Water Damage: Questions and Answers

If my carpet and pad is wet, is it ruined?

In most cases, your carpet and pad is restorable IF the water was clean water and has been in the carpet for less than 24 hours.  Repairs can often be done to the carpet if necessary to restore the carpet as it was before the flood.  In most cases your home will be dry in 2-4 days.

What will happen if I try to dry the carpet out myself with a shop vacuum and fans?

Without the proper experience and equipment, the flooded area could take days, weeks, or
months to dry.  The water begins to wick up into the drywall and into the studs inside the wall.  This makes a perfect environment for mold and wood destroying organisms to grow.  Mold grows on wood, baseboards, drywall, and inside cabinets if the building is not quickly dried.  If mold is present, the affected area must be replaced.

What about my hardwood floors?

When a hardwood floor takes in water, it will buckle within a matter of days if not properly dried.  We use special moisture meters to determine how much moisture is present in the wood.  If the flood has just occurred, the hardwood may be restorable.

Do I have to keep this drying equipment continuously going?

Yes.  Turning it off can cause further damage.  Most of our equipment has a timer to tell us how long the equipment was run.

What is this musty odor?

There is often a musty odor that is associated with a flood.  This odor will dissipate soon after the building is dry.  Foggers and deodorizers are used if necessary.  If this odor bothers you, ask your insurance company if they will reimburse you for a hotel expense while the building is drying.

Will opening up my windows help the carpet dry faster?

No.  In almost all cases we will have created a better drying environment with our drying equipment than there is by opening windows.

Will my drywall need to be replaced?

Wet drywall can be restored in most cases provided there is not mold on the drywall.

Will my insurance company pay for this?

In every situation that we have seen, the cost for water damage restoration is paid for by the insurance company (minus your deductible).  Your insurance company wants you to take immediate action in stopping further damage.  Every service that we do for you will appear on the bill to your insurance company.  As soon as we begin the job, you’ll want to call your insurance carrier to let them know that you have a certified company drying the building for you.

How much will this cost?

We will provide you with a current price list of equipment and service costs.  All of our prices are similar to other certified water damage restoration companies and are in accordance with the Bluebook of Cleaning, Reconstruction, and Repair Costs.  The total cost for our service will be determined by how long the structure takes to dry.


Disclaimer:  The information in this booklet is not meant for professional or legal advice.  The statements mentioned are generalities and each individual case could be different.