What to Do if Your Basement Floods

What to Do if Your Basement FloodsWhen a basement floods, even the most experienced DIY homeowners in the Denver area should weigh the many cons that come with taking on the job yourself. Here, our water disaster experts at Project X Restoration in Denver provide a bit of advice on what to do if your basement floods.

First and foremost, do not to enter the flooded area until a qualified professional tells you it is safe.

Your first concern needs to be the health and safety of you and your family. A flooded basement is extremely dangerous. These are just some of the hazards of flooded basements:

  • Electrical Shock

A wet basement creates a real danger of electrical shock. Don’t turn on the lights or touch the electrical plugs. Be careful, but if it’s safe, turn off the electrical power at the main breaker box.

  • Pollutants

A flooded basement may have raw sewage that may contain bacteria bringing sickness and diseases. Wear protective items including gloves, safety glasses, a face mask and be sure to wash thoroughly after any contact with sewage or items touched by sewage.

  • Gas leaks

This should be a no-brainer when it comes to what to do if your basement floods. If you smell gas, get everyone out of the house right away. When you are safe, contact your utility company. They may even have an emergency line for this purpose.

  • Chemicals

Even during the cleaning up phase, there are many contaminants in the water both from the flood water and from the harsh cleaning mixtures. Don’t go in the water unless you have to.

  • Structural Damage

Some floods even weaken structural elements such as the walls and ceilings. If there are any signs of compromise, leave the area immediately.

  • Sewage Backup

If a sewage backup caused the flooding or you are not sure yet, don’t run the washing machine or dishwasher, and don’t flush the toilet because it might make the flooding worse. 

What to Do if Your Basement Floods

If a burst water supply pipe caused the flooding, shut off the main incoming water valve to help reduce damage. Flood water from a pipe will be clean and usually comes from an upper level of the house. You should always know where your house water shut-off is located and keep clear, safe access to it.

Once you and your family are safe, your next step is to make two phone calls. One to your insurance company and one to Project X to mitigate damage right away. For any water or flood emergency, we’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And we can even be on site anywhere in the Denver metro area in an hour or less and get to work right away. We’ll stop the water damage before it spreads and get your home or business back to its pre-loss condition.It’s important to know what to do if your basement floods. Our water disaster experts at Project X Restoration in Denver can help keep you and your family safe and begin to mitigate the flood damage.

Water Extraction Services

Water Extraction ServicesWhen you experience water damage, there’s no time to waste. That’s why Project X Restoration in Denver is available for any water or flood emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our goals are to stop the water damage before it spreads and get your home or business back to its original condition with our water extraction services.

Shut Down the Source

The first step is to find the water source and shut it down. Next is an assessment of the entire situation, including all damages and safety issues like asbestos. At Project X, we develop a customized restoration plan and provide a free, detailed estimate. 

Health Issues

Standing water from flooding or a burst pipe can cause health problems, and sometimes in severe cases, even death. That’s why it’s best to allow the experts to retrieve and salvage your possessions. It may be possible to restore damaged papers, books and photographs if you get them soon enough. We can also salvage and recycle materials, or dispose of them properly.

Remove Standing Water

Clean-up starts with water extraction services. This typically utilizes safety gear for all technicians and specialized equipment such as submersible pumps, truck-mounted vacuums, and other apparatus as necessary. Extracting the majority of standing water from an affected area will help stop water damage from spreading and mold from growing.

At Project X, we also use infrared cameras to assess saturation and find any water that may have gotten behind your walls or in the ceiling. With the extraction complete, we’ll decide whether it’s necessary to remove your carpet and carpet pad to keep the integrity of your subfloor.

Drying

Once the water  is removed, it’s time to completely dry your floors, walls, and other items. This is a crucial step in water extraction services, especially if you want to avoid warping, swelling, mold, and other ongoing issues that will undermine restoration efforts.

Using industrial-strength fans and dehumidifiers, the process reduces the humidity and dries out your carpet, furniture, drywall, wood, and other materials. And highly specialized instruments will be used to assess moisture levels in the floors, walls, and other areas until they reach a proper level.

Dehumidification enables you to salvage and repurpose as much of the original materials as possible. This reduces your costs while restoring the interior of your home to its pre-flood condition.

Cleaning

Once everything is dried out, returning your home or business back to normal will take a lot of cleaning. At Project X, this is one of our specialties. We provide the necessary cleaning techniques, equipment and tools needed to restore as many items as possible.

Odors

Finally, a portable filtration system (air scrubber) can be used to remove any offensive odors that may linger after water extraction services. We sanitize and disinfect using industrial-grade cleaning agents, as well as discard any damaged items with your approval and according to insurance guidelines.

Standing water can be devastating. It can cause damage and disease that only gets worse the longer you wait. So, call Project X Restoration in Denver 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Our professionals can be on-site anywhere in the Denver metro area in an hour or less. And our water extraction services can get your home or business back to its original condition. Give us a call, we’re here to help.

Sump Pumps are Important to Keep Your Home Safe from Water Damage

Sump Pumps are Important to Keep Your Home Safe from Water DamageAfter heavy rains or snow melt, protecting your home from destructive water damage takes a properly functioning sump pump. In fact, our experts at Project X Restoration in Denver know exactly why sump pumps are important to keep your home safe from water damage. We’ve seen what happens when they don’t do their job, so give our tips a read and make sure your sump pump is ready for anything.

You may be wondering, what does a sump pump do? If there’s standing water around your home, your sump pump removes the excess water around the foundation and helps prevent water damage. As you can imagine, anything that protects your foundation needs to work, especially in an emergency. When it comes to your sump pump, regular maintenance and inspections will ensure you’re protected.

Here’s what you need to do to keep your sump pump in good working order:

Inspection

Inspect your sump pump every week or so to make sure it’s working correctly. Don’t wait until you have water around your house to see if the pump works. If you take care of it, it will do its job when the rain and snow come.

Testing

Because you want your sump pump to be ready when you need it, you need to test it to make sure it is working properly. Get into a habit of testing your sump pump twice a year, before spring and fall are a great rule of thumb. Here’s how:

  • Locate the exit pipe that drains the water from the pump outside your home. Look at the pipe and make sure it isn’t clogged with dirt or gunk. Also, make sure it directs water away from your home’s foundation.
  • Locate your sump pump, which is usually installed in the basement or crawlspace, near the walls of the foundation. Remove the lid and remove any debris to make sure the pump isn’t clogged.
  • Trace the two electrical cords of the sump pump. The pump cord plugs into the back of the float cord plug. Unplug both cords, then plug only the pump cord back into the outlet. The pump should turn on immediately. If you hear a humming sound, the pump is running properly.
  • Plug the two cords back as they were – the float cord first, then the pump cord into the back of float plug.

If your sump pump doesn’t have two cords then use the methods below.

  • Slowly pour about 5 gallons of water into the pump pit until the float rises. Listen for the pump to kick on. Make the water gets pumped out and the pump turns itself off when it’s pumped all the water. Do this test twice to ensure the pump works.
  • If you can’t pour water into the sump pump, then lift the float with your hand and check that the pump turns on. However, don’t let the pump run for more than a few seconds or it could damage the motor.

If these methods of testing your sump pump don’t work, be sure to have it serviced by a professional.

Clean and Maintain

If your sump pump has been used, mud, leaves, pebbles and other gunk can create a clog over time. This can cause the pump to shut off before it should. When you’re cleaning the filter, go ahead and clear the entire pump and pit. Start by unplugging the sump pump and disconnecting the drain line. Take them outside and use a garden hose to flush out all the debris and clogs, and flush the entire unit with water.

Don’t forget to clean the sump pit. Make sure you take off anything that might clog the drain line. When the pump is reconnected, pour some water into the pit and check to see if the sump pump works.

Replace the Batteries

Don’t forget that some sump pumps have a backup battery. Check your owner’s manual and periodically replace the batteries. Sometimes heavy rains and electrical failures occur at the same time. If this happens, your battery backup could save your basement from water damage.

Normally a sump pump will have to be replaced about every seven years. If you follow this procedure for routine maintenance it could prolong the life of your sump pump.

Sump pumps are important to keep your home safe from water damage. When the heavy rains or snow melt come, being prepared will give you peace of mind.  Our experts at Project X Restoration in Denver know how traumatic the destruction from water damage can be. If you need help with cleanup or mold remediation caused by water damage, our restoration experts are here to help you.

How to Handle Water and Storm Damage

How to Handle Water and Storm DamageIf your home experiences flooding, you can trust that Project X Restoration in Denver knows how to handle water and storm damage. Call us right away so that we can address it, help prevent further damage and mitigate your losses. The quicker we can take care of it the better, that’s why we offer emergency response 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

When your house floods, it’s natural to be at a loss and unsure of next steps. Here are some tips on what actions you can take to help the process of getting your home back to normal.

  • Call Your Insurance Company

As soon as you are safe, call your insurance company. If you can, take photographs of the damage to give to your agent. If the flooding has forced you to stay in a hotel or you’ve had to buy home repair materials, be sure to keep the receipts because you may get reimbursed by your insurance company.

  • Check the Pipes

Check the pipes inside and outside your home. If you need to, shut off the home’s water supply at the main valve. If your home experiences sewage backup, don’t use any other sink or toilet. 

  • Check the Roof

If a storm caused the flooding, find out if your roof is damaged or missing shingles. If it’s a small area just cover it with a plastic sheet or tarpaulin.

  • Disconnect Appliances

Home appliances need to be unplugged if their power source is exposed to water. Turn off the power at the main circuit breaker. Electric sparks, frayed wires, and wires that were submerged are big problems. Don’t plug them back in until it’s safe.

When In Doubt…

If you have any concerns about your safety, your best bet is to call Project X. We are used to this type of situation and utilize proven safety measures. Water damage restoration can be dangerous, and you should always leave it to the professionals. We want you to be safe, but if you take any action before you call us, here are some tips.

  • Always wear protective gear. Wear boots and gloves to protect your hands and feet. Don’t forget goggles for your eyes. You may also need a respirator, which will protect you from breathing in
  • Remove all porous items that have been contaminated by floodwater, like padding, carpeting, furniture, and drapes.
  • Use dehumidifiers and air movers to try to dry out the wet area.
  • Some items can’t be saved. Throw away all cosmetics, medicines, and foods, even canned goods, that have been submerged in water.
  • Check for moisture behind drywall, and take out any damaged portions so mold won’t grow.
  • Wash floors and cabinets with soap or detergent.
  • Disinfect as much as you can with a bleach and water mixture.
  • Make a photographic or video recording of everything you discard.

 

If your car is damaged by storm waters, call your insurance agent. Cover any broken windows of the car and list items in the car that were damaged or lost as a result of the flood.

Flooding in your home can be devastating, but our experts at Project X Restoration in Denver are here to assist you in recovery. We know how to handle water and storm damage, so call us immediately and let us help prevent further loss. We’re available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call or contact us any time of the day or night.

How Professionals Remove Mold From Different Surfaces

How Professionals Remove Mold From Different SurfacesMold can strike fear into homeowners, but don’t worry, you will feel relieved when you hear how professionals remove mold from different surfaces. Project X in Denver knows your situation is not as scary when you get professionals to address it the right way.

The most important thing to remember is that when there is mold, you need to get it removed right away. Certain types of mold can cause serious health problems, including throat irritation, coughing, eye irritation, and nasal stuffiness. A good professional mold removal company can use the appropriate cleaning techniques to protect the people in your home or business.

Many times mold is found in your tile and grout because mold needs water to grow. Mold can be removed by using a mold-killing solution and a lot of scrubbing. If there are excessive amounts of mold on your grout, it may need to be bleached to get out the stains. Once all the mold and stains are gone, a grout sealer can be used to prevent the mold from growing back. If the stains cannot be removed then the grout will need to be replaced.

Sometimes mold grows on the walls. If the drywall is not painted it will need to be removed. It’s not necessary to always remove the whole wall. Sometimes if the mold is found in time, the portions that have mold can be sliced out with a utility knife. After it’s been removed, the spot can be patched.

If you have mold on primed or painted drywall, usually it is only on the surface. The mold can be removed by wiping it down with a mold-killing cleaning solution.

Mold is sometimes found on carpet or rugs, especially in damp areas like basements. If the mold is on wall-to-wall carpeting, it will need to be removed and thrown away. If you don’t get rid of it, despite cleaning, the mold is likely to return. It’s best just to dispose of it.

However, if you have an area rug that has mold, scrubbing it with a mold-killing solution can get rid of the mold in most cases. After scrubbing, the rug will be placed outside to dry in the sun. When it is completely dry, it will be vacuumed with a special HEPA vacuum that will remove any mold spores that still remain.

Depending on how much mold is found, you may need a complete cleaning of your HVAC systems in order to thoroughly remove mold spores and toxins from the air.

We all know that mold can cause serious damage to your home or business and the health of people exposed to it. But Project X in Denver hopes that after knowing how professionals remove mold from different surfaces, you will feel confident that mold can be dealt with and your home or business restored to a safe state.

Have you spotted mold in your home or business? Contact Project X for an inspection and any remediation work that you might need. We’re here to help.

In Chicago, Business is Booming for Crime-Scene Cleaners

In Chicago, Business is Booming for Crime-Scene CleanersAccording to an article in the Chicago Tribune, business is booming for crime-scene cleaners in Chicago. Project X in Denver knows that it’s not an easy job to handle the sensitive nature of the situation, as well as possess the knowledge and skill to properly manage biohazard disposal.

Crime scene cleaning companies began in the early 1990s, and today there are 500 to 800 companies specializing in it nationwide. According to the Chicago Tribune article, the number of crime-scene cleaning companies in the area has tripled recently. This is due in part to an increased awareness of contamination and disease, and the effort made by cities eliminate homes and structures affected by hoarding.

Biohazard clean-up companies are used to clean up homicides, unattended deaths, suicides, and the homes of hoarders. In addition, they might be called to clean the interiors of cars and trucks after accidents, as well as meth labs. This expanding profession is mostly unregulated. However, companies must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for employees, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations for biohazard disposal.

Cleaners wear breathing apparatuses and biohazard suits, with their feet wrapped and gloves taped at their wrists. The basic process starts with using an enzyme to open cells, then applying chemicals to kill the bacteria. Then, two more industrial strength cleaners are used to ensure proper sanitation of the scene.

On top of the physical clean-up, biohazard cleaners must handle a very troubling situation that may create an emotional response. There may be body fluids and human matter on the floors, ceilings, and walls. The smell alone can often be overwhelming. Sometimes the deceased have not been discovered for several days, or there may be more than one victim and a much larger clean-up.

The emotional side of knowing what went on at the crime scene can be difficult for the cleaners, especially if a child was involved. Every scene is a tragedy and the biohazard cleaner must find a way to stay removed and keep focused on returning the area to its original condition.

Even when the clean-up is completed, the job isn’t finished. All biohazards must then be properly disposed of in specially designed plastic bags that go inside containers and are destroyed with pressurized steam sterilization.

Not surprisingly, this kind of clean-up can be expensive, running from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the site and extent of the damage. If a body is decomposed, the clean-up is more complicated due to the need to remove and rebuild floors, ceilings, or walls.

According to a Chicago Tribune article, business is booming for crime scene cleaners in Chicago. As Project X in Denver knows, most biohazard situations require professional clean-up to prevent both contamination and disease, as well as the fortitude to deal with the emotional nature of these situations. If you need crime scene clean-up, Project X is here to help you through this difficult time. Please get in touch for information.

Cleaning Up A Hoarders House

Cleaning Up A Hoarders House

h_proj_xHoarding is a disease that few people can comprehend. It is a disease characterized by the excessive acquisition of and unwillingness to discard large quantitates of objects that cover the living areas of the home. It is an indication of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can start as early as the age of 13 and become severe in the 40’s and 50’s. The International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCD) reports that 1-20 people may have “significant hoarding problems” triggered by a traumatic event such as the death of a loved one. It can also be dangerous and involve risk from fire, poor sanitation, and other health concerns. If you have a loved one in your family who suffers from this type of affliction can make cleaning up a hoarders house a daunting task.

 

It’s important to determine what type of hoarder you are dealing with. There are two basic types; object hoarding and animal hoarding. An animal hoarder has numerous animals but can not provide adequate feeding and care for them. They don’t keep them in a clean environment and seldom if ever take them to the vet.

If you are dealing with an animal hoarder, you need to be prepared for live animals running through the trash and the droppings which will be all over the home. Droppings contain all sorts of diseases, and it’s best to consult a professional. Project X Restoration provides help for families of hoarders and hoarders themselves.

When people hoard papers, clothes, packaging wrappers, sale items or just about anything, they are an object hoarder. They may even hoard trash and garbage. Not only will there be items within the home but the exterior of the home may be loaded with debris.

Project X Restoration understands the emotional impact of hoarding. We will help you work through the process and design a plan specific to your needs. It’s important to determine what is worth saving and what needs to be donated and what needs to be thrown away.

No matter what type of clutter it can result in contaminants that can be toxic and pose serious health issues. A professional clean up team is equipped with the proper equipment to declutter and eliminate mold, contaminants, odors and biohazards.

Hoarding cleanup is a specialized cleaning field. It requires compassion and the knowledge to clean thoroughly and eliminate any toxins that exist. We also know that you must feel comfortable and safe with the company you hire. We are first and foremost committed to being respectful, compassionate, and discrete when we work with all our clients. Project X Restoration will help you and your family clean up after a hoarder dies in the home with the professionalism you expect from us.

Water Damage Restoration

Water damage restoration is a large and complicated problem and you need a team of professionals that are experienced in dealing with such situations.  

Project X Restoration serving Denver and up and down the front range has the expertise you need to deal with your water damage restoration problem. It’s important to hire the right company because not only do you have to solve the water problem you have to deal with the clean-up and restoration of the property.  

Water damage restoration can include the repair of your interior basement walls including drywall replacement. You could end up sealing leaky foundation and basement walls if your basement is suffering from improper grading and drainage issues.  Repairing and replacing windows if your basement walls are not below ground level including window wells. There is wet and damaged carpeting or flooring that will either need to be cleaned, repaired or replaced.  Finally, if standing water has been an ongoing problem in your home black mold could be inhabiting the space and will need to be dealt with in a safe and expedient manner as the health risks to family and pets can be significant.

water damage restoration Denver

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to report after a heavy rain they have water in the basement.  There are some facts you should know before you spend any money on waterproofing your basement.

The presence of water in a basement is a major headache that requires a professional plan to deal with these issues in the right order.  In addition to water damage to your belongings, there is a potential for mold and bacteria to grow.  To avoid water damage in your basement, you need to understand the various ways water can get into your basement.  It’s important to educate yourself on “why” you are having a problem so that further damage and expense can be avoided.

Leaking Window Wells

The window wells around your home serve a purpose in addition to being decorative.  They are positioned outside or at ground level windows to keep water and soil away from the window and let in natural sunlight.  They work to keep groundwater and draining rain water away unless your entire drainage system isn’t working properly, then window wells may have trouble doing their job

If your gutters are full of debris, and they overflow, this is another common source of rainwater overflowing your gutters and filling up your window wells.  Keeping your gutters clean and your downspouts draining well will ensure that water is kept outside of your basement and not leaking in through the window wells.

Leak At The Top of the Basement Wall 

If the ground around your basement is near level, water can leak into your basement over the top of your foundation/basement wall.  The problem can is worse if the ground is sloping into the house.  When rainwater is draining back towards your house, instead of away from it, it may find an entry point above the basement wall.  This type of problem is common in older homes.  

Improper Gutters Systems Contribute To Many Basement Leaks

It’s also important to take a look at your downspouts.  If they are not long enough, or not pointed away from the home, it could be discharging rain water right into your basement over the top of the basement wall.

Leaking Basement Wall or Cracks

One of the most severe issues are cracks in the basement and foundation walls.  You can’t just repair the crack; you need to know what caused the crack in the first place to avoid additional cracking. Most likely, the crack in your basement wall was created by pressure.  If water is allowed to flow back towards the home, it creates a reservoir of wet dirt.  Pressure builds up pushing the water against your wall, and it either finds existing cracks to seep through or creates new ones.

When you find water damage It’s always best to contact a professional water damage restoration company to help you as this is typically not a do it yourself repair due to the complexity.   Project X Restoration in Denver is a full-service water damage restoration company and can help you get your home or business back to where it should be.  Call us today to schedule an immediate evaluation of your water damage problems.

 

Mold Removal Company

When you’ve had water damage in your home or business, you may need to hire a professional mold removal company.  

Project X Restoration is a Denver professional mold inspection, detection, and mold removal company.  We will provide an unbiased mold inspection for your home or commercial property at prices you can afford.

When flood waters or leaks invade a home, there are all types of damage that can occur. One of the most dangerous aspects of water invasions is the mold growth that almost always ensues. Unfortunately, mold growth can be dangerous, causing people to become ill. With toxic mold exposure, some people can even die. Through Mold Cleanup Service in Rockville MD, a home can be free of the dangerous mold, so there are no dangers to the occupants’ health.

mold removal company

What do you do if you think you have a mold cleanup problem in your home?  If you live in Denver, you might think it’s impossible to have a mold problem because the climate is so dry but you would be wrong as Its common in Denver. In a study done by the University of Arizona, 100 percent of homes have mold although it may not be the dangerous kind. 

The words mold strike fear in most people.  Not only unsightly, black mold is highly toxic and can make you and your family sick. Some of the telltale signs of mold can include; water damage, swelling of trim and walls, visible mold, musty odors, excessive humidity, discoloration on building materials.  What do you do if you suspect you have Black Mold in your home?  The first thing is to identify where the water problem is and fix it immediately.  From there it is important to identify what type of mold you have in your home or business.

If you suspect mold is in your home, it’s important to understand what it is and how it can grow into a serious problem.  Molds reproduce by tiny spores that are invisible to the naked eye. When surfaces are wet, and the tiny spores land on these wet surfaces, mold will begin to grow indoors. There are many types of mold, and each type requires water or moisture to grow.

Excessive amounts of any mold can present health concerns. Some people are sensitive and can suffer from allergic reactions to molds. Most common symptoms from exposure to molds can cause nasal stuffiness, wheezing, eye or skin irritation.   People with serious allergies to molds may have more severe reactions including fever and shortness of breath.  It’s also possible for those individuals with chronic lung disease to develop mold infections in their lungs.

There are several different types of mold and various levels of toxicity. If you suspect Black Mold is in your home, it’s important to hire a professional to eliminate the mold quickly and accurately.  Our experts will determine the species of mold and what type of remediation you will need for its removal.   We offer free on-site mold inspections for your home or commercial property and will let you know what you are dealing with regarding your mold problems.

If you suspect Black Mold is in your home, it’s essential to action right away.  Project X Restoration can put your mind at ease.  We make sure to inspect every inch of your property from attic to crawlspace and provide you with a detailed estimate and professional recommendations to alleviate your problem.  We have the knowledge and experience to help you when you need it most.