Water Damage Restoration FAQ

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse by topic below. If you don't find your answer, call (720) 918-0049.

Immediate Response & First Steps

What should I do immediately after discovering water damage?

Stop the source of water if it is safe to do so, turn off power in affected areas, and move valuables to dry space. Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes, then contact a restoration crew as soon as possible to begin extraction and drying.

Should I turn off the electricity after a flood?

Yes, if it is safe to do so. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If you cannot reach your breaker panel safely, call your utility company or a professional before entering standing water.

How fast does water damage spread?

Water damage progresses quickly. Within the first hours, moisture soaks into drywall, insulation, and subflooring. Mold can begin within roughly 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions, so prompt extraction and drying are important.

Can I wait until morning to call for help?

The sooner restoration begins, the more of the home can typically be saved. Waiting allows moisture to soak deeper into materials and increases the risk of mold. Calling as soon as you discover the damage is the best approach.

Should I remove wet carpet myself?

You can move furniture and lift small items, but removing saturated carpet and padding is best left to a crew that can assess whether materials can be dried or must be removed. Improper removal can spread moisture and damage subflooring.

Is it safe to stay in a home with water damage?

It depends on the extent of the damage and the water source. Contaminated water, structural damage, or electrical hazards can make a home unsafe. A crew can assess the situation and advise on safety.

The Referral & Matching Process

How does Colorado Restoration Group match me with a local crew?

When you call or submit a request, the network reviews your service address and zip code, then matches you with a vetted restoration crew that actually covers that specific zip. You are then connected directly with that crew to arrange the work.

Does Colorado Restoration Group perform the restoration work itself?

No. Colorado Restoration Group is a referral and dispatch network. It connects homeowners with local, vetted restoration crews. The network does not personally perform the physical restoration work or own restoration equipment.

How long does it take to get connected to a crew?

The network reviews your request and matches you to a crew that covers your zip code. The exact timing depends on your location and the crew's availability. No specific response time is guaranteed.

Will the crew that comes actually service my zip code?

Yes. The network matches each request to a crew that genuinely covers the homeowner's specific zip code, rather than a one-size-fits-all citywide dispatch.

What information do I need when I call?

Have your name, phone number, service address and zip code, and a brief description of the water damage ready. This helps the network match you to the right local crew quickly.

Is there a charge to use the referral network?

The network connects you with a local crew. Any costs are related to the restoration work itself and are arranged directly between you and the crew. Contact the network for details about your specific situation.

Coverage & Service Areas

What areas of Colorado does this network cover?

The network covers 360 zip codes across 228 towns and cities in four regions: the Front Range Metro Corridor, Mountain & Resort Towns, the Western Slope, and Eastern Plains & Rural Colorado. See the Areas We Cover page for the full list.

Do you cover rural and mountain towns?

Yes. The network specifically helps homeowners in less-populated areas, where finding an available local crew on your own is harder. Coverage spans small mountain and plains towns as well as dense metro areas.

Do you cover Denver and the Front Range?

Yes. The Front Range Metro Corridor is the highest-volume region, covering Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, Pueblo, and surrounding suburbs across many zip codes.

Do you cover the Western Slope?

Yes. The Western Slope region includes Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Rifle, and surrounding communities, with a different climate and precipitation pattern than the Front Range.

How do I know if my zip code is covered?

Check the Areas We Cover page, which lists all 360 zip codes by region. You can also call (720) 918-0049 to confirm coverage for your specific zip code.

Why does zip-level matching matter?

A crew that serves one neighborhood may not cover another. Zip-level matching ensures each homeowner is connected to a crew that genuinely services their specific area, which shortens the time to a response.

Water Damage & Restoration Basics

What counts as water damage restoration?

Water damage restoration is the full process of returning a home to a dry, safe condition after water intrusion — assessment, extraction, structural drying, and repair. It is broader than simply removing water.

What's the difference between water damage restoration and water mitigation?

Mitigation focuses on stopping further damage — removing water and drying materials to prevent mold. Restoration includes the repair phase that returns the home to a usable condition.

What's the difference between water damage restoration and mold remediation?

Water damage restoration addresses the water itself — extraction, drying, and repair. Mold remediation is a separate process that removes existing mold growth. Restoration aims to dry materials quickly to prevent mold from developing in the first place.

How is water extraction different from structural drying?

Water extraction removes standing water and moisture from surfaces using pumps and extraction units. Structural drying then pulls hidden moisture out of walls, subfloors, and framing using air movers and dehumidifiers. Extraction is the first step; drying is what prevents long-term damage and mold.

What are the categories of water damage?

Category 1 is clean water from a source like a broken supply line. Category 2 is gray water with some contamination, such as from an appliance overflow. Category 3 is heavily contaminated water, including sewage or floodwater. The category determines how materials are handled.

How long does the restoration process typically take?

Duration depends on the extent of the damage and how long materials stay wet. Extraction is fast, but structural drying is monitored with moisture readings and can take days. No fixed timeline can be guaranteed.

Insurance & Costs

Does homeowners insurance typically cover water damage restoration?

Coverage varies by policy. Sudden, accidental water damage from burst pipes or appliance failure is often covered, while gradual damage or flood-related claims may require separate flood insurance. Review your policy and speak with your insurer.

Is flood damage covered by standard homeowners insurance?

Standard homeowners policies often exclude flood damage, which may require separate flood insurance. Coverage varies, so review your policy and confirm with your insurer.

What should I document for an insurance claim?

Take photos and videos of the damage before any cleanup, keep records of affected items, and note the source of the water if known. The network can help organize photos and records for a claim, though it does not guarantee claim approval or amounts.

How much does water damage restoration cost?

Costs vary widely based on the extent of the damage, the water category, and the materials affected. A local crew can provide a clear breakdown of the work before it begins. Contact the network to be connected with a crew for your situation.

Will I get a clear price before work starts?

Yes. Crews provide a clear breakdown of the work before it begins so you know what to expect. The network connects you directly with the crew doing the work, with no middleman markup.

Can I use the referral network without insurance?

Yes. You do not need insurance to use the network. You are connected with a local crew, and any restoration work is arranged directly between you and the crew.

Specific Services

How is standing water removed from a home?

Submersible pumps remove deep standing water, while portable or truck-mounted extraction units pull water from saturated flooring and carpet. Wet vacuum extraction is used on carpets and upholstery.

Why is structural drying necessary after water extraction?

Extraction removes standing water, but moisture remains hidden in walls and subfloors. Structural drying removes that hidden moisture, preventing mold and structural decay.

What causes basement flooding in Colorado homes?

Common causes include sump pump failure, foundation cracks and hydrostatic pressure, window well leaks, and heavy downpour runoff overwhelming drainage. Finished basements add vulnerable materials.

Is sewage backup considered water damage or a biohazard?

Sewage backup involves contaminated black water, which is treated as a biohazard due to health and safety concerns. It requires specialized handling beyond standard water damage cleanup.

What causes sewage backups in homes?

Common causes include aging sewer lateral lines, clogged main lines, and failing septic systems. Backups often occur at basement level where drains are lowest.

Is flood damage the same as water damage?

Flood damage is a type of water damage, but it comes from external water sources and often carries contamination. This changes how materials are handled compared to clean water from a burst pipe.

Mold & Health

How quickly can mold grow after water damage?

Mold can begin growing within roughly 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions. This is why prompt extraction and thorough drying are essential after any significant water intrusion.

Is basement water damage more prone to mold?

Yes. Basements have limited airflow and higher humidity, which create conditions mold needs. Prompt extraction and thorough drying are essential to prevent mold.

What happens if drying isn't done thoroughly?

Incomplete drying leaves moisture in materials, creating the damp conditions mold needs to grow. It can also lead to structural decay over time.

How is hidden moisture in walls or subfloors detected?

Moisture meters and other detection tools are used to locate hidden water that is not visible. Readings help crews find damp areas in wall cavities and under subflooring.

Can I clean up sewage water myself?

Sewage water is contaminated and poses health and safety risks. Proper handling, disposal, and sanitization require specialized equipment and should be left to a trained crew.

What should I avoid touching after a flood?

Avoid contact with floodwater, which may be contaminated. Do not enter standing water if power may be live, and avoid touching materials that have absorbed contaminated water until a crew assesses the situation.

Colorado-Specific Concerns

What causes flooding in Colorado homes?

Common causes include spring snowmelt runoff, flash flooding from intense mountain storms, and creek or drainage overflow in Front Range neighborhoods. Aging stormwater infrastructure can also contribute.

Do mountain homes face different water risks?

Yes. Mountain and resort towns face snowmelt runoff, seasonal occupancy homes, and higher-elevation freeze/thaw cycles that raise the risk of pipe bursts and spring flooding.

Why do freeze/thaw cycles cause pipe bursts?

When water in pipes freezes, it expands and can crack the pipe. As temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, the repeated expansion and contraction stresses plumbing, especially in unheated areas.

Are homes on the Eastern Plains at higher risk?

Homes on the Eastern Plains often rely on private well and septic systems and have fewer municipal stormwater systems. This can raise the risk of groundwater intrusion and pooling around foundations.

How does the network help rural Colorado homeowners?

In less-populated areas, local providers are fewer, so finding an available crew on your own is harder. The network connects rural homeowners to a crew that genuinely covers their zip code.

What should mountain homeowners do before winter?

Drain outdoor lines, insulate exposed pipes, and keep the heat at a safe level if the home will be vacant. These steps reduce the risk of freeze-related pipe bursts during cold months.

About Colorado Restoration Group

What is Colorado Restoration Group?

Colorado Restoration Group is a statewide referral and dispatch network connecting Colorado homeowners with local, vetted water damage restoration crews across 360 zip codes and 228 towns and cities.

How is Colorado Restoration Group different from a restoration company?

A restoration company performs the physical work itself. Colorado Restoration Group is a referral network — it connects you with a local crew that does the work, rather than performing it directly.

Why does the network model exist?

Colorado is geographically vast and unevenly served. The network exists to help homeowners in both dense metro areas and small rural towns find a local crew that actually covers their zip code, without searching individually.

How do I contact Colorado Restoration Group?

Call (720) 918-0049 or use the contact form on the Contact Us page. Calling is the fastest way to get connected with a local crew.

Is the phone line available for emergencies?

The phone line is the primary way to reach the network for water damage help. Call (720) 918-0049 to be connected with a local crew serving your zip code.

Where can I find the full list of covered areas?

The Areas We Cover page lists all 360 zip codes across 228 towns and cities, organized by the four coverage regions.