How to Know When to Replace Water Damaged Carpet
Jeffrey Stiefel • Sep 01, 2020
Often, the first indication of water damage
is the discovery of soggy carpet. Maybe it was the hose to the washer or the supply line to the ice maker that sourced the water. The leak does not have to be excessive to deposit much water. A steady drip from a leaky pipe can distribute up to 35-40 gallons of water per day onto the carpet.
Contrary to popular belief, carpet is not able to retain very much water, only a few ounces per square foot. The carpet acts like a sieve or a strainer. Water goes right through to the padding, and the padding functions as a gigantic sponge. The water in the padding must be extracted within 24-48 hours, or the padding must be replaced. If the carpet sits on the soggy padding for too many hours, carpet delamination may occur. If delamination occurs, the carpet must be replaced as it is structurally compromised.
The best way to handle wet carpet and soaked padding is to extract as much water and moisture as possible. Then, the carpet and padding can be removed and further dried. Removing the carpet and padding allows the subfloor to be thoroughly dried, which significantly reduces the likelihood of mold growth. If needed, the subfloor can be disinfected. Disinfection may be required if the water is contaminated. Strong vacuum units, high-speed fans, and industrial dehumidifiers can dry out carpet and padding very quickly. The importance of quickly drying the carpet will be explained later.
Three factors determine whether or not the carpet and padding can be salvaged. These factors are:
Timing of the damage: Carpet and padding that remain wet for more than 48 hours must be replaced. Category 1, or clean water, becomes contaminated after 48 hours and must be considered as Category 2 water.
Extent of the water damage: The affected area must be able to be dried within 48 hours. Advanced contamination reduces the possibility that the carpet can be salvaged.
Types of water: Clean, gray, black
Three Types or Categories of Water
The type of water ultimately determines whether or not carpet can be salvaged.
Category 1: Clean water that contains few or no contaminants
- Source: Rainwater, drinking water
- Status: Carpet and padding can be restored if dried within 24-48 hours
Explanation: Carpets affected by category 1 water can be salvaged within 24-48 hours. Saving the carpet requires technicians to sanitize, clean, and restore the carpet and its padding. Beyond 24 hours, the water in the carpet becomes contaminated and converts to Category 2 water. Carpet contaminated with Category 2 water is unsalvageable. Substances like chemicals, hair, soap, and metals can help turn clean water into contaminated water with enough time.
Category 2: Gray water
- Source: Bathwater, water from washing machines, or toilet water contaminated with only urine and no other fecal matter.
- Status: Immediate action is needed within 24-48 hours in order to save the carpet. The padding must be discarded. New padding is required.
Explanation: Carpets affected by Category 2 water damage involve contaminated water that can cause sickness if contacted or swallowed. If treatment occurs within 24-48 hours of the damage, the carpet can be saved with professional carpet cleaning services. Disinfecting the subfloor is advised.
If the damage caused by category 2 water is left untreated beyond 24-48 hours, the water turns into category 3, in which the gray water turns into blackwater.
Category 3: Blackwater
- Source: Blackwater is sourced from natural disasters like hurricanes, sewage, and toilet backflows. It contains various harmful pathogens, bacteria, toxins, and pesticides.
- Status: Replacing the carpet and padding is recommended as the safest solution.
Explanation: This type of water damage involves damage done by blackwater, which is the most severe type of water damage. Both carpet and padding are regarded as toxic. The subfloor should be disinfected before new padding and new carpet are installed.
When possible and safe, salvaging wet carpet and padding makes financial sense in a water damage restoration
project. However, once the situation advances to the point where the safety and health of the property owner are at stake, replacement is the best solution. The key, as in any water damage situation, is to act as quickly as possible. Wet carpeting and padding very quickly become a breeding ground for mold and other contaminants.
When water damage strikes a Clinton Township property, the simplest and safest course of action is to call on the professionals at Night Owl Express Carpet Cleaning. The highly experienced team is available day and night, ready to help restore homes and businesses throughout the area. They offer full-service disaster restoration, including professional carpet cleaning and mold remediation needs.
For more information about water damage restoration, visit the Night Owl Express Carpet Cleaning website at https://www.nightowlexpresscarpetcleaning.com. The office can be reached by phone at (586) 792-4695 or by email at info@nightowlexpresscarpetcleaning.com.
What to Expect During the Water Damage Repair Process Experiencing residential or commercial water damage can be an overwhelming ordeal. Not only will it create a mess that damages property, but its effects can lead to hazardous mold growth. It helps to understand how your home or business can sustain water damage and the risks of neglecting damage. By learning how the restoration process occurs, you will know what you need to do if a flood or leak occurs at your residence or workplace. If you need help fast, water damage repair and restoration from Night Owl Express Cleaning & Restoration Services will restore your property to a livable condition.
Night Owl Express of Macomb County, MI, explains the consequences of failing to deal quickly with a water damage disaster.
Night Owl Express advises property owners of nine things they should never do when investigating the scope of a water damage incident.
A water damage incident occurs about every nine seconds. Dealing with water-logged carpet, a collapsed ceiling, wet furniture, and soggy heirlooms is stressful and often emotionally overwhelming. The home is special; it is where memories are made and kept. When those memories are damaged or lost, it is painful. Competent, gentle, and caring hands are required to restore delicate and precious belongings. When water damage occurs, time is critical. Stopping the flow of water, assessing the damage, and beginning the restoration process as soon as possible is crucial because delays allow the damage to become more severe and to spread, especially if the water flow is not stopped. When a water damage disaster happens in Macomb County, the water damage restoration company to call is Night Owl Express. The certified specialists care about the people they serve and are prepared to assist homeowners by restoring damaged property to its original condition. Property damage disasters disrupt life, interrupt schedules, and cause emotional stress. Homeowners can gain confidence and peace of mind from knowing that trusted, competent, and compassionate professionals are walking beside them throughout the recovery process. Night Owl Express Is Prepared When the Night Owl Express restoration experts arrive at the client’s home or business, they are prepared to handle every facet of the restoration process. The team’s restoration specialties include: Water damage Flood damage Sewage overflows and backups Odor control Wind damage Vandalism Having a variety of services and specialties in the restoration toolbox is important because many types of damage are interconnected. Wind damage can cause structural damage that results in a home or business being exposed to water damage. Sewage overflows and backups involve water, toxic wastes, and odor control. A sewage overflow or backup highlights the importance of hiring a restoration company that has refined and perfected its cleaning technology and techniques. The best teams use superior cleaning solutions to sanitize and disinfect the area affected by the sewage incident. Night Owl Express’ expertise sets the company apart as the top choice for a water damage restoration expert in Macomb County, MI. The Night Owl Express Staff is Friendly and Courteous The Night Owl Express team is thoroughly vetted, and team members have undergone background checks. Technicians wear company uniforms and greet clients with a warm smile, a cheerful attitude, and a genuine desire to help people restore their homes or businesses. Night Owl Express Has Years of Experience With over sixty-five years of combined experience, Night Owl Express offers the breadth of knowledge and expertise that makes the company an industry leader in the Macomb County area. The staff has researched the latest methods and products available on the market in order to deliver the results expected from the best professionals in the industry. Each van is outfitted with cutting-edge equipment and technology to ensure the best damage restoration outcome and customer experience. Night Owl Express is able to tackle all water damage restoration and cleaning needs with professionalism and care. Certifications Night Owl Express has achieved the highest level of professional property damage restoration certifications. Over the years, the company has cultivated a vibrant culture of continuing education that culminates in professional certifications that validate the team’s training and expertise. Night Owl Express has proudly achieved the following professional certifications: Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Institute National Institute of Disaster Restoration Water Loss Institute Carpet and Rug Institute Inc. Gold Seal Service Provider Conclusion The professionals at Night Owl Express care about their customers, and they want each client to be satisfied with the prompt, reliable service they provide. From the beginning of the process to the completion of the restoration project, the company assists homeowners and insurance companies. Experience, certifications, state-of-the-art technology, and commitment to customer service make Night Owl Express the all-around best choice for water and property damage restoration in the Macomb County area of Michigan. For more information about water damage restoration services, visit the Night Owl Express website at https://www.nightowlexpresscarpetcleaning.com . Contact the office by phone at (586) 792-4695 or by email at info@nightowlexpresscarpetcleaning.com .