Water damage can happen at any time. Often, it’s an unpleasant and unexpected event. While certain areas are prone to flooding and water damage may be anticipated during particular times of the year, other issues related to plumbing or burst pipes can’t be predicted.

When these events occur, water damage cleanup and restoration become a priority. Its normal to want the cleanup to commence as soon as possible but keeping safety at the top of mind is just as important.

Water damage cleanup companies are well-versed in the steps that need to be taken to keep the process safe. That being said, homeowners and business owners should also be aware of the following essential safety tips when participating in water damage cleaning.

Evaluate the Space for Potential Hazards Before Cleaning Begins

It’s tempting to jump right into water damage cleanup and restoration, especially when you can’t wait to return a space to looking its best. However, not taking the time to evaluate a property for potential hazards can prove highly dangerous.

Be sure to sweep any water damaged areas for live electrical wires, or products that may have spilled before entering the room.

Electricity needs to be disconnected before cleanup begins. Large, hazardous items also need to be removed to create a safe cleanup space.

Wear Waterproof and Non-Conductive Boots and Gloves

Professional water damage cleanup companies already have the proper cleanup gear available as part of their inventory. Homeowners and business owners will want to be sure to invest in waterproof and non-conductive boots and gloves before stepping into a water damaged area.

These important components of cleanup apparel reduce risks related to slipping and falling or unexpectedly catching a live wire that was initially missed in the room sweep.

In addition to waterproof boots and gloves, eye protection is often recommended throughout the cleanup process. Eye protection is a simple way to keep any flying debris at bay.

Have Access to a Sump Pump

Extracting water from a flooded area is the first step in cleaning and restoring the water-damaged property. Access to a sump pump is particularly important when flooding is severe.

A sump pump allows for full removal of standing water, clearing the space efficiently for more detailed restoration to begin.

Without a sump pump for deep standing water, there’s always a risk that water gets left behind, creating a slipping hazard, and promoting structural issues later on.

Commit to the Use of a Dehumidifier in Water Damage Cleaning

High-speed fans are an important part of cleaning up water damage and restoring a space, but when it comes to keeping the air everyone breathes in the room healthy, a dehumidifier is a must.

The combination of fans and a dehumidifier guarantees that the room is completely dried out before new carpeting or flooring is set.

A high level of certainty regarding a room’s dryness is the only way to reduce the risk of mold growth.

Including a dehumidifier into the cleanup process provides peace of mind around quality cleaning standards and safety.

Keep an Eye on Potential Surrounding Damage

When it’s time to begin the process of water damage restoration, taking a moment to look around a room for associated damage that could prove problematic later on is important… then feel free to look again.

It’s easy to focus exclusively on flooring issues and completely forget that damage elsewhere could diminish the structural integrity of an entire property down the line.

It’s recommended that homeowners and business owners pay particular attention to surrounding drywall and baseboards that could have been affected by flooding. These are the areas that are most prone to water damage and are often breeding grounds for mold if left unattended.

Similarly, they may be areas prone to insect infestations as materials become more porous with increased moisture levels.

If you’re the type that prefers to double-check their work, use what the pros use. A moisture meter is essential in certifying results for these areas.

Readings off this meter can determine whether or not drywall and baseboards can be salvaged or need to be replaced to maintain high safety standards.

Water Damage Cleaning Professionals in Denver

Water damage may be a common occurrence, but that doesn’t mean it’s pleasant or easy. If you’re a homeowner or business owner struggling with water damage in the Denver area, feel free to give the experts at MSS Cleaning a call.

We’re always here to provide safe, effective, and efficient water damage cleaning and restoration services. We bring experience and superior customer service standards into every project, delivering up results that are sure to satisfy.

Some surprises in life are fun and exciting while others, like unexpected water damage, leave property owners grasping for solutions. Whether it happens as the result of flooding or problems with interior plumbing and pipes, water damage can leave a string of headaches in its wake.

Trying to repair water damage yourself

There’s a tendency amongst those who have experienced water damage in a home or business to try to manage the problem on their own. Often, this is the result of a firm belief in things they’ve overheard surrounding water damage restoration that have little foundation in the truth.

Myths about water damage restoration are exactly that…myths. It’s frequently a case of one unfortunate account growing to overblown proportions.

Don’t Risk Additional Damage

Unfortunately, the result of these myths can be that property owners count out professionals and try to take care of water damage restoration themselves. This can lead to significantly worse results.

Instead of swearing off a water damage restoration company and inviting in stress, take some time to be aware of what’s being said, and how much of it is accurate. The following are 5 common myths about water damage restoration that you don’t want to cling to when it’s time to clean up the mess.

Myth 1: It Will be Cheaper to Clean Water Damaged Carpets Myself 

It may be tempting to tackle the issue of water damage on your own in the name of finances, but this often leads to added expenses when professional expertise is left out of the equation.

Removing water from the property quickly and efficiently is key to being able to salvage carpeting and flooring below. Often, most homeowners or business owners just don’t have the equipment on-hand that’s needed to remove water correctly.

Delays in removing water can result in the need for a new carpet entirely. This is almost always more expensive than having professionals remove water in the first place.

Myth 2: Once the Water is Removed, I Can Let the Carpet Air Dry

Many homeowners and business owners looking to avoid working with a water damage restoration company are under the impression that letting carpet air dry is a viable option. They may even try setting up a traditional fan and letting it sit over the carpet for several days.

In reality, water damage restoration goes beyond the surface of carpeting to the padding below. Professional grade dehumidifiers and high speed fans are necessary in most instances to properly dry out water or flood water damage such as in your basement.

In cases of severe damage, carpet and pad needs to be removed and replaced before carpeting can be successfully dried.

A moisture reader is also needed to let you know that carpets are completely dried beyond a simple touch test. Quality moisture meters are specialty tools needed to do the job right.

Myth 3: Rented Carpet Extractors Can Remove All Water and Smells

Even minimal amounts of water damage can leave stains and debris on flooring. When this happens, it’s a mistake to believe the myth that DIY carpet extractors are going to be able to solve the problem

Effective water damage restoration requires the use of specialized cleaning equipment and solutions that dive far below the surface level of the carpeting.

Myth 4: It’s Easy to Install a New Carpet Yourself

Many homeowners and business owners dealing with a water damage restoration issue skip the cleaning altogether and jump right to the idea of installing brand new carpeting. Myths about water damage restoration lead them to believe this will be easy, but the reality is not so simple.

Installing a new carpet involves more than just setting it in place. The fabric needs to be cut to size, fitted to room dimensions, and finished. This requires stretching carpet back into pace using equipment that includes everything from power stretchers and knee kickers to hook knives for clean seams.  

Myth 5: Water Damage Restoration Only Refers to Carpeting

It’s easy to get focused on the carpeting when it comes to water damage. Excessive moisture issues of any kind are linked to other problems that occur within a property as well.

From drywall and baseboards to the potential for mold growth, water damage has a way of spreading to other areas quickly.

If left unattended, water damage that’s reached other features of the home can affect structural integrity over the long-term. Having a professional company on-hand that can identify these potential problem points is important when it comes to maintaining safety standards.

Water Damage Restoration Customers Can Count On

If you’re experiencing issues with water damage in the Denver area, be sure to give the experts at MSS Cleaning a call. Our team has the experience and equipment needed to get your home or business back into working shape quickly and efficiently.

Our experience and commitment to excellence make us the best in the business. Reach out today or whenever water damage catches you off guard.

How to Stop Basement Flooding

Flooding in your basement can cause extreme damage to your home’s foundation.

Basement flooding can also destroy precious objects such as family heirlooms and keepsakes. Plus, the renovation process after flooding can be long and expensive.

If you’re wondering how to prevent basement flooding, there are a few key steps you can take in order to keep your home and belongings safe from extreme water damage.

Properly Clean and Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

Letting the gutters and downspouts build up with debris is a bad habit of many homeowners. This habit can do more than just weigh on your gutters, causing them to detach from your roof over time. Plus, proper gutter and downspout management is the first step in how to prevent basement flooding.

Position your gutter downspouts correctly

If your downspout isn’t properly positioned well away from your home’s foundation, any water and debris flowing through it after rain and snow will pool up against the side of your home. This causes water damage to the foundation and basement.

Make sure your downspout is directing its water flow at least 3 feet away from your foundation. If a trough or downspout extension is needed in order to achieve this distance, it will be a worthwhile investment.

Maintain your gutters

Small tasks like cleaning your gutters and making sure your downspouts are properly routed may seem inconsequential.

However, performing these tasks costs nothing, and in the event of heavy rainfall, it could be the difference between a dry basement and a flooded basement.

Correct Your Landscaping To Stop Basement Flooding

Allow space between your home’s siding and your mulch

Many homeowners who are concerned with how to stop basement flooding don’t think to consider their landscaping, in particular their gardens.

Mulch is a common substance used in flower beds in order to grow healthy flowers and other plants. However, when landscaping mulch rests against the side of your home, the moisture it absorbs during heavy rains can cause water damage to your basement and foundation.

Generally, a barrier of at least 6 inches is enough to keep your home’s siding safe from excessive moisture in your mulch. Brick buildings are more durable against water, but homes with cement or wooden sidings can be susceptible to damage.

Fix the grade

Adjusting the slope of the soil next to your house will push water away from your home. Many times, homeowners are not aware that the slope of the soil next to their home needs to be slightly sloped away from the structure. There will often be a neutral grade or even a slope towards the house.

It’s time to break out the shovel and rake and fix problem areas. Doing this helps dramatically with avoiding water intrusion into your  basement.

Have your Sewer and Septic Tank Inspected and Cleaned

When it comes to home maintenance, a majority of homeowners tend to overlook the importance of properly functioning sewers and septic systems around your property. When sewers and septic tanks near or below your basement become clogged, they can overflow, leading to a basement flooding that might include more than just water.

Regular maintenance of your nearby sewers and septic tanks can prevent them from backing up and overflowing, keeping your basement and foundation safe in order to prevent basement flooding. Additionally, a well-kept septic system can lengthen the lifespan of your pipes and keep your home’s entire drainage system working smoothly.

Outfit your Basement Windows with Window Well Covers

The most vulnerable spot to take care of is the window if you want to prevent basement flooding. Though many basements don’t have windows, the ones that do tend to be very susceptible to breakage and water damage.

Ask a specialist if your basement window is built to withstand even the heaviest rainstorms or if a window well cover could increase your chances of making it through the rainy season without threat of flooding.

Luckily, those that use their basement as a gym or workspace will still be able to take advantage of natural daylight with a clear acrylic window well cover.

Inspect and/or Replace Your Water Heater

Water heaters present a significant risk of flooding. Over time, water heaters can corrode. You may first notice a small water seep, but if this goes unaddressed, it can result in a catastrophic failure of the unit.

When this happens, significant amounts of water can enter your finished basement, leaving you with a big mess. 

To prevent water damage, recognize that water heaters have a useful life and need to be periodically inspected and/or replaced. Doing so will keep your basement dry and avoid you walking downstairs to find standing water all over your floors.

How to Stop Basement Flooding: When in Doubt, Call a Professional

These days, there is a wide variety of information available regarding basement flooding prevention and how to protect your house from destructive water damage.

Additionally, there is a thriving market of DIY tools and equipment available in order to properly outfit your home against flooding and maintain the many appliances your home uses to protect against water damage from the inside.

Should you find yourself faced with a flooded basement, however, it’s important to leave the toughest work to the professionals. A qualified water damage restoration company like MSS Cleaning, can extract flood water, dry the area and get you back to normal life again.