Allowing a carpet to remain wet is never in a homeowner’s best interests. In fact, damp carpeting can be a health hazard due to mold growth. Many common reasons cause dampness—but thoroughly drying carpets exposed to water damage is critical. Here are handy carpet-drying tips.
How does carpeting get wet?
Leaks in the windows or ceilings can allow rainwater or snowmelt inside. Homeowners are advised to watch for moisture accumulations along the walls and ceilings; if moisture forms, the home has a water leak. Applying a waterproof sealant to the walls and ceilings can correct the moisture issue.
Snowfall can also lead to wet indoor carpeting. Homeowners who walk through an open door can inadvertently let the wind blow in snow particles. Melting snow particles contribute to the carpet water damage. During heavy snowfalls, insulate the home well by keeping doors closed.
Home appliances that use water, like dishwashers and washing machines, can malfunction and spew water onto the carpets. An air conditioner with a blocked condensate drain line can also lead to moisture issues. It is important to monitor appliances when they are in use to prevent flooding.
Leaks in plumbing systems, too, can cause water damage to carpets. Minor leaks in the pipes may be caused by corrosion and can be immediately resolved by a licensed plumber. Homeowners who suspect a clogged drainage system should have it professionally inspected.
What are the dangers of wet carpeting?
Mold growth is one of the most hazardous outcomes of damp carpets. Wet, humid conditions supply molds, like Stachybotrys chartarum, with nutrients. As the spores continue to be nourished by the constant supply of moisture, they produce mycotoxins and begin to spread.
The home’s occupants will start to experience ill health as a result of prolonged exposure to mold. Common symptoms include infections, rashes, coughs, and allergies. Chronic health issues can develop over time as the individuals continue to breathe in the mold spores.
What are tips to dry a wet carpet?
Tip 1: Stop the Moisture Source
The carpets will continue to remain damp unless the cause of the water damage is repaired. Fix the broken pipe or leaky roof before starting the carpet drying process. Clear the room of furniture and other items. Limit foot traffic in the room, since wet carpets are fragile.
Tip 2: Extract the Water
The moisture on the carpets must be removed. Less than an inch of water can be successfully extracted with a wet/dry vacuum. More than a few inches of water require a submersible pump and a shop vac, which may be rented from a local hardware store.
Follow up with absorbent towels to remove any remaining water on the carpet. Blankets can alternately be used for the same purpose. Press the towels or blankets firmly into the carpet so that the materials absorb the water. Towels are most effective on small areas of damp carpeting.
Tip 3: Promote Airflow
Introduce airflow into the vicinity to accelerate the drying process. If weather permits, open the windows. Run high-powered fans and a structural drying dehumidifier, which can be rented. Check for dryness every few hours and reposition the fans to ensure the entire carpet dries.
Tip 4: Replace Carpet Padding
Moisture will likely have saturated the carpet padding, whether it is made of urethane foam, wool, or fiber. Wet carpet padding should be replaced to prevent mold growth from forming along the carpet. Carpet padding is relatively inexpensive, at $0.30 to $0.60 per foot.
Tip 5: Disinfect the Subfloor
The subfloor may be water damaged, especially in cases where the floodwater covered the carpet. Roll back the carpet to check the subfloor. Dry out the subfloor by running fans and a dehumidifier. If buckling or warping occur, replace those damaged sections of the subfloor.
Wet, organic surfaces attract mold spores, so disinfect the subfloor once it is dry. Prepare a solution of one cup bleach per gallon of water, spray it along the subfloor and allow it to air dry. Apply the bleach solution to the subfloor only, since bleach can stain carpeting.
While disinfecting the subfloor, also clean and sanitize nearby surfaces. Scrub the baseboards and walls clean to remove any remaining mold spores or mildew. Homeowners should sanitize right away, since mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure.
Tip 6: Reinstall the Carpets
Prior to laying the replacement carpet padding, use a shop vac to eliminate lingering dirt and debris. Install the carpet padding, which may come as tiles, sheets, or rolls. Clean the carpet once it is installed to remove stains and odors and restore the carpet pile.
Minor instances of water damage to a carpet can be handled via a DIY route. Major cases of water damage, however, require the skill and experience of the professionals from ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors. We’ll clean up your water damaged home quickly and efficiently.
Water damage restoration technicians arrive promptly at your home or business to assess the extent of the damage. We set up advanced water extraction equipment and dehumidifiers to remove all traces of excess moisture from the premises. Our specialists dry affected materials and furnishings.
Your wet carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings will be cleaned and restored. We perform mold remediation by applying antimicrobials; this important step ensures that the home or business is in a hygienic and habitable condition. Our techs work with your property insurance to speed up claims.
Crews at ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors are licensed, bonded and insured. Property owners can rest assured that they are working with reliable and experienced professionals. Plus, the equipment our technicians use is powerful and will rapidly remove any amount of standing water.
Water damage demands the immediate attention of the experts at ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors. We understand the urgency of flood damage, which is why our techs stand by 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Call us when you need water damage cleanup.
