FAQs About Wet Building Materials

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Swelling wood can occur if water is left to sit for an extended period of time

When your home in Urban Reserve, TX, has flooded, a variety of elements in your home are likely to be affected. Though dealing with swelling wood, damp drywall and other issues may seem overwhelming, it can be useful to understand the impact water can have on building materials.

What Building Materials Are Affected by Flooding

Depending on the extent of the damage in your home, different materials can be affected. However, materials that are often affected by flooding include:

• Drywall
  
• Laminate
  
• Carpet
  
• Wood
  
  

What Types of Damage Occur?

Different materials have different reactions to water damage. The source of the water can also affect the type of damage that occurs, as clean water from a supply line will generally cause less damage than water that is contaminated with hazardous materials. Items such as carpet floors or drywall are likely to sustain mold damage in a short period of time, especially if the water is contaminated. Swelling wood can occur if water is left to sit for an extended period of time, and subfloors and laminate floors may become warped.

What Items Can Be Restored?

When you know what building materials can be restored, it’s easier focus on repairing the broken water heater or making a water pipe repair. It is often possible for water damaged items to be restored, though it’s important for restoration to begin quickly after the damage has occurred. Wooden floors and other materials that are made out of real wood can generally be saved and restored. However, laminate floors and subfloors often need to be replaced. In order to ensure a timely, efficient restoration occurs, it can be helpful to employ a company that specializes in water damage repair.

Though flooding can result in swelling wood and mold growth, it’s helpful to know which issues are worth the stress and which issues can be fixed. Overall, knowing how floodwater can affect your home can help you to feel more prepared for the process of restoration.