When your home experiences flooding and your carpets are soaking wet, you may ask yourself an important question which is “can the carpets be restored?” The fate of flooded carpets depends on the type of water they were exposed to, as the different water categories will determine whether restoration is possible or if replacement is necessary. Carpet Dry-Tech will explain the three water category types and how each will impact your home’s carpets and their future.
Category 1 Water Damage
Category 1 water damage occurs when clean water is released from a broken pipe or due to rainwater. With cleaner water, there are fewer contaminants to address, making it much easier to restore carpets exposed to category 1 water damage. However, there is a time limit involved. Even when carpets are exposed to the cleanest water, intense restoration must take place within forty eight hours. Delaying the restoration process allows mold, mildew, and other fungi to develop, making it much more challenging to save the carpets. In most cases, if you wait too long to restore the carpets, they will need to be replaced.
Category 2 Water Damage
Category 2 water damage, often known as gray water, occurs when the water is contaminated to some extent. If the flooding water originates from outside or from a broken drainage pipe, it is filled with contaminants. Can carpets be saved when it comes to category 2 water damage? Yes, but time is of the essence, and often the carpets need to be lifted, and the underpad must be replaced. Preventing the growth of mold and other fungi becomes exceedingly difficult when the underpad is saturated with category 2 water. Similar to category 1, you have a forty eight-hour window to save your carpets. Otherwise, replacement becomes necessary.
Category 3 Water Damage
Category 3, known as black water, refers to water containing harmful bacteria, pesticides, and toxins. Homes are often exposed to category 3 water damage when sewage systems back up into the property. When carpets are affected by category 3 water damage, restoration is not possible, even with the most rapid and intensive cleaning and treatment methods.
Can You Save Carpet from Water Damage?
Carpets can be saved or restored from category 1 and 2 water damage if you act quick enough. The restoration process involves extracting the water and thoroughly drying the carpets. In the case of category 2 damage, the carpets are lifted, the underpad is removed, and the subfloor is cleaned and treated. A new pad is then installed. Following this, the carpet will undergo a deep cleaning with an anti-mold agent to eliminate any early signs of mold or other fungi. The carpet may need to be cleaned and treated two or even three times to ensure it is thoroughly cleansed and free of contaminants that will lead to mold and fungi development.
Carpet Cleaning, Stain Removal & More in Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Atlanta & Greater Woodstock, GA
Flooding can occur very suddenly and often homeowners are never prepared to deal will water damage and restoring their home. If you find yourself dealing will a recent flood and need our help, contact Carpet Dry-Tech and schedule our water damage restoration services today.
