How Can I Save My Carpeting After A Flood?
If your home has been affected by a flood, there's a good chance your carpeting can be saved if the proper procedures are followed and if the carpet is dried quickly enough. Carpet drying can be handled by capable DIYers with the following steps.
Rent Drying Machines
There are a variety of commercial materials available for rent from home improvement centers and hardware stores. Look for these machines:
- Commercial extractor
- Air mover
- Dehumidifier
Extract the Water, then Hang the Carpet to Dry
Use the commercial extractor to first remove the water from the carpet. The extractor is similar to a large vacuum cleaner. To remove the most water, go slowly as you use the extractor. Once the carpet has been cleared of standing water, set up the air mover and dehumidifier to help dry the carpet in its place, as you continue to use the extractor. Finally, pull up the carpeting and hang it outdoors to dry.
Experts recommend that water-damaged carpeting should be finished drying within three days of flooding, to avoid the growth of mold. The amount of time that you spend using the extractor and dehumidifier will depend on how much standing water was on the carpet, and the humidity levels in the room.
Carpeting in humid environments may need more time with the de-humidifier, carpeting in dry environments will need less time. Most important to keep in mind is that the carpeting must be completely dry by the time 72 hours have passed.
Replace the Padding
The padding beneath your carpet is likely to be destroyed by the flood and is unlikely to be saved by drying efforts. In addition, carpet padding is relatively inexpensive. Given the risk of mold, many homeowners will find the carpet padding is not worth saving. Replace your carpet padding and install new padding before putting the dried carpet back in your home.
When in Doubt, Contact Professionals
You may notice that the room that flooded begins to develop a musty odor during or shortly after the carpet is dried. This is a sign of mold. You may even see black or brown spots of mold growing on the carpeting or the wall near the carpeting.
Mold is a serious problem that can cause damage to your home and impact your health. If you suspect that your carpeting, the padding beneath it, or the subfloor has begun to develop mold, seek services from flood damage restoration professionals, like Complete Restoration Services, as soon as possible.