Aqua Dry Restorations

If water damage has you pulling your hair out, you may be considering how to restore your drywall and ceiling.

Aqua Dry Restoration Co. is a reliable restoration company that can help you with this process. We offer various services that will help return your home to its former glory.

In this blog post, we will reveal a few different methods that can be used to restore water-damaged drywall and ceilings. Keep scrolling to learn more!

Step 1: Target the Problem

A probable cause for water damage is a leaky pipe. In this case, the first step is to identify and fix the problem. This may require the expertise of a professional.

First, turn off all the water in your home to investigate the issue. Then, check for any signs of water damage. Cut into the affected area about 6 square inches in, and locate the source of the moisture.

You might want to consult a professional plumber to cut off the leaky pipe and install a new one.

Step 2: Replace the Sagging Drywall

Drywall is a very porous material, and it does not take long for water to seep in and cause damage. If the drywall is sagging or has fallen off completely, it will need to be replaced.

To do this, remove all the wet drywall by cutting it into small pieces with a utility knife. Then, measure and cut new pieces of drywall to fit the new opening.

Before applying the replacement, however, ensure that the studs and joists are dry. If they are not, the new drywall will also become damaged.

Step 3: Remove Mold Infestation

Along with water penetration comes mold growth. If there is mold present on the drywall, it will need to be removed and treated before you can make any repairs.

Mold removal is a delicate process, and it is best to leave it to the professionals. However, you can try using a mold removal spray or cleaning solution for minor issues.

After removing the problem, you’ll have to address the stains. For minor stains, some scrubbing will remove them; for larger ones, some sanding and repainting might be in order.

Step 4: Cover Water Stains

One of the nastiest side effects of water damage is the unsightly stains it leaves behind. Stains can occur on both the ceilings and walls, which can be challenging to remove.

Grab a paint scraper to remove loose and peeling paint for minor stains. Once that’s done, reach for medium-grit sandpaper. Make sure to sand with progressively lesser grit until the area is smooth.

Next, prime the wall surface and apply your desired paint color to remove imperfections.

Conclusion

Water damage can be a real pain to deal with. Still, thankfully, there are ways to restore your ceilings and walls to their original condition. With a bit of elbow grease and the right tools, you can have your home looking as good as new in no time.

If you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to Aqua Dry Restoration Co. We’re happy to serve Westminster, CO, and we’re always here to help you get your home back in tip-top shape.

Get your free estimate today!

Water damage is a typical problem that homeowners deal with. Water damage usually brings pictures of hurricanes or floods to mind. While these are undoubtedly common causes, water damage can also occur more subtly. It’s often the things we don’t think about that cause the most problems.

The following are five of the most common sources of water damage in homes put together by Aqua Dry Restoration Co. See if you can spot any in your own home!

Gutters, You Monsters!

One of the most common sources of water damage in homes is from clogged gutters. Gutters serve the purpose of carrying water away from your property, but when they become clogged with leaves and other trash, the water may overflow, resulting in significant damage.

In addition to causing water damage to your home, clogged gutters can also lead to ice dams, which can cause even more damage.

Leaky Roofs, the Dread!

Rainwater and melting snow can easily seep through cracks and holes in your roof and cause severe water damage to your home. A leaking roof is your nightmare come true! The leaks can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can be extremely dangerous for your health.

If you notice your roof leaking, it’s essential to have it fixed as soon as possible. Your attic will thank you! The longer you wait, the worse it will get.

Window Wells Can Be a Problem, Too!

Window wells are often forgotten about when it comes to water damage prevention, but they can be a significant source of water damage. If the window well is not sealed correctly or if it’s clogged with debris, rainwater can easily seep into your home.

One way to prevent water damage from window wells is to seal the well with a waterproof membrane. You may also cover the window well with a protective cover to prevent debris from entering it.

Sump Pumps Aren’t Just for Basements.

If you have a sump pump, it’s critical to test it regularly to ensure that it works. A sump pump is intended to extract water from your house and keep your basement dry.

However, water can quickly build up in your basement and cause extensive damage if the sump pump fails. Test your sump pump monthly and have it serviced annually by a professional to prevent this from happening.

Busted Pipes, No Fun!

Busted pipes are another common source of water damage in homes. Pipes can burst for various reasons, such as freezing temperatures or too much pressure. Imagine an overflowing sink or bathtub for a few minutes, and you can get an idea of the damage caused by busted pipes.

If you feel your pipes might be at risk of bursting, make sure you have them checked by a professional and take steps to prevent them from freezing (such as insulating them).

Conclusion:

If you’re unlucky enough to experience water damage in your home in Thornton, don’t despair – Aqua Dry Restoration Co. can help make the process a little bit easier.

We provide free estimates so you can get an idea of the cost of the restoration before starting, and we work swiftly to minimize any damage caused by the water.

Have you ever gone to take a shower and noticed that the water wouldn’t drain? Or maybe your bathtub has been backing up for weeks on end? If so, you’ve officially experienced one of the most common – and frustrating – plumbing problems in existence: hair-triggered drain clogs. Believe it or not, this issue plagues homeowners all across the country, and it can be a real pain to fix.

In this blog post, Aqua-Dry Restoration Co. will list down some of the reasons why hair-triggered drain clogs are such a nightmare for plumbers, as well as provide some helpful tips on how to avoid them altogether.

What Plumbing Problems Do Clogged Hair Cause?

When hair accumulates in a drain, it can form a clot that blocks water flow. This is particularly problematic in a sink or bathtub, as the water can back up and cause flooding.

What Causes Hair to Clog Drains? – Several factors can contribute to hair-triggered drain clogs, including:

  • The use of harsh chemicals in hair products can damage hair and make it more likely to clog drains
  • Washing or clearing excessive hair tufts down the drain at once can also lead to plumbing problems.
  • The roots at the end of a sewer line can also trap hair, leading to clogs

How Can I Prevent Hair from Clogging Drains?

A few steps can help prevent hair from clogging your drains, including:

  • Use a drain catcher or strainer in your sink and tub drains to catch hair before it clogs the drain.
  • Pour a cup of white vinegar down your drain once a week to dissolve any built-up hair and grease.
  • Suck up the water and hair after each shower using a wet/dry vacuum or bath
  • Cut your hair shorter (this will help keep it from clogging the drain)

How Can You Tell Hair is Clogging Your Drain?

Not every slow or clogged drain is a result of hair fall! That being said, if you are seeing signs that hair may be the culprit, such as a drainage backup or gurgling sound coming from your drain, it’s time to take some preventative steps.

You can also call professional drain experts to inspect your plumbing and fixtures. They will be able to tell you if the hair is the cause of your drainage problems and, if so, offer a solution.

Hair-triggered drain clogs are a plumber’s nightmare and can happen to anyone. That’s why it’s essential to take some preventative steps to avoid them in the first place. Aqua-Dry Restoration Co offers full-service mold remediation and water damage restoration services that can help you clean up the plumbing problems at your home in Aurora efficiently. Get a quote today, so you can be sure you’re prepared for anything life throws your way!

Commercial water damage can be a tricky beast to tackle. Still, we can better protect our office spaces from its damaging effects by understanding its origins. Unlike residential water damage, which is often caused by faulty plumbing or natural disasters, commercial water damage is often the result of user error or negligence. In this post, Aqua Dry Restoration Co. will look at some of the most common causes of commercial water damage. And outline steps you can take to prevent it from happening in your office.

Broken or Damaged Pipes

Commercial buildings often include miles of pipeline to supply water for toilets, sinks, and other common areas throughout the building. Commercial buildings may also have extensive underground piping to supply ice melt in the wintertime or provide potable (drinking) water to tenants or employees. Broken piping at any point will result in leaks which can cause severe water damage if not repaired immediately.

Commercial property managers should notice unusual noises when walking through their building, particularly in low-usage areas like stairwells or restrooms. No one will be present during regular work hours. Suppose there are unexplained high volumes of noise coming from a part of the building that is usually quiet. In that case, there may be water damage that has stained ceilings or walls, warped wood floors or cause mold growth.

Leaking Sprinkler Systems

When there is a fire, the idea behind sprinklers is to put it out before firefighters arrive. Water damage to your business will happen if the sprinkler system malfunctions and sprays over flammable items or directly onto electrical appliances.

If you have an open flame near something that has been sprayed, you will have an even bigger problem on your hands. Water damage can result from broken pipes in the walls, too, so be sure to check for damp spots along the baseboard of any room.

Damaged HVAC System

Another major cause of water damage in commercial spaces is a damaged HVAC system. HVAC systems keep office or commercial buildings at a consistent temperature to ensure people are comfortable and that the equipment doesn’t overheat. Commercial-grade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems must withstand constant use and whatever weather conditions might take place outside.

Commercial building owners should maintain their HVAC system annually by having it inspected by a trained technician to look for any defects or damages that may need attention.

Damaged Roof

Commercial water damage can also arise from a damaged roof. When it rains, rainwater flows into the gaps in your roof and then seeps into the building. That’s why you need to get rid of any cracks or broken pieces on your roof as soon as possible to prevent this type of water damage. Commercial water damage is something you should never ignore. Even if it seems small at first, the damages will only worsen and cost more to repair in the future.

The Ending Note

So, whether it’s a busted pipe or an overflowing sink, here are four of the most common sources of water damage in commercial and office spaces. Of course, Aqua Dry Restoration is always here to help. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you find yourself dealing with any water issue in Denver, CO. And remember, prevention is the key. So be sure to connect with us for tips on keeping your property safe from water damage. Get a free estimate.

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of warmer weather (at least for some of us). But before you break out the shorts and sandals, there’s something you should know: mold season is coming. That’s right!

Every year spring arrives, and allergies follow shortly after that. Along with runny noses, sneezing, and watery eyes, another annoyance often pops up during mold season: an increase in home allergens. While you can’t necessarily avoid all of the triggers that set off your allergies, there are ways you can minimize the number of allergens in your home environment.

Keep reading as our experts from Aqua Dry Restoration Co. offer our top tips!

Spring is Beautiful, BUT!

Spring is a beautiful time for homeowners to get outside and enjoy nature. However, spring also means more rain — sometimes too much! When there’s an excessive amount of precipitation during the spring months (or any season), it can cause dampness in your home environment that opens up the door to mold growth.

Mold, What Are You?

Mold spores are microscopic particles so small you can’t see them with your naked eye. These tiny organisms thrive wherever moisture exists; once they find a damp area like this one, they start reproducing rapidly as long as there’s enough food present (i.e., organic material like dust, wood, or drywall). Mold can grow indoors or outdoors in damp places.

My Home is Damp – Why?

Roof Leaks: It is one of the most common causes of moisture problems during springtime due to heavy ice buildup on roofs during the winter months. Ice melts and flows through the roof, causing leaks or structural damage. It is why it’s so important to have a professional inspect your roof after every winter season.

Air Conditioning Water Leakage: If you don’t take proper care of your air conditioners, your AC unit might not make it very long. If there are any broken ducts in your air conditioner system, water can leak inside and cause mold growth to occur on ceilings, walls, and windowsills.

Damp Basements & Crawl Spaces: Springtime weather causes lots of moisture due to melting snow or heavy rainfall. If your property’s drainage is poor, water will pool nearby, and mold will develop in crawl areas or basements.

How to Block Entry of Mold?

Now that you know some common areas where mold can grow, it’s time to learn how to block its entry. The first step is always prevention- keeping your home clean and dry will go a long way in preventing an infestation, not just mold. Here are a few more tips:

  • Regularly check air conditioner ducts and filters for leaks or obstructions; make sure they’re cleaned and replaced when needed
  • Inspect roofing and flashing around vents and chimneys; repair as necessary
  • Repair cracks in foundations and masonry
  • Install proper ventilation in crawl spaces and bathrooms

If, despite your best efforts, you do find evidence of mold growth in your Golden, CO, home, don’t panic! Our Aqua Dry Restoration Co. experts can help you determine the best course of action. We’ll do a thorough inspection and recommend an appropriate plan to remove or repair any damage.

Get a free estimate.

 

Crawlspace encapsulation is a process where you seal off your home’s crawlspace to improve energy efficiency. This has become a popular option for homeowners in recent years, as it can help save on energy costs. There are several advantages and disadvantages to this approach that you should know before deciding to get crawlspace encapsulation.

Aqua Dry Restoration Co professionals discuss the pros and cons of crawlspace encapsulation and help you decide if it is suitable for your home in Westminster, CO.

Pros

Pests Control

Depending on the season, the pests at hand may be ants, termites, spiders, or even rats. Undesirable bugs and vermin can never enter a sealed crawlspace again due to the impenetrable barrier. You’ll need to remove existing pest colonies in your crawlspace, but you will never have to deal with these unwanted visitors if that is done. If you’re stressed over a particular bug, you might even request pest-specific barriers from your contractor.

No More Musty Smell

A sealed crawlspace promotes a reduction in musty smells coming from the crawlspace. Dampness and humidity are ongoing problems associated with a crawlspace, leading to mold, mildew, rot, and fungus growth.

Reduced Heating Bill

Crawlspace encapsulation can also lower your heating bill. Ducts bring cold air from the crawl space into your home during the colder months of the year, which is why they need to be adequately insulated to prevent heat loss. If you seal your insulated ducting except the elbow entry point, you allow cold air to enter your house. Since cold air falls, this means that most of it will enter directly into the crawlspace instead of being forced up the vents and out the registers in each room.

Airtight Seal

When your crawlspace is encapsulated, it creates an airtight seal that prevents hot air from escaping in the winter. Likewise, cool air remains trapped in the summer.

Cons

Cost

Cost is the most apparent disadvantage of crawlspace encapsulation. A homeowner should anticipate paying anything from $1,500 to $15,000 on average for the work. The cost will be determined by the size of your crawlspace, the supplies used, the crawlspace’s condition, and the work needed. Furthermore, you may incur additional fees while preparing for the encapsulation.

Maintenance

Like any other section of your home, you’ll need to maintain your crawlspace as well since you’re no longer disregarding it. This will entail crawlspace inspections on your annual home maintenance checklist to ensure that the area is adequately insulated and maintained.

 

Low Storage

If you don’t have access to your crawlspace through a door, you’ll lose access to a storage area you could have been utilizing. If you maintain storing goods in your crawlspace, you’ll have to breach the seal to get to them, negating the benefits of the encapsulation, so you’ll have to find a new home for them.

Aqua Dry Restoration Co. in Westminster, CO, is an expert cleaning and damage repair firm. We provide water damage restoration, mold remediation, crawl space restoration, sewage clean-up services to homeowners and businesses in Colorado. You can always contact us for help or get a free estimate now!

It’s happened to all of us. We’re taking care of business, and suddenly, we hear the ominous flush of our toilet signaling that something has gone wrong. More often than not, this means that our beloved loo is clogged up and needs some extreme unclogging action. You don’t necessarily need to be a plumber to clear out your commode – with the proper use of a plunger; almost anyone can unclog a toilet in minutes!

This blog post by Aqua Dry Restoration Co will teach you the essentials of plunger use so that you can take care of any clogs that come your way at your home in Thornton, CO.

Type of Plunger to Unclog the Toilet

Plungers aren’t one-size-fits-all, as many people believe. You won’t get the required seal if you attempt to clear a blockage with a cup plunger on a flat and wide toilet opening. The cup plunger is best for sinks and bathtubs, whereas the flange plunger has a rubber flange on end to create a better seal with the drain opening. Flange plungers are the most common type of toilet plungers. A curved flap under the lip of the central cup allows users to seal tight and curvy places like the toilet bowl. It would be wise to buy one of each, so you’re prepared for any clogging situation!

Steps to Unclog a Toilet Using a Flange Plunger

So, what do you need to know to use a plunger effectively? Here are the basics:

  • Ensure that the plunger is placed correctly over the toilet’s drain. The flange, the rubber piece at the bottom of the plunger, should completely cover the toilet bowl hole. If it’s not, you won’t create a good seal, and the plunger will be ineffective. Plunge with a half-filled bowl if possible. If required, add or remove water.
  • Apply gentle pressure to the plunger. You don’t need to use a lot of force. Doing so can damage your toilet! Instead, apply enough pressure to create a tight seal around the drain.
  • Push and pull the plunger up and down in a rhythmic motion. Don’t just plunge it once and then stop – you need to keep the plunger moving to create suction.
  • If the clog is stubborn, continue plunging for about five minutes. A forceful push might result in wasteful splashing.
  • Pour a cup of water into the bowl after removing the original blockage. If the water drains away, you can safely flush the toilet, tidy up, and continue. If the water does not drain from the bowl, you may need assistance from a skilled plumber.

The Gist

No plunger can remove the deposit if the clogs reach deep into the plumbing system. For further assistance, contact Aqua Dry Restoration Co. We specialize in sewage cleanup, water damage restoration, mold remediation, and crawl space restoration services in Thornton, CO. You can also get a free estimate to plan your budget for your restoration project.

Winter has finally arrived, and if you’re like most people, you’re probably preparing for the winter months by turning up the radiator and buying a new coat. But there’s one thing that many homeowners forget about during this time of year: mold prevention.

Mold can be a considerable problem in cold climates because it thrives in warm places with humid air. If your home is constantly damp, it could be contaminated with mold spores. This could lead to all kinds of respiratory problems!

Aqua Dry Restoration Co. will provide some tips on protecting your home in Denver, CO, from mold infestation in this blog post. You’ll be rid of them the whole winter season!

No. 1: Close off Entries

One of the best ways to prevent mold from entering your home is to close off all entrances and exits. This means closing doors and windows, especially during wet or humid weather. If you own a fireplace, make sure to close the flue when it’s not in use.

By limiting the amount of airflow in and out of your home, you’ll prevent mold spores from entering and growing. However, make sure to ventilate the house regularly by opening windows and doors now and then.

No. 2: Keep Humidity at Bay

Another technique to combat mold growth is keeping the humidity levels in your home down. When it comes to winter, you can control humidity with a dehumidifier.

Humid air allows mold spores to thrive, so keep the humidity levels below 50%. In addition, an environment that’s too dry can also lead to health problems, so it’s crucial to find the right balance.

If you’re not able to keep the humidity levels down with a dehumidifier, consider using a moisture barrier like house wrap. A house wrap will prevent moisture from coming into the home, and this will help keep mold spores out.

No. 3: Keep It Clean

A common cause for mold growth is a dirty environment. Make sure to keep your home clean and free of clutter. This will lower the chances of mold growth and make it easier to clean up any accidental spills or leaks.

In addition, make sure to clean your ventilation systems regularly. Dust and dirt can accumulate in these systems over time, leading to mold growth. If you notice that your ventilation systems are dirty, have someone look at them to clean out any debris or dirt that may be present.

No. 4: Refrigerate at Your Own Risk

Along with ensuring the rest of your house is clean, take a peek at your refrigerator coils to ensure they are clean and free of any mold. If the coils have a lot of dirt or dust, this can lead to mold growth in your refrigerator.

Make it a habit to empty the fridge compartment every time you open it up for use. Then wipe down the insides with a damp cloth before putting everything back inside.

This step will keep your food fresh and safe and help prevent the growth of any mold in your fridge.

Conclusion

Those were a few practical, easy-to-follow steps to preventing winter mold growth in your home.

Are you looking for a reliable restoration company to take care of any water or mold damage? Aqua Dry Restoration Co. is for you. We’re always here to help provide top-quality services for our customers in Denver, CO. Get a free estimate today!

Water damage can happen at any time of the year; it doesn’t matter if it is rain, a storm, high humidity, or snow. With water damage to your home’s walls, ceilings, cabinetry & carpets comes a high bill for repairs and bewilderment at how the water got in.

Enter winters & Thornton is already turning into a winter wonderland but not without consequence.

Any cracks, crooks, or crannies about your house’s roof, sidings, windows & attic will undoubtedly let in moisture, but the snowy kind. And then the problems get worse!

Aqua-Dry Restoration Co shares a few of the most common sources of water damage in winter.

Snow Melt

It may be snowing, but the homes are warm inside, melting the snow on contact. A compromised roof will let the meltwater in, and then your attic might develop a silent leak or hopefully a noticeable one. However, if undetected, the meltwater will permeate the attic flooring and begin to rot any wooden beams and floors away if not noticed. It’s best to inspect your attic every week to ensure no glacial melt occurs at your roof’s altitude!

Burst Pipes

Without proper insulation installed around a house’s plumbing, you should anticipate burst pipes from freezing temperatures. When temperatures plummet, the water turns to ice, and ice expands to fill every crevice. That pressure build-up causes pipes to burst and flood certain parts of the house & thousands in damages if not handled. As a savvy homeowner, it’s best to opt for pipe insulation made of foam or fiberglass.

Frozen Plumbing

With the cold & snow, your plumbing can also develop a frozen blockage. Believe us; no one wants a sewage backup in winters when it’s already dreadfully cold to work around water. The resulting damage will have you redo your floors and basement upholstery should the backup happen in h lower levels of your home.

Sandy Water Heaters

Water damage in winters doesn’t necessarily mean it affects only your walls; it can also be the water heating equipment. With temperatures as low as it is in Thornton, the water heaters have to work harder and accumulate mineral deposits that can clog the valves and hinder the efficacy of the heating element. Stuffy valves can also become a cause for leaks.

Thawed Seepage

The most dreaded form of water damage is noticing a faint odor and stripping away the false ceiling or the drywall to find the mold and rotten wooden beams. It can happen in winters, too, as homes tend to be warm in specific areas like the water heater or by the hearth. This freeze/thaw damage can affect wood, concrete & brick structures, so check your home’s walls for seepage and trace it to the water source.

If you feel your Thornton, CO, home is harboring a hidden leak, and you think a portion of your walls is compromised, then don’t hesitate to call upon the services of your local plumbing experts. Aqua-Dry Restoration Co. Feel free to check our no-obligation quotes on services.

Don’t let the cold drip in and rot your lovely homes!

If you have water damage in your home in Denver, CO, don’t wait! Call the professionals right away. If not detected and fixed early, the average cost to repair crawl space damage is nearly $11k. 23% of home damage is caused due to crawlspace issues that require our attention. Look for moisture patches where water may pool, cracking up the walls. Fuzzy mold growth is also a cause of crawl space damage – check under kitchen counters where there is constant heat.

And there’s more which Aqua Dry Restoration will be getting into in this blog post.

Moisture Does More Damage Than You Think

Moisture in your home’s crawl space may be causing more than just an unpleasant smell. It could also lead to rot and structural damage. This costs you in repairs, not only inside the surface but also outside it. Water may seep through cracks between floorboards or onto external walls. If this happens at your home, it could be crawl space damage. Call professionals immediately; we will make sure everything gets taken care of.

Indoor Humidity Might Be Up to Something

Have you been noticing that the air in your home feels more humid than usual? This could be because there’s standing water near or on top of a crawlspace. This can cause mold and other problems. The moisture tries to evaporate inside the walls of your homes over time, causing increased levels of humidity within! You should call an expert when you see condensation buildup. Alternatively, try controlling your high indoor temperatures during the day.

Increasing Energy Bills

Overly humid conditions and damaged crawlspaces can cause higher energy bills. The culprit in these issues is, of course, moisture. High moisture levels inside homes are often caused by a lack of air conditioning and evaporation. The crawlspaces get damaged while you are trying to minimize your electricity usage.

Smell Anything Strange?

If you have a musty smell around your home, it might be coming from the crawlspace. Crawl spaces are prone to mold and mildew, courtesy of high moisture buildup. Gaps or cracks that may widen over time become perfect homes for lost little critters. They can get stuck here and die. Rats and mice get caught up in these cracks more often. Their bodies begin to rot, causing the awful smells you might be able to smell.

Here’s Something Different – Foundation Issues!

Foundation cracks, sticking doors, and cabinets separating from the wall are all symptoms of a faulty foundation. If you run into one or more of these signs in your home, get help. A moisture-filled crawl space can cause damage within the walls of your home and ultimately reach the foundation. Moisture also causes wood framing structures, beams, and whatnot, to rot away. You would need to pay for some significant deconstruction to rebuild correctly. See how damaging it can be?

Aqua Dry Restoration, serving Denver, CO, offers Water Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation, Crawl Space Restoration, and Sewage Cleanup. Get your free estimate, and we will come to fix your damaged crawl spaces. Contact us to start right ahead.