Drying Carpet After a Water Damage or Flood

Because water damage happens so often, drying carpet after water damage or a floodis a commonly seen problem.Unfortunately, even with drying experts like Water Mold Fire Restoration, there is no standardized procedure for dealing with wet carpet. Should it be dried or should it be replaced? Several factors need to be examined before a decision can be made.

No matter whether your carpet is to be extracted and dried or torn out and replaced, structural drying is still required. The worst thing you could do is to reinstall brand new carpet on top of damp subflooring or up against damp walls. That’s a sure for way to have mold begin to grow.

To Replace Or Not To Replace

It can be tempting to just give up and replace carpet. However, this isn’t always necessary and sometimes your insurance company will not agree with you. Being too hasty can leave you stuck with the replacement costs.

Wet carpet can often be salvaged:

• First and foremost, stop the flow of water. The last thing you need is for the water to continue to flow.
• Avoid walking on the carpet. Any and all traffic should be limited until the carpet is fully dry. The backings that hold the carpet together can be up to 50% weaker when wet. Walking on the wet carpet can cause separation (delaminating) of the carpet and its backings. Remove any smaller pieces of furniture in the damaged areas if possible. Many wooden pieces of furniture can transfer stains to the wet carpet. If any of the furniture has metal legs, these can add rust stains to the carpet. In case that a particular item is too heavy, put aluminum foil or plastic wrap under its legs. This will reduce the likelihood of further damaging of the carpet.
• If the water affecting the carpet is from a clean source (a broken water line, an icemaker, etc.) it can usually be saved. Of course several other factors need to be taken into account, things like the length of time everything has remained wet, the presence of pets, and the age of the carpet itself.

Keep in mind that these solutions only apply to “clean” water damage. If your toilet overflows and the water seeps into your carpet, then it would be better to just replace it! However, the final decision should be delayed until you speak with a restoration or carpet professional.

Drying Principals

Water extraction followed by the start of drying procedures needs to begin immediately. Waiting only gives mold and mildew more time to start to grow. After a thorough extraction, Water Mold Fire Restoration drying specialists will then set up dehumidifiers and air movers to evaporate any remaining water. Our dehumidifiers and air movers are commercial grade. They are much stronger than ordinary box fans and the big box store dehumidifiers sold for residential consumers.

Finishing the Restoration

Drying is by far the most time consuming part of water-damage restoration. Once everything is dry there is one more step that you need to take.If your carpet has been saved you should have your carpet professionally cleaned after you dry it. This will remove any leftover dust and dirt and freshen up the overall appearance of the carpet.

So to recap, you need to completely dry the carpet, confirm that it's dry, and then have it professionally cleaned if you do not plan on having it replaced.

Professional Assistance

Is possible to cleanup after a flood without professional help?Sure it is. But do you have the tools and training to do it right and not be at risk of mold developing? Water Mold Fire Restoration, 800-905-0277, has nationally certified water damage technicians, skilled, and fully equipped to handle any type of water loss. They are standing by 24/7 and will respond to your call for help in record time. Remember, time is THE critical factor in a water loss. If you prefer to contact us through email, do so at help@watermoldfire.net.