We are finally moving into the fall and winter seasons. For most of San Diego that doesn’t mean much. Maybe temperatures will drop about 10 degrees on average, but for the most part life will move on as it has before. Instead of shorts and tank tops, it will now move to shorts and light sweaters. However, those of us who have been in San Diego for several years or longer know that this is the time of year when the rain comes. Weather patterns have always been a little strange in San Diego, and although it doesn’t rain often, many of us know that when it rains it pours. Overall, the city of San Diego was not build to handle large amounts of weather, and frequently experiences large amounts of flooding when it rains. This can raise the chance of your home experiencing water damage during the event of a storm. In this post we provide useful tips to reduce panic and take the proper steps to bounce back from water damage in your carpets.
Step 1: Know What You’re Dealing With
Prior to taking any action, it’s important to know the situation regarding water in your house and on your carpets. Was the source of the water truly a storm, or did it come from somewhere else, and has the source been shut off? When it comes to fixing the water damage, is it something that you think you can handle on your own, or would this be best left to the professionals? Were there any hazardous chemicals involved?
Know what kind of water damage your carpets have. Was it clean water? If so, you might just need to dry your carpets. However it is good to keep in mind that areas beneath the carpet could have experienced water damage as well. Flood waters contain bad contaminants, and can cause dangerous types of bacteria to grow. If flood water is what seeped into your home, you will want to call in professionals to take care of the damage.
If you plan on cleaning/drying your carpets yourself, it is important to use proper safety precautions and use protective gloves, eye wear, and a mask. It is also best to keep people off and away from the carpet as long as it is still wet.
Step 2: Start Drying ASAP
Water causes moisture to seep deep into carpets, which can spur the growth of mold. Not only can mold smell, but it can permanently damage carpets and cause a health hazard to anyone in the home. The best chance your carpet will have is being completely dried within 48 hours of being exposed to moisture. Although, this can be difficult, and in some cases impossible. Because of this it is always good to seek professional help to ensure the health of your carpet, floors, and home. When reacting to wet carpet it is best to act quickly to prevent the spread of mold. Mold can appear within 24-48 hours if left untreated.
When it comes to drying carpet, wet-vacs are usually a great line of defense. They are typically inexpensive to rent, however they can take time. They are most effective when used in a single long stroke across the carpet, passed over many more times.
Fans, dehumidifiers, and blowers can help with getting the carpet to dry faster. It is also recommended to keep windows open to encourage fresh airflow throughout the home. However, if it is raining or humid outside, it is best to keep windows shut.
If your carpets have padding underneath, the padding will soak up a majority of the water. Padding cannot be reused if it becomes wet, as it is almost impossible to completely dry without completely removing it. It is best to completely replace the padding and throw the old padding out (tip: use gloves when removing the old padding). Once the new padding is in, lay the carpet back down and use a wet vac similar as to what was mentioned above. A good thing to keep in mind is that these situations can be difficult to work with, and it is always best to call in a professional to assess the damage and take care of the restoration process to ensure a secure carpet devoid of bulges or bunching.
Step 3: Call a Professional
Better safe than sorry is how the motto goes. When it comes to dealing with water damaged carpet, it is best to let the professionals handle things. This will be the best way to make sure the restoration process is done properly, to eliminate mildew and mold from growing, and to endure the continuing health of your carpets. When it comes to water damaged carpets, our team here at Clean Earth prides ourselves in being equipped for any and all situations regarding cleaning and restoring water damaged carpets. For any questions or to schedule a cleaning, give us a call at 619-284-4239 or visit our site cleanearthrestorations.com.
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