Preventing Water Damage To Carpets

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Why Does Water Damage Occur In Carpets?

Water damage often occurs in carpets as a result of a leaky pipe, plumbing issues, flooding from a weather event, or buildup in places such as basements and attics that hold water. Although it’s an issue that happens rather frequently, water damage to carpets must be remedied quickly in order to prevent serious damage.

How Can I Tell If My Carpets Are Damaged?

Many times, water damage to carpets may not show any visible signs of damage. However, there are other indicators that may suggest that your carpets have, in fact, been damaged by water. If the carpet gives off a musty odor that will not subside even after cleaning or if family members living in the house experience continued symptoms of allergies or illness, these may be signs that your carpet has been damaged by water. Discoloration in any area of the carpet is a physical indicator of water damage.

What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?

It is crucial to act quickly, as the longer the moist carpet is left untreated, the more harm it may cause to the sub-floor underneath the carpet as well as to the carpet itself. In addition, mold and mildew may grow in the moist areas of the carpet after time, which cannot be cleaned and therefore, the carpet would have to be removed. Mold and mildew can contaminate the home’s air regulation system, so it must be removed as soon as possible, as it can negatively affect the health of those living in the house.

How Can I Protect My Carpet?

A wet water vacuum must be used to absorb the moisture in the carpet. It would also be wise to check furniture that surrounds the area in order to make certain that those objects have not also been damaged by water. The impacted room should be aired out, which can be achieved through opening windows and utilizing fans or a dehumidifier. When the carpet is impacted by water damage, the padding underneath will need to be replaced. Sprinkling the affected area with baking soda and then vacuuming is an effective method of treating an isolated area, as well as steam cleaning the area to get rid of dead mold spores. Cleaning other walls and carpets in the room would also help to fend against any more mold growth. To ensure a thorough elimination of any contamination, call SERVPRO.