Water, Fire, and Mold Restoration in Kennewick and the Tri-Cities

What is the leading cause of water damage in Kennewick and the Tri-Cities?

Plumbing failures. Aging pipes cause most of the water damage we see in Kennewick, where about 28% of homes were built before 1970. Frozen pipes add to that in winter. Kennewick averages about 75 nights below freezing a year, and many supply lines run through crawl spaces. Irrigation leaks, appliance failures, slab leaks, and sewer backups are also common.

How do you clean wildfire smoke out of a Tri-Cities home?

Smoke settles on every surface and gets pulled through your heating and cooling system, so we treat the whole house. We run HEPA air scrubbers, clean soot from walls, ceilings, and floors, and clean or pack out the belongings we can save. For odor, we use hydroxyl generators, which are safe while you’re home, or ozone when the house is empty, then seal stubborn residue with an encapsulant. We also check your HVAC system and filters so smoke doesn’t keep circulating after the air outside clears.

Can mold grow in a crawl space in a dry climate like ours?

Yes. Our air is dry most of the year, so crawl space mold here usually means there’s a water source: a plumbing leak, irrigation soaking the soil by the foundation, or a torn or missing vapor barrier. That’s why Washington’s building code requires a plastic ground cover in crawl spaces. We find the moisture source, contain the area, remove moldy insulation and other materials, clean the framing, and confirm the space is dry before closing it up.

Does insurance cover wildfire damage in Washington?

Usually, yes. Washington’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner says standard homeowner and renter policies cover sudden fire and smoke damage from wildfires, even if the flames never reached your home. Most also pay for temporary housing if your home isn’t safe to live in. That matters here, since U.S. Forest Service data rates Benton County’s wildfire risk to homes higher than 94% of U.S. counties. Before cleaning, photograph the damage, keep damaged items for your adjuster, and ask for a smoke inspection that includes your HVAC system. If more smoke damage shows up later, you can request a reinspection.

Can you restore an older Richland or Kennewick home safely?

Yes. Thousands of Tri-Cities homes were built before 1978, from Richland’s Hanford-era Alphabet houses to older homes in Kennewick and Pasco. Paint in these homes may contain lead, and older drywall, flooring, and ceilings can contain asbestos. We’re an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm, and in Benton County, an asbestos survey by a certified inspector is required before older materials are renovated or demolished, so we build that into the schedule.

Can you start work before my insurance adjuster comes out?

Yes. Your policy expects you to prevent further damage, and Washington’s insurance commissioner notes that insurers won’t cover damage that gets worse because repairs were delayed. We stop the damage right away and document everything with photos and samples of damaged materials for your adjuster.

Will I need to leave my home while you work?

Usually not for water damage caught early. You may need to stay elsewhere if sewage, heavy smoke, or mold makes the home unsafe, or if the damage needs major repairs. After a fire, we’ll help you find a safe place to stay while we work.