How to handle water damage and carpeting

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Can your carpet be saved?

What happens when water affects your carpeting?

So often, a homeowner has water seeping into their home. It varies in amounts and can be from flooding or even broken pipes. Once you clean up the water-you have to remain concerned about mold. 

It doesn’t take much water for mold to grow and do a lot of harm. Flooring is at the top of watching for damage. Cleaning water-soaked carpets and floors is difficult under any conditions, but in the aftermath of a storm or flood, contamination by mud, silt, sewage and mildew, can make the issue so much worse.

Prevent mold growth by drying water damage quickly and effectively.

The sooner you start drying and cleaning after a water damage, the sooner you can stop mold from growing under your carpet. The tools are simple: fans, bleach solution and appropriate cleaners. SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac has all of the equipment and cleaners needed to appropriately cleaned and protected…. with the added protection of a certified trained crew to take care of it. 

Water has to be removed as quickly as possible.

There are machines that can remove water, there are also larger machinery that restoration companies have that can remove large amounts of water much more efficiently. The quicker you remove the moisture, the sooner it can dry to avoid damage.

Use fans to effectively speed up the drying process and a dehumidifier to dry it out.

It can take several days for fans to completely dry a water damaged area appropriately. The good news is that they also help circulate fresh air and eliminate odors. These machines remove excessive moisture, which makes the air feel cooler and limits mold and mildew growth. Any equipment that helps dry out the air and the ground will speed up the drying time for your damaged floors and coverings as well as walls affected.

Steam clean carpet and flooring, sanitize walls/baseboards affected.

Steam clean all carpets to properly sanitize and deodorize. Removing water, drying and cleaning carpets quickly make it possible to save the carpet.  However, water-damaged carpet padding must be replaced. Replacing just the padding is much less expensive than having to re-carpet an entire area.

Anything touched by storm water should be sanitized and cleaned.  Clean all walls, hard-surface floors and other household surfaces with soap and water as well as sanitized. Restoration companies should be able to complete all these services properly.

Finally, Check the furniture

Look for water damage and remove furniture from wet flooring. Water damage can easily be hidden underneath rugs or carpet, so be sure to give your home a thorough inspection if you suspect water damage.

Take great care in repairing your home. SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac is here to help you. We have the certified trained staff and equipment to take care of your home.