When rising water damages your home, time is the biggest enemy. Severe flooding can seriously damage your home or business, ruining flooring and leading to total reconstruction of walls.

Depending on the level and severity of flooding, however, you may be able to save flooring and walls if you act quickly enough. Restoration specialists emphasize the urgency of dealing with water damage within 48 hours to prevent additional damage that can cost thousands more in repair and replacement of flooring and walls.

What you need to know about water damage

• Even a small amount of water will be absorbed into wood flooring, carpet padding, and drywall.
• After 48 hours, damage is likely irreversible and mold and mildew will begin to form.
• Thorough drying is critical for any flooring or walls to be saved.

Getting a professional involved is your best chance of saving items and limiting damage in your home after a flood. A water damage and restoration specialist knows what to look for and how to attack moisture that has permeated areas that you cannot see.

Wet walls

Drying out the wall completely is as critical as the timing. If any moisture is left behind mold and rot will become the next problem you will need to deal with.

If you are attempting to save part of the drywall, it’s important to determine how far the moisture has spread. Because drywall is made of absorbent materials, flood water can be pulled several inches up the wall and you may not be able to see it. Consider the following:

• A moisture meter or infrared imaging camera can identify moisture in the wall that is not visible.
• Consult a professional to dry out an insulated wall. Only fiberglass paper-backed insulation can be dried – replace drywall that is installed over foil-backed fiberglass, blown in cellulose, expandable foam, and Styrofoam materials.
• Remove trim, molding, baseboards, and wallpaper before attempting to dry a wall.
• Powerful air movers, dehumidifiers, and inner wall drying systems are your best means of thoroughly drying wet walls.
• Do not refinish a wall that is not fully dried out, as it will grow dangerous mold, cause rot, and compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Wet floors

Wood and carpeted floors can be saved if you can act quickly (within 48 hours) but working with a professional is your best bet to ensure the subfloor is also thoroughly dried out. Care should be taken for cleaning and disinfecting as well. Even a sealed wood floor is more porous than you think.

Tips for wet flooring:

• In most cases, the padding under the carpet will need to be replaced, as it acts like a sponge and will quickly grow mold.
• Hardwood floors are prone to swelling, cupping, and buckling when exposed to moisture and flooding. A sealed or waxed floor will be only slightly more water resistant so thorough, quick drying is critical to prevent damage.
• Mopping and a wet vac are not enough to pull water from crevices and pores in wood flooring.
• Both carpet and wood floors will need to be cleaned and disinfected. Consult a professional for guidance.
• Remove all furniture from a wet floor as quickly as possible and monitor for mold growth during the drying process.

If you need help after a flood in your home or business, Lewis Construction can provide full-service restoration services, including:

• Immediate tarping to protect exposed interior spaces.
• Insurance claim help including complete documentation of damage.
• Expedited water removal to prevent mold and rot.
• Professional inspection to locate hidden moisture and water damage

For details on water damage remediation, call Lewis Construction, or click here for information about all restoration services available from the Lewis team.