What Can You Salvage After a Flood?

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can be devastating for a business or commercial property. If you experience any water damage contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County.

Floods can happen almost anywhere, and they have many causes. A leaking pipe may destroy your kitchen floor, or an overflowing river may flood your entire first floor. After a flood, however, the damage can seem overwhelming, especially if you don't know what can be saved and what needs to be tossed.

Luckily, professional cleaning and restoration crews can often save a lot of your home. Since most homes aren't protected from floods by homeowner’s insurance, this can save you huge amounts of money. If you are worried about a flood, or your home has already experienced water damage, check out what you can and can't salvage.

Floors

Depending on the type of flooring material you use and how long the materials were exposed to water, you may be able to save your floors. If you have carpet, it may seem impossible to salvage it, but if you contact professional cleaners within 24 hours, they can save the carpet. It may have to be removed for faster drying, and the underlying matt will need to be replaced.

Wood floors usually don't do well against water, so if you don't seek help immediately after the flood, the floors may need to be replaced. If you have ceramic or porcelain tile floor, you're in luck because they absorb low amounts of water, so you should be able to easily save your floor.

Walls

Because drywall absorbs water well, you may need to remove the entire portion of drywall that was exposed to water. This is the safest way to prevent mold growth. Plaster and paneling may be salvageable, but you need to open the wall to get air circulating. The outside of the wall may seem dry, but there could still be lots of dampness inside the walls.

If you have vinyl-coated wallpaper, it will need to be removed as it hinders the drying process, and it may promote more mold growth. Any wet insulation needs to be replaced because insulation can store water for months after exposure to water.

Furniture

If any furniture was exposed to flood water, you may be wondering what can and can't be saved. You may be able to save upholstered furniture, but if the water was potentially contaminated, it may be best to just toss it. If there was only a little exposure (to clean water), you may be able to dry and clean the furniture.

You can save wood furniture that hasn't been exposed to water for long, but you will have to dry and clean it. In cases of extensive damage, the wood may be too warped or damaged to save. If you do decide to save your wood furniture, make sure it is completely dry before you begin repairs and restoration.

Appliances

Some appliances can be repaired after a flood. For example, if your stove was exposed to water, after drying and replacing damaged parts, you may not need to replace the stove. On the other hand, if your refrigerator was submerged, it's best to toss it because of all the insulation inside it makes it too hard to fully dry fast.

Any appliance you choose to keep after a flood should be professionally inspected to ensure it is safe. Even if your stove seems safe, a wet wire may cause fire or electrocution. Whenever in doubt, toss any electrical item that may have been exposed to water. Again, if the water contains contaminates or sewage, it may not be a good idea to try and save the item.

Floods cause devastating damage, but some stuff can be repaired, especially if you seek help fast. Fast drying is essential to prevent the growth of potentially hazardous mold and mildew. If you would like to know more about restoration after a flood, contact us at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County today.