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If you've experienced flooding in your home, you may be wondering what should be replaced and what can be salvaged. This can all vary depending on the severity of the flooding and even the type of water that caused the flooding. (For example, flood damage caused by sewer water is much more serious than water damage from a burst pipe). This article will simply address various possessions and parts of your home that may need to be replaced after sustaining flood damage. To find out for sure what is salvageable and what isn't for your specific situation, speak to a company that handles water damage in Alpharetta. Flooring Most flooring types will need to be replaced after sustaining flood damage. A few non-absorbent flooring materials, such as tile, may be okay, but materials like wood and carpet will almost certainly need to be replaced. Wood can become warped and experience rotting after being damaged in a flood. Carpet is extremely difficult to dry out properly, and the potential for future mold growth is high if all of the moisture is not removed. In some cases, carpet can be lifted and dried out, and wood can be dried and refinished. However, this usually only works if the flood damage was minimal. If you had several inches of standing water in your home, you need to plan to replace most, if not all, of your flooring. Drywall If the flood water in your home was more than an inch deep, odds are high that it soaked into your drywall. There will also be drywall damage if the flooding originated from a burst pipe inside your walls. If drywall becomes wet, it loses its structural integrity and can begin to sag, warp, and disintegrate. Any damaged drywall material in your home will need to be cut out and replaced with fresh material. While this is being done, it is worth having your insulation and wiring inspected to check for any damage to these areas. Wet insulation may need to be replaced, and you want to ensure that no electrical wires were damaged by the water, as this can pose a fire hazard later on. Have these looked at while the drywall is removed to help prevent any future issues. Furniture If the flooding occurred in an area that had any furniture, much of that furniture may need to be replaced. This is especially true if any wood materials or upholstery became soaked in the flooding. While metal-based furniture may be okay, wood and upholstery are absorbent and are easily damaged by moisture. Wood will warp and peel, and upholstered furniture will likely remain damp for some time, eventually growing mold and posing a health risk to your family (not to mention giving off that foul, musty odor that mold has). Have your furniture closely inspected after the flood waters have ebbed to see what can be salvaged. Furniture with minimal damage may be able to be restored. For other pieces, it will simply be a better option to toss the items and buy replacements--hopefully with funds from your insurance claim. Personal Items Some personal items that will likely need to be replaced after a flood include the following: - Clothing
- Stuffed animals and other soft toys
- Blankets
- Bedding
- Books
- Shoes
These items will absorb the water and sustain significant damage. Most of these items won't be salvageable, and you will have to purchase replacements. Because everybody's situation is different, it's impossible to say for certain what can and cannot be salvaged in your home. To find out, contact a company that handles water damage in Alpharetta.
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