Maximizing value by managing costs on a “clean water”  loss should be a priority of your restoration contractor. Substantial savings are  associated with the restoration of carpeting and pad as opposed to replacement.  Competent mitigation contractors actually have the skills and technology to dry and clean carpet in place rather than trying to remove or “float” carpet, or worse yet, replacing the carpet because it is “easier” for their technicians, requires less skill and knowledge!

The process of “floating” carpet, or un-attaching carpet from the tack strips in order to direct airflow between the carpet and the pad, was once a common practice among mitigation service providers. Many service providers still rely on this method of drying.  It is important to note the damage that can occur from floating carpet.  Handling wet carpet... Did you know that fresh water doesn’t damage carpet… while handling wet carpet DOES!

Because the carpet backing is more than 50% weaker when it is saturated... Friction of the carpet undulating against the tack strips from the force of the airflow can cause carpet to stretch and fray around the edges.  Disengaging the carpet from the tack strip when wet invariably causes damage.  The separation of the backing from the carpet results from “handling carpet goods while they are in a wet, compromised condition”.  Wrinkling and puckering of the carpet results.  It is called Delamination.

Water does not damage carpet.  Furniture stains, bacteria, and mis-handling by the Restoration Contractor resulting in Delamination does damage carpet.  In fact, “floating the carpet” can result in slower drying times…and usually leads to often needless replacement expense.

Advancements in the restoration industry have led to the development of more effective equipment and drying methods for carpet and pad. Currently, the most respected method of drying is Vortex Drying, or Top Down Drying, which involves leaving the carpet and pad in place and drying from the top of the carpet through to the bottom of the pad. Yes, even the subfloor will dry without disengaging the carpet.  RestorePro has employed the Vortex Drying method for the past decade.  With great success.

Carpet and pad take in and release water more quickly than any other component of the structure because they are the most porous.  Most of the water is actually held in the pad, not in the carpet itself. Today, we can remove so much water through extraction, that once extraction has been performed, no matter how hard you squeeze the wet pad; you cannot get any more water to come out. It is 500% more effective to extract water from carpet and pad than to evaporate it.

In past years, we were unable to accomplish this level of extraction, and that is why most carpet and pad had to be replaced.  The ability to remove the majority of water from carpet and pad through extraction in addition to advances in dehumidifier technology enables a skilled service provider, like RestorePro, to evaporate the remaining moisture through airflow and desiccation. This allows for the restoration of the carpet, pad and other flooring components back to pre-loss condition - minimizing delays and frustration for the customer and reducing the claim expenditure for the insurance carrier. Trust in RestorePro to protect your interests.

For additional information on the costs associated with floor coverings in a loss click [here].