  • Landscaping your yard is also essential for flood prevention.Watch for areas that are directing water towards your home such as a small hill.  Once you have identified the areas of work, you can proceed to do things such as digging trenches, regarding the land, placing flood barriers in appropriate areas, and even installing a French drain can help.
  • Interior and exterior backflow valves for your sewer system is also a simple yet effective line of prevention. When there is flooding in your area, municipal city drainage systems and sewers are also at risk of overflow.  They can send contaminated water back into your lines and into your home. Installing valves can prevent this type of backflow when the public systems become overloaded.

What to do before help arrives

         Even if you follow all of the preventative advice to a T, you still may find yourself with a flooded basement. We cannot always prevent disaster from striking, so it is good to know what to do if you fall victim to creeping water.  You will always want to call in the professionals, as we have described in the dangers category of this blog.  Before they can arrive at your home, here is what you can do to help mitigate the damage.

         Mop and soak up as much water as you possibly can.

         Wipe off all of the wooden furniture so they cannot be further damaged.

         Upholstery, cushions, pillows, and blankets should be removed from the area.

         Put blocks between the legs of furniture and the floor.

         Removed colored rugs carefully.

         Gather loose items that may be in the way or cluttering the affected area.

Additionally, there are things you do not want to do before the help arrives.  Avoiding these key things with help to keep you safe and limit the damage to your home and its belongings.  Always leave the hard stuff or anything you are not comfortable with for the professionals. 

         Do not leave colored items out in the wet area.

         Do not use household items that use electricity such as TV’s.

         Do not remove anything that is too heavy for you.

         Do not go into a room with a wet and sagging ceiling.

What we do

         We follow 6 basic and standard steps when dealing with a water damage situation.  Following the 6 steps ensures a quick and uniform process, so the homeowner and the team at SERVPRO know what to expect each time.

  1. Emergency contact
  2. Inspection of the damage
  3. Water removal and extraction
  4. Drying and dehumidifying
  5. Cleaning and Sanitizing
  6. Restoration

Why SERVPRO of Lakewood Ken-Caryl

         SERVPRO is an industry leader in flood restoration. We use advanced equipment and techniques to get the water removed quickly and efficiently.  The equipment helps to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and deep clean and dry your home and its contents.  We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!

         We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in flood restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.

         We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

         Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 973-4664

Or visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROlakewoodkencaryl.com

Hidden Water Leaks in Ken Caryl?

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Detecting Water Leaks Can Save Money in Ken Caryl

At SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl we respond to water damage emergencies often throughout the year in Ken Caryl and many of these emergencies started as small, hidden leaks. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers some great tips for detecting water leaks. Here are some EPA tips for detecting water leaks in the bathroom:

  • Toilets: Listen for running water and conduct the food coloring test described on the first page.
  • Faucets: Listen for drips and turn on the tap to check for water going the wrong direction.
  • Showerheads: Turn on and look for drips or stray sprays that can be stopped with tape.
  • In the tub: Turn on the tub, then divert the water to the shower and see if there’s still a lot of water coming from the tub spout; that could mean the tub spout diverter needs replacing.
  • Under the sink: Check for pooling water under pipes and rust around joints and edges.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business experiences water damage, SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is on-call 24-hours a day to respond. Call us today at 303-973-4664. We’ll restore your water damage in Ken Caryl, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is Independently Owned and Operated.

Make sure your Emergency Kit is Stocked and Ready to Go in (City or County).

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is no stranger to storms, water damage, etc. Our trained professionals know natural disasters cannot be avoided and when they do strike, we want to help others be prepared, which is why we want to remind everyone in Lakewood to have their emergency kits stocked and ready to go. 

Here are some items that could be included in an emergency kit:

  • Whistle
  • Alcohol pads
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Battery-powered radio and batteries 
  • BandAids
  • Flashlight

If you have a pet, you may want to consider including things your pet would need such as food, a spare leash or collar, a blanket and even a toy. Lakewood more than likely has tech-savvy people who could probably call for help if needed, but it is important to be prepared for when technology fails, especially when water is involved. If you experience a flood in any way in a residential area/dorm or commercial building, make sure to stay out of the water because electricity from technology devices can travel through water.  Before disaster happens, SERVPRO of Lakewood-Ken Caryl encourages you to be prepared with your emergency kit. 

SERVPRO of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is independently owned and operated.

Staying Healthy around Standing Water in Lakewood

3/13/2021 (Permalink)

Staying Healthy Around Standing Water in Lakewood:

Standing water of any kind in Lakewood can be a powerful source of disease. Floods can be worse due to the amount of water involved. Even small puddles can pose a risk. 

Different kinds of debris can be found in floodwaters such as dead animals, rotted plants, and sewage, to name a few. If you have water damage inside your home, watch for debris in the home as well to include rotted food and electrical problems. 

Viruses and bacteria can cause illnesses. To reduce your chances of catching something, SERVPRO of Lakewood-Ken Caryl suggests:

  • Washing dirty clothes and towels in hot water. Use bleach if possible
  • Remember that you can shake hands with an infected person and get infected. 
  • Do not allow children to play in the flood water
  • Wash children’s hands before meals
  • Disinfect toys before letting children play with them
  • Use bleach or other disinfectants on hard surfaces
  • Keep your hands washed

Cuts and rashes can become infected. Protect yourself and others in Lakewood:

  • Avoid floodwaters if you have an open rash or a cut
  • Clean cuts or rashes. Cover them with a waterproof bandage
  • Clean cuts with soap and clean water
  • If a cut becomes red, swollen, or is oozing, get medical attention

SERVPRO of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is Independently Owned and Operated.

Burst Pipe Problem in Deer Creek?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to water emergencies 24-hours a day in the Lakewood area.

Severe Cold Snap Damages Pipes Around Deer Creek

The mid-February cold snap brought single-digit temperatures and frigid weather to Denver and Deer Creek inhabitants and caused many pipes to burst. A new record low of minus fourteen degrees Fahrenheit happened on February 14, beating the 1903 record of minus ten degrees.

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl has been responding to water damage emergencies for over forty years and has witnessed many cold snaps that have caused frozen and burst pipes. On the American Red Cross website, they offer tips on how to thaw frozen pipes. They say that if you can locate the frozen area of the pipe, turn on the water faucet and apply heat to the section of pipe that is frozen by using one of these methods below and continue to apply heat until the full water pressure is restored:

  • An electric heating pad around the pipe
  • An electric hairdryer
  • A portable space heater
  • By wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is ready to respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day. We have a team of highly trained water restoration technicians on-call and ready to assist you. Call us today at 303-973-4664. We’ll restore your water damage in Deer Creek, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is Independently Owned and Operated.

The Crying Water Heater

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

A basement water heater could flood your home. Call SERVPRO of Lakewood Ken-Caryl for help.

The Story of the Forgotten Water Heater

Once upon a time, in the hilly landscape of Ken-Caryl Colorado, there sat a charming little house by a creek.  The house was frequented by wildlife visitors everyday.  Elk, deer, squirrel, and stellar blue jays drank from the creek as they passed the small and inviting home.  On the inside, every room was warm and bright.  That is, every room but one.  The utility room was at the very last level of the home, deep down in the basement.  There were no windows in this room, only a single light bulb with a string attached poked down from the ceiling to illuminate the cement floors and metal inhabitants.  No one in the house ever visited this room.  There seemed to be no point.  Every other room was so much better and soon the utility room was all but forgotten.  

Now, inside this utility room sat a silver cylinder that was getting very old.  It was the water heater.  It finally got so old and neglected that it started to cry, or I suppose you could say, it started to leak.  The leak grew larger and larger and the water heater cried more and more as the days and weeks and months passed without anyone noticing.  That water heater cried so much it flooded the entire basement! There were several inches of water covering the floor that could no longer be ignored. 

One day, one of the occupants, Lisa, needed to go down into the basement to gather christmas decorations from out of storage.  She turned on the light and walked down the stairs and saw the pool of water.  She immediately called SERVPRO of Lakewood Ken-Caryl who came out within a snap of the finger.  

SERVPRO of Lakewood Ken-Caryl quickly assessed the damage.  They protected and removed all of the furniture and content that was in the area and started on extracting the water from the flood. After that was complete, the team whipped out drying equipment and dehumidifiers that were set up all around the basement to dry it. After some time, it was all dry and the cleaning was able to take place.  Mold was remediated, dirt was removed, and everything was sanitized to sparkling clean conditions. The restoration process had begun and before long, the basement was like new again.  

Unfortunately the water heater had to be replaced with a new one, but the new one was never ever neglected.  Lisa regularly checked on her little water heater in the utility room.  She understood the importance of paying attention and caring for the little silver cylinder.  And her basement never flooded with water heater tears again. 

Ok, ok, ok.  This story may have been a bit silly, but it is a parable.  After reading it, you might think about your own water heater and how you can prevent a basement flood from occurring due to an old or neglected one. The best part about this blog is it is not only a parable, but a guide into the steps you may take if you find yourself caught in a story like Lisa.  



Prevention

    First things first.  We want to prevent a basement flood due to a water heater leak.  This is done by regularly checking your water heater. Regularly check for leaks or condensation on or around the system, as well as in the piping. 

    Also be sure you are replacing your water heaters when they are getting too old.  Most water heaters are not built to last beyond 10-12 years. 

What to do if your basement floods...before SERVPRO arrives

    Even if you follow all of the preventative advice to a T, you still may find yourself with a flooded basement. We cannot always prevent disaster from striking, so it is good to know what to do if you fall victim to creeping water.  You will always want to call in the professionals, as water damage can get ugly fast.  Before they can arrive at your home, here is what you can do to help mitigate the damage.

            Mop and soak up as much water as you possibly can.

            Wipe off all of the wooden furniture so they cannot be further damaged.

            Upholstery, cushions, pillows, and blankets should be removed from the area.

            Put blocks between the legs of furniture and the floor.

            Removed colored rugs carefully.

            Gather loose items that may be in the way or cluttering the affected area.

Additionally, there are things you DO NOT want to do before the help arrives.  Avoiding these key things with help to keep you safe and limit the damage to your home and its belongings.  Always leave the hard stuff or anything you are not comfortable with for the professionals. 

            Do not leave colored items out in the wet area.

            Do not use household items that use electricity such as TV’s.

            Do not remove anything that is too heavy for you.

            Do not go into a room with a wet and sagging ceiling.

What we do

            Our process was creatively described in the story of Lisa’s house, but the following is a list of our 6 step process.  We follow 6 basic and standard steps when dealing with a water damage situation.  Following the 6 steps ensures a quick and uniform process, so the homeowner and the team at SERVPRO know what to expect each time.

  1. Emergency contact
  2. Inspection of the damage
  3. Water removal and extraction
  4. Drying and dehumidifying
  5. Cleaning and Sanitizing
  6. Restoration



Why SERVPRO of Lakewood Ken-Caryl

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in flood restoration. We use advanced equipment and techniques to get the water removed quickly and efficiently.  The equipment helps to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and deep clean and dry your home and its contents. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in flood restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 973-4664

Or visit our website at https://www.SERVPROlakewoodkencaryl.com/




Basement Floods in Lakewood/ Ken-Caryl

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lakewood/ Ken-Caryl is here to help when flooding hits your basement or home.

Foothills Flooding

            Its that time of year again! Spring!  And with it comes a lot of moisture (or so we always hope).  If you open up your weather app, you will be sure to see a lot of little clouds with lightning symbols coming out of it.  We have rain ahead of us and rain behind us as well.  With the potential dangers of a basement flood always a possibility, you want to be sure that you are protected.  

             Colorado weather can be very unpredictable, and our area of Lakewood is often subjected to flash floods and heavy rains in the spring and summer months.  Many of us are fortunate enough to have homes that protect us from such storms, but your home itself may not be as protected as you think.  The following article will explain risk factors for basement floods, what we can do to prevent them, and how to help if you become a victim to storm waters in your home. 

Water Gets in

            Water has a sneaking way of finding its way into many Lakewood/ Ken-Caryl, and other Colorado homes.  It can seep in through cracks and holes in basement walls, framing, floorboards, trim, and up through the foundation of your home.  These cracks and holes become larger issues when there is improper drainage around your basement, especially for homes in the Foothill areas where there is sloping topography.  If you find your home at the bottom of a hill, or at any position where water may run down, you are at higher risk for a basement flood.

Risks

            There are many dangers to flood waters in your home.  Even though the water pooling in your basement or crawl space may look clean and clear, it is likely to contain many harmful toxins to human health.  When water comes in from the ground, it pulls anything in its path along with it.  The contaminants in the water create risk to human health as well as harm to your home. The following is a list of these dangers.

  • The Yuckies
    • Ground water contains metals such as manganese and iron from the soil in high concentrations. Pesticides and fertilizers used in yards and gardens can soak into the water. Chemical spills or leaking fuel tanks may also find its way in.  Animal feces and many other natural and human-induced chemicals can be found in ground water.
  • Mold
    • Mold can start to grow and spread within 48-72 hours after water enters the home. These molds can produce allergens and irritants that can cause health effects to you and your family.  Any source of the water must be fully addressed before the mold can be remediated because it is likely to come back if any moisture remains. 
  • Water is Heavy
    • When water soaks furniture, blankets, fabrics, or other household items, it adds its weight to that item. Therefore, picking up or moving any item that is wet poses a risk to the person moving it.  It may not look as heavy as it truly is, and the right force may not be applied resulting in bodily injury. 
  • Electrical Hazard
    • Water that has come into contact with electrical outlets, cords, or appliances may become charged. It is important that you do not touch or walk through this water in order to avoid electrocution.   The electricity needs to be turned off first.
  • Slip and Fall
    • Water can also cause surfaces to become slippery. It is important to take every precaution into consideration before entering a room that is potentially slippery in order to avoid bodily injuries. 

It is important to handle everything timely and professionally in order to eliminate the risk of disease, the start of mold, or further damage to your home and its belongings.

Basement Flood Prevention

            There are several ways in which you can help to protect your home from a flash flood and sneaky water.

  • Assessing risk
    • Know the flood level and potential for your home. Your local insurance agent should have this information for you.
  • Maintaining a functioning sump pump
    • A sump pump is a tool that is installed underneath the floors of basements and crawlspaces. It is designed to collect water that tries to enter the home and redirects it back out. Check your sump pump regularly to make sure it is working and plugged in.  If you do not have a sump pump, you may want to consider installing one in your home.
  • Inspect for foundational cracks
    • Visually look at the exterior of your home for any cracks.Many can be filled in and fixed with epoxy, but if leaking continues, it may be a larger foundational issue that would require professional assistance.  
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clean
    • Be sure to position downspouts away from your home or away from any area where pooling can occur. They should be directing water at least 10 feet away from your home.  Also, keep gutters free of debris such as fallen leaves and sticks to unsure good flow.
  • Landscape for flood prevention
    • If there is slope in your yard that is causing water to come into your home, you will want to landscape to combat this. This is not always the easiest task as it requires digging trenches, regrading, placing flood barriers, or even installing a French drain.  
  • Anchor and elevate equipment such as fuel tanks, air-conditioners, and generators
    • Supply lines can tear free in the event of a basement flood and this type of equipment can leak oil into your home. Even a tank that is buried can be pushed by flood waters and effect the safety of your home.
  • Install an interior and exterior backflow valve for your sewer system
    • When a municipal city drainage system or sewer overflows, it can send contaminated water into your home. A normally functioning system allows waste water to flow from your home to the city sewer.  In the case of a backflow, the opposite occurs.  Installing the valves can prevent a backflow when the systems become overloaded.

Do's and Dont's

Even if you follow all of the preventative tips, you still may fall victim to a large storm.  Your sump pump may still fail, you may miss some foundational cracks, the septic system may back up, and a host of other possibilities.  If you find yourself ankle deep in basement water, here are a few things to do before SERVPRO arrives.  Acting quickly before professional help can arrive will lessen the damage to your home. 

Do’s:

  • Remove as much water by mopping and soaking up.
  • Wipe down wooden furniture.
  • Remove cushions, pillows, and upholstery.
  • Separate furniture legs from the wet floors by placing blocks underneath them.
  • Take out colored rugs
  • Gather all loose items.

            Additionally, there are a few things to take careful note not to do in the event of a basement flood.  Avoiding these key things will ensure your safety and lessen the damage to your property.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t leave books, magazines, or colored papers on wet carpet, floors, or furniture.
  • Do not use electrical household items such as televisions.
  • Do not vacuum up any water.
  • Do not remove heavy items as water often makes them heavier.
  • If the ceiling is wet, keep ceiling fixtures off and remain out of the room if it is sagging.

How SERVPRO Can Help

            While every water damage situation is unique, the general process stays the same.  SERVPRO follows 6 basic steps when handling your water damage.  Below are the 6 steps taken from call to complete restoration.

  1. Emergency Contact
  2. Inspection of the damage
  3. Water removal and extraction
  4. Drying and Dehumidification
  5. Cleaning and Sanitizing
  6. Restoration

            In the event of a basement flood, it is essential that you call professional help as quickly as possible.  SERVPRO of Lakewood/ Ken-Caryl is available 24/7 365 days a year.  After the initial call, we are required to arrive at your residence within 4 hours by franchise standards.  However, our team averages less than an hour for arrival time.  Our response time reduces damage, limits further damage, reduces cost, and eases headache and responsibility from the homeowner.  

Why Choose SERVPRO of Lakewood/ Ken-Caryl

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in flood restoration. We use advanced equipment and techniques to get the water removed quickly and efficiently.  The equipment helps to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and deep clean and dry your home and its contents. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in flood restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 973-4664

Or visit our website at   http://www.SERVPROlakewoodkencaryl.com  

Did You Clean That Water Damage Well Enough?

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

When you have a leak in your pipes, it can create mold.

Got Mold?

            What is that smell?  Gosh, it smells like wet and sitting food.  Where is it coming from? Under the sink? Yes.  Oh yes.  Oh shoot, there is a leak from the sink pipe! You fix the leak no problem, but now there is black mold growing underneath.  This won't be as easy as replacing the P-trap.  Cleaning mold requires special technique, cleaning products, and care.

            Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold when water is introduced to the environment.  Things such as roof leaks, basement floods, plumbing leaks (see above description), and other things of this nature can spread mold in as little as 48-72 hours! It is so important to mitigate any water in your home or business at first sight so harmful molds cannot grow and thrive. 

            In this blog, we will discuss what mold is, how it can grow in your home, how to prevent mold from growing, what we can do to help in a mold situation, and more.

What is Mold?

            Mold is a general term for fungi that comes in many forms.  There are countless forms of mold, possibly tens of thousands of differing strains, but no one knows for sure the exact count.  It can grow indoors or outdoors and be black, brown, yellow, pink, or green in color. Often it is fuzzy and can smell quite offal.  Moisture is required for mold to grow actively, and when it does, it damages whatever it may be growing on.  That could mean your carpets, floors, walls, furniture, shower, or other materials.  These items with actively growing mold are being structurally damaged by the growth. 

            Not only is mold detrimental to structures, but it can cause health effects as well.  For the sensitive group especially. 

Common Areas for Mold Growth in the Home

            First off, a small amount of mold in your everyday life is inescapable.  Tiny microscopic mold spores are present everywhere indoor and outdoor.  You are probably breathing in those tiny itty-bitty spores right now.  Getting rid of all of these spores is impossible.  They are a part of our nature.  So, if a company ever claims to remove all mold from the home, that is a fallacy! A good restoration company knows they just need to remediate the big and harmful molds. 

            So, how do you know if you have mold in your home? You will be able to see it! Often, you can smell it as mentioned before. However, it may be hiding, so checking the common areas and the not so common areas for mold will help ensure you are spotting it all. 

            The Shower or Tub: continual use of these areas makes them damp majority of the time.  The obvious places to look for mold would be the corners of the showers, ceilings, and walls.  The not so obvious places to look would be on shampoo bottles, washcloths, loofas, the shower curtain, and the shower head.

            Sink and Toilet: the wet nature of these areas makes them prone to mold.  Surface areas are the obvious places to check for mold.  The not so obvious are the toothbrush caddies, tank of the toilet, all of the pipes, and behind or underneath the sink.

            The kitchen: water, food, grease, etc. all live in the kitchen which means mold can too.  Check in, on, and under the kitchen sink, the refrigerator and pantry, microwave and stove.  The not so obvious would be the bottom of your trashcans, wooden cutting boards, window sills, and anywhere food may fall through a crack.

            The Bedroom: ceilings, walls, and window sills, may be the more obvious areas for this room.  The not so obvious would be heating and cooling systems and on your mattress!

            Other Places: chimneys and fireplaces, indoor plants, couches, curtains, upholstery, and anywhere where moisture may have been.

How to Prevent Mold Growth

             Keep humidity to a minimum.  It is recommended to keep them no greater than 50% at all times. However, changes in moisture levels and temperatures change throughout the day, so the levels will need to be checked and managed throughout. 

            Ventilate!Makes sure your home and each room has enough ventilation so moisture doesn’t stay.  Use exhaust fans and be sure that your dryer is vented outside of your home.

            Fix leaks.  Look for leaking on your roof, walls, or plumbing systems. Without water, mold cannot grow.

            Clean up and dry out homeusing your local SERVPRO franchise after water damage (within 24-48 hours).

            Add mold inhibitorsto paints before painting.

            Remove or replace any carpets or upholstery that have been soakedand cannot be dried in time.  Also consider not using carpets in areas with a lot of moisture such as bathrooms. 

What to do in the Event of Mold

  • Stay out of the affected area.
  • Turn off HVAC and fans.
  • Call SERVPRO of Lakewood and Ken-Caryl.

What not to do in the Event of Mold

  • Do not touch or disturb the mold.
  • Do not blow air on any surface that contains mold.
  • Do not dry the area yourself.
  • Do not bleach or disinfect the mold.

Our Remediation Service

            Our team at SERVPRO of Lakewood/ Ken-Caryl has the skills, training, experience, and specialized equipment needed for mold mitigation and remediation. Our techniques are approved by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).        

                        Direct Spraying:

                                    We use hand pumps or power sprayers to apply specialized chemicals and disinfectants to the affected areas in your Lakewood, Ken-Caryl, or surrounding homes. This method will wet the area, so we are sure to only use this method on surfaces that cannot be discolored.

                        Wet Fogging:

                                    ULV (ultra low volume) foggers are used to disperse disinfectants and deodorizers to the area.  These foggers create tiny particles that can penetrate into just about anything.  However, this creates additional moisture, so the technicians at your home, office, or she-shed, will remove all furniture and other items that could be damaged by this method. If there are some items that cannot be removed, drapes will be placed over them for protection.

                        Dry Fogging:

                                    This technique, also called thermal fogging, is used when there is mold, but little to no water damage.  This uses solvent based cleaners and deodorants that are heated and pushed through a vaporizer. This process changes the particles into so they are small enough to penetrate almost any surface.  Since there is no moisture added, this is the preferred method we use whenever it is possible. 

                        Ventilation and Air Scrubbing:

                                    As the different methods of cleaning are underway, the rooms and other affected areas must be ventilated.  Our team has high velocity exhaust fans, called box fans, that blow out mold particles.  This is done so that the mold particles that release in the cleaning process are captured and removed. This reduces the amount of time the area needs to be vacant and allows occupants into their homes quicker.

                                    Not only do the walls, ceilings, personal items, or whatever was affected need to be cleaned, but the air does too!  HEPA (high-efficiency particle air) filters are used to aid in the removal of mold spores and its odor from the air.  They work extremely well in the removal of the dirty air and filtering back clean air to the room. 

Our Process in 7 easy steps

            Each mold situation is unique and will require its own specific steps in the remediation process. However, we 7 simple steps for a typical mold damage job.  Here it is below so you may better understand what will take place and when.

  • Step 1: Emergency Contact (303) 973-4664
  • Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  • Step 3: Mold Containment
  • Step 4: Air Filtration
  • Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  • Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  • Step 7: Restoration

Why Choose SERVPRO of Lakewood/ Ken-Caryl

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in fire restoration. We use advanced equipment and techniques to remediate the damage quickly and efficiently. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!  Heck, we might even be your neighbor. 

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in fire damage restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the entire process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 973-4664

Or visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROlakewoodkencaryl.com  

What is That Smell?

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

When you have mold, call the professionals for help! SERVPRO of Evergreen/ Wheat Ridge/ Golden are here to help.

What's That Smell?

            What is that smell?  Gosh, it smells like wet and sitting food.  Where is it coming from? Under the sink? Yes.  Oh yes.  Oh shoot, there is a leak from the sink pipe! You fix the leak no problem, but now there is black mold growing underneath.  This won't be as easy as replacing the P-trap.  Cleaning mold requires special technique, cleaning products, and care.

            Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold when water is introduced to the environment.  Things such as roof leaks, basement floods, plumbing leaks, and other things of this nature can spread mold in as little as 48-72 hours! It is so important to mitigate any water in your home or business at first sight so harmful molds cannot grow and thrive. 

            In this blog, we will discuss what mold is, how it can grow in your home, how to prevent mold from growing, what we can do to help in a mold situation, and more.

The Low Down on Mold

            Mold is a general term for fungi that comes in many forms.  There are countless forms of mold, possibly tens of thousands of differing strains, but no one knows for sure the exact count.  It can grow indoors or outdoors and be black, brown, yellow, pink, or green in color. Often it is fuzzy and can smell quite offal.  Moisture is required for mold to grow actively, and when it does, it damages whatever it may be growing on.  That could mean your carpets, floors, walls, furniture, shower, or other materials.  These items with actively growing mold are being structurally damaged by the growth. 

            Not only is mold detrimental to structures, but it may cause health effects as well.  For the sensitive group especially.

Where Does Mold Grow in Your Home?

            First off, a small amount of mold in your everyday life is inescapable.  Tiny microscopic mold spores are present everywhere indoor and outdoor.  You are probably breathing in those tiny itty-bitty spores right now.  Getting rid of all of these spores is impossible.  They are a part of our nature.  So, if a company ever claims to remove all mold from the home, that is a fallacy! A good restoration company knows they just need to remediate the big and harmful molds. 

            So, how do you know if you have mold in your home? You will be able to see it! Often, you can smell it as well as mentioned before. However, it may be hiding, so checking the common areas and the not so common areas for mold will help ensure you are spotting it all. 

  • The Shower or Tub: continual use of these areas makes them damp majority of the time. The obvious places to look for mold would be the corners of the showers, ceilings, and walls.  The not so obvious places to look would be on shampoo bottles, washcloths, loofas, the shower curtain, and the shower head.
  • Sink and Toilet: the wet nature of these areas makes them prone to mold. Surface areas are the obvious places to check for mold.  The not so obvious are the toothbrush caddies, tank of the toilet, all of the pipes, and behind or underneath the sink.
  • The kitchen: water, food, grease, etc. all live in the kitchen which means mold can too. Check in, on, and under the kitchen sink, the refrigerator and pantry, microwave and stove. The not so obvious would be the bottom of your trashcans, wooden cutting boards, window sills, and anywhere food may fall through a crack.
  • The Bedroom: ceilings, walls, and window sills, may be the more obvious areas for this room. The not so obvious would be heating and cooling systems and on your mattress!
  • Other Places: chimneys and fireplaces, indoor plants, couches, curtains, upholstery, and anywhere where moisture may have been.

Preventing Mold Growth

  • Keep humidity to a minimum. It is recommended to keep them no greater than 50% at all times. However, changes in moisture levels and temperatures change throughout the day, so the levels will need to be checked and managed throughout. 
  • Ventilate! Makes sure your home and each room has enough ventilation so moisture doesn’t stay. Use exhaust fans and be sure that your dryer is vented outside of your home.
  • Fix leaks. Look for leaking on your roof, walls, or plumbing systems.  Without water, mold cannot grow.
  • Clean up and dry out home using your local SERVPRO franchise after water damage (within 24-48 hours).
  • Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
  • Remove or replace any carpets or upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried in time. Also consider not using carpets in areas with a lot of moisture such as bathrooms. 

What to do When You Have Mold

  • Stay out of the affected area.
  • Turn off HVAC and fans.
  • Call SERVPRO of Golden/ Wheat Ridge/ Evergreen

What Not to do When You Have Mold

  • Do not touch or disturb the mold.
  • Do not blow air on any surface that contains mold.
  • Do not dry the area yourself.
  • Do not bleach or disinfect the mold.


SERVPRO of Golden/ Wheat Ridge/ Evergreen Remediation Service

            Our team at SERVPRO of Golden/ Wheat Ridge/ Evergreen has the skills, training, experience, and specialized equipment needed for mold mitigation and remediation. Our techniques are approved by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).              

                        Direct Spraying:

                                    We use hand pumps or power sprayers to apply specialized chemicals and disinfectants to the affected areas in your Golden/ Wheat Ridge/ Evergreen, or surrounding homes. This method will wet the area, so we are sure to only use this method on surfaces that cannot be discolored.

                        Wet Fogging:

                                    ULV (ultra low volume) foggers are used to disperse disinfectants and deodorizers to the area.  These foggers create tiny particles that can penetrate into just about anything.  However, this creates additional moisture, so the technicians at your home, office, or she-shed, will remove all furniture and other items that could be damaged by this method. If there are some items that cannot be removed, drapes will be placed over them for protection.

                        Dry Fogging:

                                    This technique, also called thermal fogging, is used when there is mold, but little to no water damage.  This uses solvent based cleaners and deodorants that are heated and pushed through a vaporizer. This process changes the particles into so they are small enough to penetrate almost any surface.  Since there is no moisture added, this is the preferred method we use whenever it is possible. 

                        Ventilation and Air Scrubbing:

                                    As the different methods of cleaning are underway, the rooms and other affected areas must be ventilated.  Our team has high velocity exhaust fans, called box fans, that blow out mold particles.  This is done so that the mold particles that release in the cleaning process are captured and removed. This reduces the amount of time the area needs to be vacant and allows occupants into their homes quicker.

                                    Not only do the walls, ceilings, personal items, or whatever was affected need to be cleaned, but the air does too!  HEPA (high-efficiency particle air) filters are used to aid in the removal of mold spores and its odor from the air.  They work extremely well in the removal of the dirty air and filtering back clean air to the room. 

7 easy steps

            Each mold situation is unique and will require its own specific steps in the remediation process. However, we 7 simple steps for a typical mold damage job.  Here it is below so you may better understand what will take place and when.

  • Step 1: Emergency Contact (303) 973-4664
  • Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  • Step 3: Mold Containment
  • Step 4: Air Filtration
  • Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  • Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  • Step 7: Restoration

Why Choose SERVPRO of Golden/ Wheat Ridge/ Evergreen

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in fire restoration. We use advanced equipment and techniques to remediate the damage quickly and efficiently. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!  Heck, we might even be your neighbor. 

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in fire damage restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the entire process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 279-8055

Or visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROgoldenwheatridgeevergreen.com  

Ankle Deep in Rain Water

9/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lakewood-Ken Caryl is here to help prevent flash flooding from wreaking havoc on your basement.

Bad Weather

            Here in Colorado, we take life to the extreme.  There are the mountains to ski in the winter and hike in the warmer months.  Rivers spit kayakers and rafters downstream.  There are rocks to climb and boulders, and so much more here in our state.  However, living in Colorado also means living in sometimes extreme weather.  In the spring and summer months rains fall heavy onto our soils.  One minute it is a healthy shower and the next it turns into a flash flood.

            Being in the foothills here in Ken-Caryl, Lakewood, and beyond means sloping topography.  If your house is situated in any position where water is directed towards it, whether that be your house is at the bottom of a hill, or your yard may just have some slope to it, your house is at greater risk of flooding.  The following article will explain risk factors for basement floods, what we can do to prevent them, and how to help if you become a victim to storm waters in your home. 

The Flow of Water

            Water will always follow the path of least resistance. It will flow down with gravity, and into any small crack or hole it embarks on.  It can drip its way into basement walls, framing, floorboards, and up through the foundation of homes that are not well protected or that have improper drainage systems.  During rains and especially during flash floods, water sneaks its way into many Lakewood and Ken-Caryl homes and turns nice, dry basements into flood zones. 

What are the Dangers of Basement Floods?          

There are many risks to having unwanted water in your home.  Even though it may seem harmless (often the water is clean and clear looking), it is likely to contain toxins that are harmful to the health of you and your family.  As water makes its way over the ground and into your basement, it pulls along with it anything in its path.  The contaminants in the water pose the greatest danger, but there are many that are involved with a flooded basement.  The following is a list of these dangers.

  1. Pulled in Toxins
    1. Manganese and iron are two heavy metals that are found in high concentrations of ground water. Yards and gardens often contain fertilizers and pesticides that can soak into the water.  Chemical spills or leaking fuel tanks can also get into the traveling water.  Animal feces and many other natural and human-induced chemicals can be found in ground water.
  1. Mold
    1. Mold can start to grow and spread within 48-72 hours after water enters the home. Allergens and irritants that are harmful to human health are produced by molds.  Any source of the water must be fully addressed before the mold can be remediated because it is likely to come back if any moisture remains. 
  1. Water Adds Weight
    1. When water soaks furniture, blankets, fabrics, or other household items, it adds its weight to that item and they become heavy. Therefore, picking up or moving any item that is wet poses a risk to the person moving it. It may not look as heavy as it truly is, and the right force may not be applied resulting in bodily injury. 
  1. Electrical
    1. Water that has come into contact with electrical outlets, cords, or appliances may become charged. It is important that you do not touch or walk through this water in order to avoid electrocution.   The electricity needs to be turned off first.
  1. Slippery Surfaces
    1. Water can also cause surfaces to become slippery. It is important to take every precaution into consideration before entering a room that is potentially slippery in order to avoid bodily injuries. 

Prevention

            There are many ways in which you can protect your home from a potential flood.  The following are the key ways to help mitigate your risk.

  • Be sure to have a functional sump pump in your home. A sump pump is a common household tool that is installed underneath the floors of basements or crawlspaces.  It collects water that tries to enter the home and redirects it back out.  Check your sump pump on a regular basis to make sure that it is working optimally, and always check to see if it is plugged in.  If you do not have a sump pump in your home, consider installing one. 
  • Know the flood level potential for your home. Every home is different depending on its particular structure and location. Your local insurance agent should have and provide this information for you. 
  • Look out for any foundational cracks and repair them.Most foundational cracks can be resolved by filling in with epoxy that you can pick up at your local hardware store such as Home Depot.  However, if it continues to leak after epoxy has been applied, it is likely a larger problem that would need professional assistance. 
  • Anchor and elevate equipment. In the event of a basement flood, supply lines can be torn free from things such as fuel tanks, generators, and air-conditioners.  Oil from these can leak into the home.  Even a tank that is buried can be pushed by flood waters and affect the safety of your home. 
  • Maintain your gutters and your downspouts by regularly cleaning them. Debris such as leaves and twigs can clog the gutters and downspouts creating blockages.  Your downspouts should be directing water at least 10 feet away from the home so pooling cannot occur near it.  
  • Landscaping your yard is also essential for flood prevention. Watch for areas that are directing water towards your home such as a small hill.  Once you have identified the areas of work, you can proceed to do things such as digging trenches, regarding the land, placing flood barriers in appropriate areas, and even installing a French drain can help.
  • Interior and exterior back flow valves for your sewer system is also a simple yet effective line of prevention. When there is flooding in your area, municipal city drainage systems and sewers are also at risk of overflow.  They can send contaminated water back into your lines and into your home. Installing valves can prevent this type of back flow when the public systems become overloaded.

What to do before help arrives

            Even if you follow all of the preventative advice to a T, you still may find yourself with a flooded basement. We cannot always prevent disaster from striking, so it is good to know what to do if you fall victim to creeping water.  You will always want to call in the professionals, as we have described in the dangers category of this blog.  Before they can arrive at your home, here is what you can do to help mitigate the damage.

            Mop and soak up as much water as you possibly can.

            Wipe off all of the wooden furniture so they cannot be further damaged.

            Upholstery, cushions, pillows, and blankets should be removed from the area.

            Put blocks between the legs of furniture and the floor.

            Removed colored rugs carefully.

            Gather loose items that may be in the way or cluttering the affected area.

Additionally, there are things you do not want to do before the help arrives.  Avoiding these key things with help to keep you safe and limit the damage to your home and its belongings.  Always leave the hard stuff or anything you are not comfortable with for the professionals. 

            Do not leave colored items out in the wet area.

            Do not use household items that use electricity such as TV’s.

            Do not remove anything that is too heavy for you.

            Do not go into a room with a wet and sagging ceiling.

What we do

            We follow 6 basic and standard steps when dealing with a water damage situation.  Following the 6 steps ensures a quick and uniform process, so the homeowner and the team at SERVPRO know what to expect each time.

  1. Emergency contact
  2. Inspection of the damage
  3. Water removal and extraction
  4. Drying and dehumidifying
  5. Cleaning and Sanitizing
  6. Restoration

Why SERVPRO of Lakewood Ken-Caryl

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in flood restoration. We use advanced equipment and techniques to get the water removed quickly and efficiently.  The equipment helps to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and deep clean and dry your home and its contents. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in flood restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 973-4664

Or visit our website at https://www.SERVPROlakewoodkencaryl.com 

Faster to your Lakewood Water Damage Event

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lakewood provides 24 hour water damage restoration services in Lakewood Ken-Caryl

Emergencies never wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Lakewood provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Lakewood arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 303-973-4664

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Lakewood

SERVPRO of Lakewood specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • OCT - Odor Control Technician
  • CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program