Restoration FAQ

Water Damage

  • Most standard homeowner's insurance policies cover water damage if it's "sudden and accidental," such as a burst pipe, a malfunctioning appliance, or damage from a storm that impacts your roof or windows. However, policies typically do not cover damage from floods (which requires separate flood insurance), gradual leaks due to lack of maintenance, or sewage backups unless you have specific endorsements for those. Always review your policy for exact coverage details and exclusions.

  • Your first priority is safety. If possible, turn off the water supply to the affected area or your main water line, and if there's any electrical risk, turn off the power. Then, call Longmont Water Damage immediately at 720-702-8350 for emergency water extraction. The faster professionals respond, the more damage can be prevented, especially secondary issues like mold growth. Document the damage with photos/videos.

  • Mold can begin to grow rapidly, often within 24 to 48 hours of water intrusion if moisture conditions are right. This is why immediate water extraction, drying, and dehumidification by professionals are critical to preventing mold infestation and subsequent health risks.

  • The duration of the water damage restoration process varies significantly depending on the severity of the damage, the category of water involved, and the materials affected. Minor water issues might be resolved in a few days, while extensive damage requiring structural drying and reconstruction could take several weeks. Longmont Water Damage provides an estimated timeline after our initial assessment.

  • Whether you need to vacate your home depends on the extent of the water damage and the type of water involved. For Category 3 (sewage) water, or extensive damage requiring significant demolition and drying equipment, temporary relocation is often recommended for safety and comfort. For smaller, contained clean water losses, it might be possible to remain in unaffected areas.

  • If the water damage is covered by your policy, it generally helps pay for: the repair or rebuilding of your home's structure (dwelling coverage), replacement of personal belongings (personal property coverage), professional water extraction and drying services (mitigation), and often "Additional Living Expenses" (ALE) if your home becomes uninhabitable during restoration. Most policies, however, won't cover the cost to repair the source of the water damage itself (e.g., the burst pipe, not the resulting water damage).

  • Clean Water (Category 1): From a sanitary source like a broken water supply line, toilet tank, or rain. Poses no immediate health threat.

    Gray Water (Category 2): Contains some contaminants (e.g., washing machine overflow, dishwasher discharge, sump pump failure). Can cause illness if ingested.

    Black Water (Category 3): Highly contaminated and unsanitary (e.g., sewage backups, river floods, contaminated ground surface water). Contains harmful bacteria and fungi; poses severe health risks. This requires specialized biohazard cleanup.

  • For light water damage, you can try to move salvageable items to a dry area. For significant damage, especially with gray or black water, avoid handling items yourself. Longmont Water Damage offers content salvage and restoration services, carefully assessing, cleaning, sanitizing, and storing salvageable belongings while your property is restored. Document all damaged items with photos for your insurance claim.

  • You have the right to choose your own water damage restoration company. While your insurance company might provide a list of preferred vendors, you are not obligated to use them. It's important to select a reputable, local, and IICRC-certified company like Longmont Water Damage that you trust to handle your property's recovery efficiently and professionally.

  • Filing a claim can sometimes affect your future insurance premiums, especially if you've filed multiple claims recently or if the cause of the water damage is deemed preventable. However, the impact varies significantly by insurer and policy. It's often still advisable to file a claim for significant damage, as the cost of out-of-pocket repairs could be far greater than any potential premium increase over time.

Fire & Smoke Damage

  • Yes, in almost all cases, a standard homeowner's insurance policy does cover fire and smoke damage. Fire is considered a primary peril. This coverage typically extends to damage from the flames, smoke, soot, and even the water or chemicals used by firefighters to extinguish the blaze. However, it's always wise to review your specific policy for any unique exclusions or limitations.tion text goes here

  • Your first priority is safety for yourself and your family; ensure everyone is accounted for and safe. Once the fire department has cleared the scene and deemed the property safe to enter (if at all), contact Longmont Water Damage immediately by calling 720-702-8350. We can secure the property with board-up services and begin the assessment process to prevent further damage. Also, notify your insurance company as soon as possible.

  • The duration of fire and smoke damage restoration varies greatly depending on the extent of the damage. Minor smoke damage might take a few days to a week to clean and deodorize. However, moderate to severe fires requiring extensive soot removal, structural repairs, or reconstruction could take several weeks to many months depending on insurance approvals. Longmont Water Damage will provide a clear timeline after our detailed assessment.

  • Whether you need to vacate your home depends on the severity of the fire and smoke damage and the scope of work. If your home's structural integrity is compromised, or if there's extensive smoke, soot, or biohazard contamination, temporary relocation is usually necessary for your safety and health. For smaller, contained areas, it might be possible to remain in unaffected parts of your home.

  • Fire and smoke cause more than just visible charring. Soot and smoke particles can travel through HVAC systems, affecting areas far from the fire's origin, settling into porous materials like upholstery, clothing, and even inside walls. Heat can warp plastics, dislodge tiles, and weaken structural elements. Water used by firefighters can also cause significant secondary water damage and lead to mold growth.

  • Eliminating stubborn smoke odors requires specialized techniques. Longmont Water Damage uses a combination of methods, including removing all smoke-damaged materials, thorough cleaning of all surfaces, and advanced deodorization techniques such as thermal fogging, ozone treatments, and hydroxyl generators. These methods neutralize the odor molecules at their source, rather than just masking them.

  • For salvageable personal belongings, Longmont Water Damage offers content cleaning and pack-out services. We carefully inventory, clean, sanitize, and deodorize items like furniture, clothing, documents, and electronics. These items may be stored in our secure facility while your property is being restored, then returned once your home is clean and safe.

  • After notifying your insurer, they will assign an adjuster to assess the damage. You'll need to provide documentation, including photos, videos, and an inventory of damaged items. Keep detailed records of all communication, temporary living expenses, and receipts for any emergency repairs. Longmont Water Damage can work directly with your insurance company, providing necessary documentation and estimates to streamline the claims process.

  • Yes, beyond cleaning and mitigation, Longmont Water Damage provides comprehensive structural repair and reconstruction services. Once the property is thoroughly cleaned and deodorized, we can rebuild damaged walls, flooring, ceilings, and other structural components, ensuring your property is fully restored to its pre-loss condition, making us your single point of contact for complete recovery.

Mold Damage

  • You should contact a professional like Longmont Water Damage at 720-702-8350 if you detect a musty odor but no visible mold, if you see mold covering an area larger than 10 square feet, if mold appears after significant water damage, if you or family members are experiencing mold-related health issues, or if the mold is in your HVAC system. Attempting to clean large mold infestations yourself can spread spores and worsen the problem.

  • A professional mold inspection by Longmont Water Damage involves a thorough visual assessment of your property, including areas prone to moisture like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. We use specialized tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture and potential mold growth behind walls or under flooring. Air and surface samples may be taken if the source or extent of the mold is unclear, or for post-remediation verification.

  • Generally, homeowners insurance will cover mold removal only if the mold is a direct result of a "sudden and accidental" event that is already covered by your policy, such as a burst pipe or a leak from a malfunctioning appliance. However, mold caused by ongoing issues like neglected maintenance, long-term leaks, or water from floods (unless you have separate flood insurance) is typically not covered. Many policies also have specific limitations or sub-limits on the amount they will pay for mold remediation. It's crucial to review your individual policy or contact your insurance agent for clarity on your specific coverage.

  • The duration of mold remediation varies significantly based on the size and severity of the mold infestation, the type of materials affected, and how accessible the mold is. A small, contained mold issue might take 1-2 days, while extensive hidden mold or contamination across multiple areas could take a week or longer, sometimes followed by additional drying and reconstruction.

  • Whether you need to vacate your home depends on the scope and location of the mold. For larger, more extensive mold remediations, especially those involving significant demolition, dust, or extensive air filtration, or if you have respiratory sensitivities, we may recommend temporary relocation for your safety and comfort. For smaller, contained projects, it might be possible to remain in unaffected areas.

  • To prevent mold spores from spreading, Longmont Water Damage implements strict containment protocols. This includes sealing off the affected area with plastic sheeting, establishing negative air pressure within the containment using specialized equipment (like HEPA air scrubbers), and utilizing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums to capture spores. Our technicians also wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

  • Factors influencing cost include the size of the affected area, the type of materials contaminated, the accessibility of the mold, and the complexity of the moisture source repair. We provide detailed estimates after an inspection.

  • After the remediation process, Longmont Water Damage performs a thorough visual inspection to confirm that all visible mold has been removed and the affected areas are clean and dry. For additional peace of mind, we can facilitate independent third-party post-remediation verification (clearance testing) by a qualified industrial hygienist. This involves air and surface sampling to ensure mold levels have returned to normal, healthy levels.

  • Preventing mold recurrence is crucial. After remediation, Longmont Water Damage will help you identify and address the original moisture source that caused the mold (e.g., repairing leaks, improving ventilation, sealing cracks, addressing humidity issues). Maintaining proper indoor humidity levels (typically below 60%), ensuring good ventilation, and quickly addressing any new water intrusions are key steps to preventing future mold growth.

  • Not always. If visible mold is present and the cause is obvious (e.g., a burst pipe), extensive pre-remediation testing might not be necessary to determine the presence of mold, as its existence is clear. However, testing may be recommended to identify specific mold types, to assess the extent of hidden mold, or for post-remediation clearance testing to ensure the mold has been successfully removed and airborne spore counts are safe.

Sewage Damage

  • Standard homeowner's insurance policies typically do not cover damage from sewage backups. This is usually considered a separate peril and requires an additional endorsement or "water backup and sump pump overflow" coverage added to your policy. Without this specific rider, the extensive cleanup and repair costs associated with sewage can fall entirely on the homeowner. It's crucial to check your policy or speak with your agent to understand your coverage.

  • Sewage (black water) contains a wide range of dangerous contaminants, including bacteria (like E. coli, Salmonella), viruses (like Hepatitis A, Norovirus), fungi, parasites (like Giardia), and harmful chemicals. Exposure can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues, skin infections, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and even more severe illnesses. It is never safe to attempt DIY sewage cleanup.

  • Your absolute first priority is safety. Avoid all contact with the contaminated water. If safe to do so, turn off your main water supply to prevent more sewage from entering, and shut off electrical power to the affected areas. Then, immediately call Longmont Water Damage at 720-702-8350. Do not attempt to clean it yourself.

  • Professional sewage backup cleanup by Longmont Water Damage involves several critical steps: immediate assessment and safety protocols, establishing containment zones to prevent spreading contaminants, safe removal of all raw sewage and contaminated porous materials, thorough deep cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization of all affected surfaces using hospital-grade antimicrobial agents, advanced deodorization, and complete structural drying to prevent mold growth.

  • Due to the severe health risks posed by the biohazards in sewage, DIY cleanup is extremely dangerous and highly discouraged. Without proper training, specialized equipment (like PPE, commercial-grade pumps, and disinfectants), and adherence to strict safety protocols, you risk serious illness, cross-contamination of other areas of your home, and an incomplete cleanup that could lead to lingering health issues or further damage like mold.

  • The timeline for sewage backup cleanup and restoration can vary significantly based on the severity of the contamination, the size of the affected area, and the extent of material removal and reconstruction needed. Minor backups might be cleaned and dried in a few days, but more extensive situations requiring demolition, comprehensive sanitization, and structural repairs could take a week or several weeks.

  • Generally, any porous materials that have come into contact with sewage are considered unsalvageable and must be safely removed and disposed of. This includes carpeting, padding, drywall, insulation, particle board, and upholstered furniture. Non-porous items like hard plastics, metal, or glass may be salvageable after rigorous cleaning and disinfection, but it depends on the extent of contamination. Our technicians will assess what can and cannot be safely restored.

  • Preventing sewage backups often involves proper plumbing maintenance. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items (wipes, paper towels, hygiene products), dispose of grease and oils in the trash (not down drains), and consider having your sewer line inspected periodically, especially if you have mature trees nearby whose roots could infiltrate pipes. Installing a backwater valve can also provide protection against city sewer line backups.