The Situation

A supply line behind a finished basement wall burst while the homeowners were at work. By the time they returned home, 3 inches of standing water covered 900 sq ft of finished basement including carpet, drywall, and personal belongings.

The Challenge

The water had been sitting for approximately 6 hours before discovery, pushing the damage from Category 1 (clean water) toward Category 2 (gray water) due to contact with building materials. Carpet padding was fully saturated and the drywall had wicked moisture 18 inches up the wall.

Our Process

• 1Emergency extraction of standing water using truck-mounted extraction unit
• 2Thermal imaging scan revealed moisture behind drywall in 3 wall cavities
• 3Carpet and padding removed — padding non-salvageable after 6+ hour saturation
• 418 air movers and 3 commercial dehumidifiers deployed
• 5Daily moisture readings documented for insurance adjuster
• 6Antimicrobial treatment applied to subfloor and wall framing
• 7Drywall cut to 2 feet above moisture line for proper drying

The Situation

A main sewer line blockage caused sewage to back up through a floor drain into the crawlspace of a 1970s ranch home. The homeowner noticed the odor and called immediately. Approximately 40 gallons of Category 3 (black water) contaminated the crawlspace.

The Challenge

Category 3 sewage water requires full personal protective equipment, containment, and certified biohazard cleanup procedures. The crawlspace had vapor barrier damage and the insulation between the floor joists had absorbed contaminated water. The home had a forced-air HVAC system with ductwork running through the crawlspace, raising concerns about contamination spreading through the air system.

Our Process

• 1Full PPE and containment established before entry
• 2Contaminated water extracted and disposed of per EPA guidelines
• 3Damaged vapor barrier removed and disposed of as biohazard waste
• 4Contaminated insulation removed from all floor joist bays
• 5HVAC ductwork inspected — no contamination found, sealed as precaution
• 6Crawlspace treated with EPA-registered antimicrobial solution
• 7Commercial drying equipment deployed for 6 days
• 8New vapor barrier installed after clearance testing

The Situation

A homeowner in Monument noticed a musty smell in their master bedroom. They had no visible water damage and no known leaks. Our thermal imaging assessment revealed a slow roof leak that had been feeding mold growth in the attic above the master bedroom for an estimated 3–4 months.

The Challenge

The mold colony covered approximately 120 sq ft of OSB roof decking and 3 rafters. The homeowner had no idea the leak existed — it was too slow to cause visible ceiling staining but enough to sustain active mold growth. The attic had inadequate ventilation, which accelerated the mold growth.

Our Process

• 1Thermal imaging identified the moisture source — a failed flashing at a roof valley
• 2Containment established in attic to prevent spore spread to living areas
• 3HEPA air scrubbers deployed throughout remediation
• 4Affected OSB and rafter surfaces HEPA-vacuumed and wire-brushed
• 5EPA-registered antimicrobial applied to all affected surfaces
• 6Encapsulant applied to remediated surfaces as secondary protection
• 7Attic ventilation improved with additional soffit vents
• 8Post-remediation air quality testing — clearance achieved

The Situation

A summer monsoon storm dropped 3 inches of rain in 90 minutes on the Peyton flats, overwhelming a rural property's drainage and flooding the attached garage and first floor of the home with 8 inches of water. The property had a well and septic system, adding complexity to the cleanup.

The Challenge

Rural properties present unique challenges: no municipal water or sewer, longer response times, and often older construction. The floodwater had mixed with surface runoff containing soil, agricultural chemicals, and potential septic contamination, classifying it as Category 3. The home's well was also at risk of contamination.

Our Process

• 1Category 3 protocols implemented — full PPE and containment
• 2Standing water extracted — approximately 1,800 gallons removed
• 3Well water tested for contamination — results negative
• 4All flooring removed — hardwood, tile, and carpet
• 5Drywall removed to 2 feet above flood line throughout affected areas
• 6Structural framing treated with antimicrobial solution
• 7Industrial drying equipment deployed — 24 air movers, 6 dehumidifiers
• 8Daily moisture monitoring for 7 days

The Situation

A 12-year-old water heater failed overnight, releasing its full 50-gallon tank plus continuous supply line water into the utility room, hallway, and two adjacent bedrooms. The homeowner discovered the damage in the morning — approximately 8 hours after the failure.

The Challenge

Eight hours of water exposure pushed the damage into Category 2 territory. The water had wicked under the hardwood flooring in the hallway and bedrooms, and the subfloor showed elevated moisture readings. The homeowner was concerned about saving the hardwood floors, which were original to the 1962 home.

Our Process

• 1Emergency extraction of standing water
• 2Thermal imaging mapped moisture under hardwood floors — 3 rooms affected
• 3Drying mats deployed under hardwood to dry in place — avoiding replacement
• 4Dehumidifiers and air movers positioned for maximum airflow
• 5Moisture readings taken every 24 hours — documented for insurance
• 6Antimicrobial treatment applied to subfloor through drill holes
• 7Water heater replaced by referred plumber during drying process

The Situation

A severe ice dam on a Woodland Park home's north-facing roof caused water to back up under the shingles and into the attic. The weight of the ice and water caused a partial ceiling collapse in the living room. The homeowner called at 6am during an active snowstorm.

The Challenge

Active winter storm conditions, a partially collapsed ceiling, and water still entering the structure from the ice dam created a complex emergency. The attic insulation was fully saturated, the ceiling drywall had collapsed, and water was pooling on the living room floor. Woodland Park's elevation (8,500 ft) meant temperatures were well below freezing throughout the response.

Our Process

• 1Emergency tarping of roof to stop active water intrusion
• 2Collapsed ceiling debris safely removed
• 3Saturated attic insulation removed and disposed of
• 4Standing water extracted from living room
• 5Thermal imaging of all surrounding walls and ceiling areas
• 6Drying equipment deployed — modified for high-altitude conditions
• 7Daily moisture monitoring throughout 5-day drying process
• 8Temporary ceiling installed to secure the home

The Situation

A braided steel washing machine supply hose failed at the connection point while the homeowners were away for a weekend. The hose ran continuously for approximately 36 hours, releasing an estimated 18,000+ gallons of water. The laundry room, hallway, kitchen, and finished basement below were all affected.

The Challenge

Thirty-six hours of continuous water flow created one of the most extensive residential water damage jobs we've handled in Briargate. The finished basement ceiling had collapsed in two areas. Hardwood floors in the hallway and kitchen had cupped severely. The scope required a full structural assessment before drying could begin.

Our Process

• 1Emergency extraction — over 2,000 gallons of standing water removed from basement
• 2Structural assessment of ceiling and floor systems before equipment deployment
• 3Collapsed basement ceiling sections safely removed
• 4Thermal imaging mapped moisture through all three affected floors
• 532 air movers and 8 dehumidifiers deployed across all levels
• 6Hardwood floors assessed — cupping too severe for in-place drying, replacement recommended
• 7Daily moisture monitoring for 3 days until structural drying complete
• 8Full documentation package prepared for insurance adjuster

The Situation

A homeowner in Security-Widefield noticed black spots on the basement drywall near the floor. They had experienced occasional water seepage during heavy rains for years but assumed it was normal. Our assessment found active mold growth covering 200+ sq ft of drywall and framing.

The Challenge

Years of intermittent moisture had created ideal conditions for mold. The mold had penetrated the paper facing of the drywall and colonized the wood framing behind it. The homeowner had been living with elevated mold spore counts for an unknown period. The source — foundation wall seepage — needed to be addressed before remediation could be permanent.

Our Process

• 1Air quality testing confirmed elevated mold spore counts throughout basement
• 2Containment established with negative air pressure to prevent spread
• 3HEPA air scrubbers deployed throughout remediation
• 4Affected drywall removed — 220 sq ft total
• 5Wood framing HEPA-vacuumed, wire-brushed, and treated with antimicrobial
• 6Encapsulant applied to all remediated surfaces
• 7Foundation crack sealed by referred waterproofing contractor
• 8Post-remediation air quality testing — clearance achieved

The Situation

A sprinkler head was accidentally activated in a 3-story commercial office building in downtown Colorado Springs, releasing approximately 500 gallons of water onto the second floor. The water migrated to the first floor through the ceiling. Two tenant suites and common areas were affected.

The Challenge

Commercial water damage requires minimizing business interruption while performing thorough restoration. The building had two active tenants who needed to continue operations. The sprinkler water contained rust and chemical additives, classifying it as Category 2. The building manager needed detailed documentation for the property insurance claim and tenant displacement costs.

Our Process

• 1After-hours emergency response to minimize business disruption
• 2Category 2 protocols implemented throughout
• 3Standing water extracted from both floors
• 4Ceiling tiles removed and assessed — 60% non-salvageable
• 5Thermal imaging mapped moisture in walls and under flooring
• 6Commercial drying equipment deployed — work completed overnight
• 7Separate documentation prepared for building owner and each tenant
• 8Restoration completed over a weekend to avoid business interruption

The Situation

A main line blockage caused sewage to back up through a floor drain into a fully finished basement — home theater, bedroom, bathroom, and storage area. The homeowner had approximately 2 inches of Category 3 contaminated water across 800 sq ft of finished space.

The Challenge

A fully finished basement with sewage backup requires complete removal of all contaminated materials — flooring, drywall, insulation, and any porous materials that contacted the sewage. The home theater had custom built-in cabinetry and a projector screen that were total losses. The homeowner was emotionally distressed about the loss of a space they had invested significantly in.

Our Process

• 1Full PPE and containment established before entry
• 2Category 3 water extracted and disposed of per EPA guidelines
• 3All contaminated flooring removed — carpet, pad, and LVP
• 4Drywall removed to 2 feet above contamination line
• 5Built-in cabinetry assessed — non-salvageable, removed
• 6Structural framing treated with EPA-registered antimicrobial
• 7HEPA air scrubbing throughout remediation
• 8Post-remediation testing — clearance achieved on day 5

The Situation

A severe hail storm with 2-inch hailstones damaged the roof of a 5-year-old Briargate home, creating multiple penetration points. The homeowner didn't realize the extent of the damage until a subsequent rain event caused water to pour through the ceiling in two bedrooms and the master bathroom.

The Challenge

The roof had multiple damage points that weren't immediately visible from the ground. Water had been entering the attic for two weeks between the hail event and the rain event, saturating the insulation and beginning to affect the ceiling drywall. The homeowner's insurance company initially disputed the claim, requiring detailed documentation.

Our Process

• 1Emergency tarping of all identified roof penetrations
• 2Attic inspection revealed saturated insulation across 400 sq ft
• 3Thermal imaging mapped moisture in ceilings of 3 rooms
• 4Saturated insulation removed and disposed of
• 5Ceiling drywall removed in affected areas
• 6Industrial drying equipment deployed in attic and living spaces
• 7Detailed photo documentation prepared for insurance dispute
• 8Moisture readings documented daily for insurance adjuster

The Situation

A power outage during a severe monsoon storm knocked out the sump pump in a Falcon home. By the time power was restored and the homeowner discovered the failure, 4 inches of water covered the entire unfinished basement — approximately 1,200 sq ft.

The Challenge

Falcon's clay-heavy soils and the intensity of the monsoon storm meant water continued to seep into the basement even after the sump pump was restored. The unfinished basement had a water softener, water heater, and HVAC equipment that were all affected. The homeowner was concerned about the HVAC system and whether it was safe to operate.

Our Process

• 1Emergency extraction — approximately 3,800 gallons removed
• 2HVAC system assessed — motor and controls inspected, cleared for operation
• 3Water softener and water heater assessed — both salvageable after drying
• 4Thermal imaging of all basement walls to identify ongoing seepage points
• 5Drainage channels created to direct ongoing seepage to sump pit
• 6Industrial drying equipment deployed throughout basement
• 7Daily moisture monitoring for 4 days
• 8Antimicrobial treatment applied to concrete floor and walls

The Situation

A slow dishwasher door seal leak went undetected for an estimated 3–4 months. By the time the homeowner noticed soft spots in the kitchen floor, the subfloor under the dishwasher and adjacent cabinets had been severely damaged by prolonged moisture exposure. Mold was present under the flooring.

The Challenge

Long-term slow leaks are often more damaging than acute flooding events because the moisture has time to deeply penetrate structural materials. The subfloor had delaminated and the bottom plates of the kitchen cabinets had significant mold growth. The kitchen tile floor had to be fully removed to assess the extent of the damage.

Our Process

• 1Dishwasher and adjacent base cabinets removed
• 2Kitchen tile and subfloor removed — 180 sq ft affected
• 3Mold found on subfloor, bottom plates, and lower wall framing
• 4Containment established for mold remediation
• 5Affected framing treated with antimicrobial and encapsulant
• 6New subfloor installed after framing dried to acceptable levels
• 7Post-remediation testing — clearance achieved
• 8Full documentation for insurance claim

The Situation

A supply line in a second-floor apartment burst during a cold snap, flooding the unit and migrating water to three units below. The property manager called at 2am. Four units were affected across three floors, with two tenants requiring temporary displacement.

The Challenge

Multi-unit water damage requires simultaneous response across multiple spaces, coordination with a property manager, separate documentation for each affected unit, and sensitivity to tenant needs. Two tenants had to be temporarily displaced, requiring documentation for their additional living expense claims.

Our Process

• 12am emergency response — arrived within 43 minutes
• 2Water extraction in all 4 affected units simultaneously
• 3Thermal imaging of all affected walls, ceilings, and floors
• 4Separate moisture documentation created for each unit
• 5Drying equipment deployed in all 4 units
• 6Property manager briefed daily on progress
• 7Tenant displacement documentation prepared for ALE claims
• 8Restoration coordinated to minimize tenant disruption

The Situation

An unusually warm spring week caused rapid snowmelt that overwhelmed the drainage around a Woodland Park home. Water entered the crawl space through foundation vents and a crack in the foundation wall, flooding the crawl space with 6 inches of standing water across 800 sq ft.

The Challenge

Crawl space flooding at 8,500 ft elevation presents unique challenges: limited access, cold temperatures that slow drying, and the risk of moisture affecting the floor structure above. The crawl space had fiberglass batt insulation between the floor joists that had absorbed significant moisture and needed to be assessed for salvageability.

Our Process

• 1Crawl space access established — limited clearance required specialized equipment
• 2Standing water extracted — approximately 3,000 gallons removed
• 3Insulation assessed — 60% non-salvageable due to saturation
• 4Non-salvageable insulation removed and disposed of
• 5Thermal imaging of floor structure above — no moisture migration detected
• 6Specialized crawl space drying equipment deployed
• 7Foundation crack sealed after drying complete
• 8New vapor barrier and insulation installed

The Situation

A blocked municipal storm drain during a heavy monsoon rain caused street flooding that entered a Cimarron Hills home through the garage and front entry. Approximately 3 inches of Category 2 stormwater affected the garage, entry, and adjacent living room.

The Challenge

Stormwater flooding is classified as Category 2 due to potential contamination from street runoff, oil, and debris. The living room had hardwood flooring that had been exposed to contaminated water. The homeowner wanted to save the hardwood floors if possible.

Our Process

• 1Category 2 protocols implemented throughout
• 2Standing water extracted from all affected areas
• 3Hardwood floors assessed — contamination level and moisture readings taken
• 4Drying mats deployed under hardwood — in-place drying attempted
• 5Antimicrobial treatment applied to all affected surfaces
• 6Daily moisture monitoring — hardwood floors responding well to drying
• 7Garage concrete treated and dried
• 8Documentation prepared for homeowner's municipal claim

The Situation

A home inspector found mold in the basement during a pre-sale inspection, threatening to kill a real estate transaction. The sellers needed fast, certified mold remediation with proper documentation to satisfy the buyers and their lender.

The Challenge

Real estate transactions have strict timelines. The sellers had 10 days to complete remediation and provide clearance documentation before the buyers' inspection contingency expired. The mold — approximately 80 sq ft on basement drywall — needed to be properly remediated, not just painted over.

Our Process

• 1Same-day assessment and written scope of work provided
• 2Remediation scheduled within 48 hours of assessment
• 3Containment established — negative air pressure maintained
• 4Affected drywall removed and disposed of
• 5Framing treated with antimicrobial and encapsulant
• 6Post-remediation air quality testing ordered immediately
• 7Clearance achieved on day 3
• 8Full documentation package provided for real estate transaction

The Situation

A vacation home owner in Divide received a water alert from a smart home sensor while out of state. A frozen pipe had burst in the utility room, running for an estimated 18 hours before the alert triggered. The owner called us directly from out of state to manage the emergency.

The Challenge

Managing a water damage emergency for an out-of-state owner requires clear communication, independent decision-making, and complete documentation. The home had been unoccupied for 3 weeks in sub-zero temperatures. Multiple pipes had frozen, and the extent of the damage wasn't clear until we arrived.

Our Process

• 1Arrived on-site and provided video walkthrough to out-of-state owner
• 2Identified 3 burst pipes — utility room, bathroom, and kitchen supply
• 3Emergency plumber coordinated — pipes repaired same day
• 4Standing water extracted from utility room, bathroom, and kitchen
• 5Thermal imaging mapped moisture throughout the home
• 6Drying equipment deployed — monitored remotely with daily updates to owner
• 7All decisions coordinated with owner via phone and video
• 8Complete documentation package prepared for insurance claim

The Situation

A second-floor toilet overflowed due to a blockage while the homeowner was at work. The toilet ran for approximately 4 hours, flooding the upstairs bathroom and migrating through the subfloor to the first-floor ceiling, living room, and kitchen below.

The Challenge

Toilet overflow water is classified as Category 3 (black water) due to sewage contamination. The water had migrated through the subfloor and ceiling, contaminating the first floor. The kitchen had granite countertops and custom cabinets that the homeowner wanted to save if possible.

Our Process

• 1Category 3 protocols implemented — full PPE and containment
• 2Standing water extracted from both floors
• 3Thermal imaging mapped contamination path through subfloor and ceiling
• 4First-floor ceiling removed in affected areas
• 5Kitchen base cabinets assessed — lower sections contaminated, uppers salvageable
• 6Contaminated materials removed and disposed of per EPA guidelines
• 7Antimicrobial treatment applied to all affected surfaces
• 8Industrial drying equipment deployed on both floors

The Situation

A Black Forest homeowner had been experiencing a musty smell in their master bedroom for several months. They had attributed it to the home's age. Our assessment found mold growing inside the wall cavity adjacent to a chimney — the result of a slow flashing leak that had been feeding moisture into the wall for an estimated 6+ months.

The Challenge

Mold inside a wall cavity is not visible without opening the wall. The homeowner had no idea the extent of the problem. The mold had colonized 150 sq ft of drywall, insulation, and framing. The chimney flashing — the source — needed to be repaired before remediation could be permanent.

Our Process

• 1Air quality testing confirmed elevated Cladosporium and Penicillium counts
• 2Thermal imaging identified moisture in wall cavity adjacent to chimney
• 3Containment established — negative air pressure maintained throughout
• 4HEPA air scrubbers deployed
• 5Affected drywall and insulation removed — 150 sq ft
• 6Framing treated with antimicrobial and encapsulant
• 7Chimney flashing repaired by referred masonry contractor
• 8Post-remediation air quality testing — clearance achieved day 4