Water damage is something that no homeowner wants to deal with. Whether it’s caused by a burst mainline under the foundation or a rainstorm, the aftermath can be dramatic. However, smaller leaks also happen and cause gradual damage that may not create enough damage that the carpet needs to be replaced.
Carpets sometimes need replacement after water damage, but this isn’t true in all cases. We’ll share some information below so you can decide what the best solution is for you and your water-logged carpets.
Should the Carpets Be Replaced?
The first thing to do after water damage is trying not to panic. Look around the area and see how bad the damage is. If there are stains on the back of furniture or along the baseboards, there may be time to rectify the situation. However, timing is crucial so you may need to act fast.
The issue is that water damage can spread slowly and without notice until things are extreme. For example, a leak on the second floor could run down the walls, get in between the walls and floors, and leak onto the carpet to damage it slowly over time.
When to Replace Carpet After Water Damage
You may not realize that carpet comes in several layers and there is additional flooring beneath the surface. It’s important to take the potential risks seriously.
In most cases, if the carpet has been wet for 72 hours or more, it will likely need to be replaced. However, all leaks and damage are different so speak with an expert before you make any rash decisions.
At 72 hours, mold will have started to spread. After the mold is growing, cleaning the carpets is much more challenging and your health could be at risk.
As soon as you realize there is water damage to your carpets, you should have a carpet expert inspect the area. The quicker you do so, the more likely something can be done other than replacement. Locating and stopping the leak is the most important thing to do at this point.
Green-Gen Carpet and Fine Rug Cleaning has experienced water damage and may need to be replaced. However, that is not always the case. If the water has not been in the carpet for more than 72 hours, the carpet can often be cleaned and no replacement is needed. Request a free estimate from Green-Gen Carpet and Fine Rug Cleaning to find out more about your options.
