There are some things you should think about before you start pulling up your carpets after your home has been flooded. Water damage to the carpet can sometimes be salvaged (same goes for rugs, upholstered furniture, and other textile goods in your home). So, before you give up hope and consider your carpets a total loss, consider the following factors to determine whether you should replace your carpets after water damage.
Water Damage Restoration
How long has there been water damage?
Water damage that is not cleaned up within 48-72 hours will promote mold and other microbial growth, necessitating the removal and replacement of most carpets for health and safety reasons. The longer water damage goes unresolved, the worse it gets. Carpets should be replaced if they have been exposed to water damage for more than two days.
How much water was there?
If the carpet has a few wet spots from water damage but is not completely saturated, you can dry it without replacing it. However, if there is standing water covering the entire carpet and it has soaked all the way through the padding, the solution is not as simple. Sodden carpet and carpet padding can cause significant subfloor damage, so it should be removed and replaced.
Uncertain about the extent of the damage?
Begin by removing the carpet and inspecting the padding and subfloor. If the carpet padding appears to be undamaged and the subfloor is in good condition, the water damage was most likely minor enough that thorough drying, cleaning, and restoration by a trained restoration company could save your carpets.
Once the carpets have been dried and the water has been removed, but a musty odor remains, let the restoration company attempt professional odor removal before you consider the carpets a total loss. Professional services are far more successful than do-it-yourself attempts at salvaging water-damaged carpets, upholstery, and other materials.
When you are at a loss for what to do, contact the water damage restoration experts at White Glove Restoration. We can come to your home and inspect the water damage before recommending a plan to restore your home and belongings. We will use all of our training, experience, and equipment to provide the best results possible for your carpets, belongings, and home in general. We can remove and replace carpets and other damaged areas if the water damage is severe.
To summarize, the best chance of salvaging your carpets after water damage is to call White Glove Restoration. We will be able to restore your home to pre-loss condition as soon as possible, regardless of the size and scope of the damage. If you discover water damage in your home, contact White Glove Restoration immediately.
