Can Wet Carpet and Drywall be Saved from a Water Loss?

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

Wet carpet from the outside water through the house creating damage.

By taking swift action as soon as possible soaked carpet and drywall can be saved in many cases. The amount of water isn’t the key factor in determining if irreparable carpet and drywall damage can be prevented.  It’s actually how contaminated the water is and how soon the materials can be completely dried. Anything that comes in contact with sewer water (category 3) must be replaced, the same goes for any type of flooding from a water source that’s been in contact with the ground. With nearly all wall-to-wall carpets and rugs today made of synthetic fibers the primary problem is microbial growth.  So wet carpet can often be saved if it’s thoroughly dried out before that gets going.  The bad news is that you may have as little as 24-48 hours. Wet drywall soon swells, sags, and bows… and supports growing bacteria and especially mold.  So like carpet it needs to be dried as quickly as possible if it’s to be salvaged.  Unfortunately, water damaged drywall often needs to be replaced. Specialized water technicians from SERVPRO are trained to know the level of severity your water loss is and if we can hopefully save anything. Always act quickly with a water loss!