Can Carpeting Be Saved After a Flood? 3 Factors To Consider

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

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Is It Possible To Save Carpet After A Flood? 3 Things To Think About

When flooding occurs in your Punta Gorda, FL, home, the results can be disastrous. From dealing with a pipe break to a burst water heater, assessing the water damage afterward may take some time as you sort through wet items and consider the cost of repairs. However, one item you may be unsure about replacing is wet carpeting. Before you make this decision, there are a few factors you might want to consider, as they can affect the well-being of anyone who lives in your home.

1. How Old Is the Carpeting?

A carpet's age can affect the level of damage that occurs during a flood. If the fibers are already worn, they may not absorb as much water and the carpeting may be easier to dry. However, older carpeting may shed more fibers after a flood and leave thinning or bare patches. In this case, you may want to replace it.

2. What Kind of Flood Was It?

Before you decide to remove your home's carpeting, you may want to consult a flood cleanup and restoration company. These professionals can advise you on what types of flood water may be hazardous to your health and whether your carpets can recover. For example, sewage water or flooding that occurs in your home after a heavy rain may contain pathogens and microbes that can cause serious illness. A carpet saturated with outdoor flood water cannot be salvaged, so you may want to have it torn out as soon as possible.

3. Has Mold Set In?

If it takes more than a few days to fix a pipe break and your carpeting remains wet, mold can set in quickly. Mold typically grows on the padding underneath carpeting first, so you may need to have it inspected. If no mold is present, you may be able to save affected carpeting with proper drying.

Carpeting in your Punta Gorda, FL, home can be affected by flood waters from a pipe break or torrential storm. Asking yourself a few questions about the extent of the damage can help you make the best decision possible.