Water Damage on Your Carpet

Having water damage on your carpet due to groundwater intrusion, plumbing pipe bursts, sewage system backups, etc. is frustrating. However, even more frustrating, is not taking care of the problem properly once you have a water disaster in your home. When there’s too much moisture, it can cause major problems with any organic material, such as your carpet.

Why Is Mold so Harmful?

Mold is a tricky problem. Mold is a fungus that reproduces by creating small spores that work like seeds. Mold requires water, oxygen, favorable temperatures and organic materials to grow. When mold infests a home, it can grow rapidly and be very hard to get rid of. Mold requires the use of special chemicals and the proper training and knowledge to nip it in the bud. Also, just because mold is not immediately apparent or visible on a carpet’s surface does not mean that mold growth is not in progress. In addition, if growth has occurred on more than one area of the carpet, or if there is a large area of growth, the carpet will probably need to be replaced.

Health Risks

Not only can mold ruin your home’s carpet, but it is also very harmful to the health of your family and pets. Mold can cause allergies and asthma and it has been known cause infections in humans who have a compromised immune system. Also, there are molds that produce powerful chemicals called mycotoxins that can produce a serious illness in humans and animals.

In addition, moisture in the carpet is a a breeding ground for other various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Alarmingly, some of these pathogens can be E. coli, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. Children and pets are the most vulnerable to this risk, especially since they roll around, walk, crawl, etc. and are nearest to the carpet.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional

There are two things that are very important in regards to saving your carpet once water damage has occurred. They are speed and thorough treatment. If the water is contaminated water, such as gray or black water, the water will need to be completely removed and the carpet treated with the proper cleaning solutions and use of the proper equipment. Even clean water can facilitate pathogenic growth within 48 hours if the carpet is untreated.? Industrial air movers and dehumidifiers may also become necessary to remove large quantities of moisture out of the carpet. Without the proper training, equipment and certification, a lot of harm can be done to the carpet and to it’s subflooring.

Water Damage Restoration