At the peak of summer, nearly everyone with a sprinkler system is using it to irrigate their lawn and landscaping. And while sprinkler systems are a great, hands-free way to water your yard, overwatering due to a system error or unforeseen rainstorm can cause damage that extends beyond your lawn and into your home.

 

Whether a broken sprinkler head soaked your house directly or water seeped in through your foundation, the first signs of water damage are often a puddle of standing water, stained or bulging drywall, or a musty smell that is strongest in a certain part of the room or basement.

 

If you believe water may have permeated the exterior of your home, don’t sit back and wait for the situation to resolve itself. Moisture that gets inside the walls of your property can begin to grow mold in 24-48 hours. What’s worse: The mold problem doesn’t end just because the affected area dries out. Mold spores can break off and become airborne, potentially causing serious health problems long after the water problem began.

 

Additionally, most home inspectors take moisture readings when buyers make an offer on an existing property, so leaving water damage unaddressed can cost you big time -- even years later -- if untreated damage is discovered. In fact, water is a major culprit in cracked foundations for residential homes as well as commercial properties.

 

Instead of using a mop-it-and-forget-it approach, call a restoration company like Restoration 1 of Central Denver to take moisture readings and inspect for wet materials using their industry-leading equipment.

 

Technicians can help locate the exact spot where water entered the home. Next, specialists will inspect the area for mold to determine whether building materials such as drywall and insulation should be removed and replaced or merely dried using dehumidification equipment, industrial fans and antimicrobial treatments.

 

If the idea of calling in a team of specialists has you worried about an expensive repair, keep in mind that most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage if it is filed as sudden and accidental. Restoration 1 of Central Denver will provide a no-obligation quote for the repair and work with your insurance company to make sure there are no unexpected costs associated with your claim.

 

As always, you are not obligated to work with the repair technicians suggested by your insurance company. Make an informed choice about the company’s qualifications, including certification by the IICRC, which sets national standards for repair technicians and restoration company owners alike.

 

If you are worried that a sprinkler or other water source may have compromised the integrity of your home’s exterior, call Restoration 1 of Central Denver at (720) 524-4680 to schedule a visit from a certified technician.
 

~Kate Lavin