Water Heaters and Water Damage

Water Heaters and Water Damage Project X Restoration DenverIt is a fact that our home appliances don’t last forever. Water heaters and water damage can be disastrous. At Project X Restoration in Denver, we want to let you know how to spot any potential issues and what to do if you have an emergency.

Water Damage

The typical water heater has a lifespan of 10 years on average. Many water heaters degrade over time and what frequently happens is that the connections where the water comes in and goes out are easy to miss. This means the leak can do large amounts of damage over time. The moisture can saturate the drywall and wick away to a much larger area. It can create an ideal environment for mold growth.

Mold can develop in warm wet spaces very quickly and unfortunately the longer the problem goes unnoticed, the larger the damage and destruction can be. In some houses, the water heater is not even visible and is tucked in a rarely trafficked area or may be surrounded by boxes and storage.

Damage Spreading

The water damage can spread to adjoining areas. If your water heater shares a wall with your kitchen cabinets, your cabinets could be soaking up the leaking water and be on the way to ruin. Entire walls can end up being ruined by a small slow leak.

On the other end of the damage spectrum is a water heater failure due to a tank rupture. If you’ve ever dropped a gallon of milk and watched it spill across the floor, you may have a small scale visual. Just expand it to 40 or 50 gallons and imagine the damage. One water heater housed in the middle of the home can actually flood an entire house with an inch or 2 of water. When it comes to water heaters and water damage, this is your worst case scenario.

Preventing Damage

The primary thing you can do to avoid problems is to inspect your water heater regularly. Be sure to check for moisture around the connections and look for any pooling water or mold. If you find any signs of trouble, you are going to need to have your water heater repaired or replaced. You are also going to need to have any damaged areas repaired and have mold mitigated. Call a service such as Project X Restoration in Denver for help.

If you are renovating, you may consider moving your water heater to an area where there is less possibility of damage, such as your garage. Also, consider installing a metal stand for water heaters. These stands have water trays that help alert you to a leak before it gets far.

Worst Case Scenario

If your water heater suddenly bursts, contact a water damage and restoration expert. They can remove large amounts of water quickly and help you get your home back to normal. They can also help with mold mitigation and make recommendations on needed repairs and recommend additional contractors to use if needed.

If you have problems with water heaters and water damage, contact us here at Project X Restoration in Denver. We are water damage restoration experts and even provide mold removal and remediation if you need it. Call us 24/7 for professional, emergency response.

Home Renovations and Asbestos

Home Renovations and Asbestos Project X Restoration DenverHere at Project X Restoration in Denver, we want to share a little about home renovations and asbestos because a lot of people don’t realize that this deadly substance may be lurking in their home, particularly older homes. So, before you swing a sledgehammer on updating your home, it might be wise to take it slow and call for abatement at the first sign of trouble.

Asbestos in the Home

Asbestos has been used in building in the United State for hundreds of years. It is considered an excellent material to use because it is resistant to fire and is a strong material in spite of being relatively lightweight. Cement also adheres to it very easily. It was used extensively until scientists discovered that once it became airborne, asbestos could cause a number of illnesses and is a leading cause of mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer of the lungs’ lining. 

Restrictions on building using asbestos were originally placed in 1973 and by 1989 it was almost banned completely. In 1991, the federal courts overturned the last ban and today the U.S. is one of a handful of developed nations that has not completely banned the use of asbestos. It is still used in a number of home building materials today but they are produced so that the asbestos is contained and shouldn’t pose any health issues.

Illnesses from Asbestos

When asbestos is inhaled, the tiny fibers can lodge in the lungs. They accumulate there and cause damage. Exposure to asbestos can be responsible for pleural effusions, which are a buildup of fluid between the lungs and the wall of the chest, pleural plaque, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos Products

Currently, asbestos is banned in flooring felt, rollboard, corrugated paper, or commercial and specialty paper. Additionally, pipe-insulation, wall patching compound, and artificial fireplace embers, and spray-applied surfacing material cannot contain asbestos. Asbestos cannot be added to new products or materials that have not historically contained asbestos.

However, there are still a number of products that can contain asbestos. These products include vinyl floor tiles, roofing felt, pipe wrap, cement shingles, and more. This makes home renovations and asbestos almost inevitable if it was built prior to the ban.

Remodeling with Asbestos

If the asbestos in your home is well contained, you probably don’t have to be very concerned with removal. Older homes (built before the mid-1980’s) have the greatest risk of asbestos exposure during a remodel. If you are concerned about being exposed to asbestos, contact a professional asbestos abatement company, such as Project X Restoration in Denver. Professionals know how to best remove asbestos to safely and effectively, without exposing anyone.

Materials that Could Be an Issue

It is important to understand which materials are likely to have asbestos. Problematic materials should be removed by an asbestos abatement professional. These material include:

  • Older vinyl or linoleum and the glue used
  • Insulation
  • Outdoor siding
  • Decorative plaster
  • Drywall patching and joint compound
  • Flat roofing materials

If you are performing home renovations and asbestos is found, contact us here at Project X Restoration in Denver. Even if you’re not sure what to look for, we recommend that you stop right away if you see white fibrous material breaking apart when you demolish or remove any materials and clear the area. Contact our professionals, and we’ll send someone out right away for a professional assessment.