Do I Need to Replace My Wet Carpet After a Water Emergency in Tallahassee?

5/31/2020 (Permalink)

When carpets are affected during a water damage emergency, any delays can create a mold infestation. Contact SERVPRO right away.

Fitted Carpets Can, and Should, Be Restored After a Water Emergency. SERVPRO Operates with a Restore Over Replace Mentality that can Save your Carpets From Water Exposure.

How long can carpets in Tallahassee be wet before causing permanent damage?

Fitted-carpeting cannot stay wet for more than seventy-hours without mold growth occurring. Once mold spores grow into colonies, they can spread rapidly across textiles, causing irreversible harm. If a carpet shows signs of mold infestation, it must be removed and replaced. In some situations, not taking adequate action against potential mold growth can complicate your insurance claim, and your policy may not cover the cost of the new carpet. If your carpets are exposed to water damage in your Tallahassee home, you must quickly bring in restorers to mitigate permanent harm.

Can a wet carpet dry by itself?

With surface-level exposure to small amounts of water, a carpet can dry by itself. However, larger quantities of water can soak through the carpet, causing delamination in Tallahassee and absorbing into the carpet fibers. If water reaches the underside of a carpet or the pad beneath only the surface level of the carpet dries while the lower regions suffer from continued exposure to moisture. If pressure on the carpet pushes out moisture, you may need to procure professional equipment or temporarily remove the carpet to dry it thoroughly.

Can you save a soaking wet carpet?

There are several methods you can use to save a wet carpet from permanent damage.

Detach and float the carpet

Carpets are fitted to the floor using carpet grippers- thin strips of wood with short spikes that hold the carpet in place. Using a pry bar, you can lever the wet carpet away from grippers. Carpets are up to 50% weaker when wet, so make sure that all edges of the carpet are detached before attempting to lift it. With the carpet removed, you can place an air-mover beneath and 'float' the carpet to circulate warm air drying the underside, pads, and subfloor.

Hot water extraction 

Hot water extraction uses a professional tool that is powerful enough to remove water from a carpet when applied to the surface. Water extractors combine heating elements with vacuums and are capable of passing fluids. Usually, extractors transport the excess moisture to a truck-mounted storage tank or a portable water tank. In some situations, extraction is possible without removing furniture or detaching the carpet referred to as in-place drying.

Dehumidifying carpets

Dehumidification can help to speed up the drying process, although it is less effective than using extraction or carpet floating methods. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a silica gel to remove moisture from the surrounding air and can lower humidity to below 40 grains per pound. When humidity levels drop, water is drawn out of wet materials and evaporates faster than in normal conditions.

How do I limit damages to wet carpet?

• Reduce foot traffic over the carpet, prevent damage to fibers, and keep the carpet free of soiling
• Dry the carpet quickly using extraction equipment and dehumidification
• Spray antimicrobial chemicals directly onto the carpet surface to reduce mold buildup
• Take extra care when acting on a carpet to avoid tears or fiber compression

How can I remove footprints from my carpet?

Areas of a room with high foot traffic begin to show signs of wear and age. Fiber reduction over carpets is irreversible, however removing prints and fluffing the carpet give it a new lease of life. SERVPRO technicians can apply the emulsifying powder directly onto a soiled or wet carpet using a truck-mounted extraction wand. The emulsifying powder absorbs moisture as well as soiling that may be deeply embedded in the carpet fibers. Technicians can then vacuum the powder using roto machines. These light machines vacuum and buffer the surface fibers of a carpet, which can help remove heavy footmarks and provide a uniform finish of the carpet fibers.

If the carpet pad is wet, do I need to replace the carpet?

It is common for large amounts of water to migrate through the fibers of a carpet affecting the pads underneath. However, carpet pads are much less expensive to replace than the carpet. Our technicians can detach the carpet and remove the sodden carpet pad below, cutting it up into small pieces. The small pieces of wet carpet pad should be double sealed in waterproof bags to prevent dripping through the home when taken out for disposal. SERVPRO takes non-salvageable items like carpet pad away with us when the restoration is finished.

If you are not sure whether to restore or replace wet carpets, contact SERVPRO of Central Tallahassee at (850) 765-5706 for expert advice.