Keep What’s Salvageable and Throw the Rest

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Drywall is very porous

Inspect These Areas After a Flood

In the wake of a flood in Jacksonville, FL, mold growth can begin within 24 hours of exposure to moisture. It’s crucial to know all of the places that mold is likely to lurk to prevent it from beginning in the first place. Any porous materials that can’t be thoroughly cleaned and completely dried within 48 hours must be discarded. Inspect these areas after a flood.

1. Carpeting
A wet/dry vacuum can be used to eliminate standing water, as well as any remaining water from the soaked carpet. Once you’ve eliminated as much water as possible, use high-power fans to dry the carpet. The water probably soaked into the carpet padding, so the padding will need to be removed and replaced. If the water soaked through to the subfloor, that will need to be thoroughly dried as quickly as possible as well.

2. Drywall
Drywall is very porous. Acting like a sponge, the drywall will absorb water, which will then travel upwards. Typically, a section of the affected drywall must be removed (about 12 inches above the waterline) and replaced with new. Just as water soaks through drywall, mold growth will also occur throughout, making the drywall unsalvageable.

3. Wood
If wooden furniture has a lot of water damage you should first disassemble it as much as you can. Take drawers out and doors off. Dry with a cloth, and clean any remaining dirt and debris off. You can set it outside to dry, but don’t let it sit directly in the sun as the wood can warp. High-power fans and dehumidifiers will also help.

4. Upholstery
Soaked upholstered furniture usually isn’t salvageable. Even if it’s capable of being repaired, those repairs will probably be costly. Unless it’s an antique or a very valuable piece, it probably isn’t worth the effort or expense because it’ll likely have to be stripped and rebuilt.
It’s important to begin the sanitizing and drying process right away to avoid bacteria and mold growth after a flood. Water damage professionals will return your home to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.