Should Carpet Be Replaced After Water Damage?

Water damage may be disastrous for homeowners since even minor leaks from a busted pipe or brimming tub can cause structural damage and eventually mold and mildew. Carpets are one of the most vulnerable items in the home in this scenario. 

Even after the flooding has receded, carpets may retain a musty, mildew odor. As a result, many homeowners are unsure whether they need to replace their carpets and how much they would cost.

If you find yourself asking the question of “should I replace my carpet after water damage,” keep reading! 

This article will discuss the actions you should take. 

What Are The Consequences Of A Water Damaged Carpet?

Damp carpets are a hotbed for the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. The CDC reports that exposure to these microorganisms can cause people to display various symptoms, which might range from severe to non-existent.

Health risks are influenced by both the quality and length of exposure. Wheezing, a stuffy nose, and itchy skin or eyes may occur after short-term, low exposure. 

However, you may be at a higher risk of a violent mold reaction if you have some medical issues. Even low levels of mold exposure can be problematic for people who suffer from asthma or allergies. 

What Should I Do If My Carpet Gets Flooded?

Here are some steps you should take after any flooding or leaks occur.

Safely Cut The Water Source As Soon As Possible

When walking into a room with any electronic devices, proceed with caution. Once you discover any leaks that are causing water damage, the first thing you need to do is carefully cut the flow of water. 

If possible, turn off the electricity before entering a flooded area to mitigate accidents. Conduct a cursory inspection of the area once the water flow has been cut. Any remaining water should be removed quickly. 

The more time water lingers in a spot, the worse the damage becomes. Remove any remaining flood water with buckets, towels, or a mop. 

Determine The Cause

Locating the origin of a leak can be simple or complicated — a busted pipe, blocked drain, or damaged roof flashing, for example. 

If you can’t determine the reason, hire an expert that specializes in damage assessment. They can swiftly locate the problem, analyze the damage, and assist you in restoring your property.

Evaluate The Extent Of Carpet Damage

Before deciding whether to maintain or replace a water-damaged carpet, there are some factors to keep in mind. The carpet’s age is among the most crucial considerations. The material composition of the carpet is also a factor. 

For example, water will not harm an indoor/outdoor carpet built to endure the weather. On the other hand, the average homeowner will have a tough time drying a plush or thick shag carpet and will likely need the help of a restoration professional. 

The damage to the carpet may be thoroughly examined once it is completely dry. Are there any foul smells coming from the carpet? Are there any stains or discoloration? If the answer to these questions is no, it could be worthwhile to save it.

Depending on the severity, sometimes you could remediate your carpet by getting it carpet cleaned by a professional carpet cleaning service company.

Remember To Look Check The Sub-Floor 

The carpet underlay and sub-floor must be inspected before deciding whether to replace or restore a carpet. Any water damage should be addressed rather than hidden from view. Mold could grow if the damage is not adequately handled, posing a major health risk. 

Even though the sub-floor looks to be in good shape, having it checked for significant damage by a professional is always a brilliant idea. If no lasting damage is found and the carpet and underlay are dry, there will be no need to replace the carpet.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Flooding on your property can be a traumatic event. When this happens, we are sometimes so preoccupied with resolving the issue that we neglect to notify our insurance provider. 

This is a crucial starting point following water damage since you may find that your home insurance covers most of the costs. If this is the scenario, cleaning and restoration will be considerably more manageable. 

Because most insurance providers favor professional cleaning and restoration, it’s a smart move to contact the experts at Rescue One Restoration.

The Bottomline

Water damaged carpets can severely impact your health and day-to-day routine, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to suffer forever. In this article, we’ve shared the things you can do to address this scenario. 

However, if you need any professional help, you can call the restoration experts at Rescue One Restoration. Our technicians will gladly assist you in promptly restoring your home.