Flood Damage on Different Types of Flooring

Have you ever experienced flooding in your home? If so, you know it can be a nightmare to deal with. Whether your basement has flooded due to inclement weather, or you’re dealing with water damage from an overflown toilet, here is what you need to know about replacing your flood damaged flooring as well as some practical flooring options to help homeowners living in flood-prone areas.

Indoor Carpet: Carpeting is a popular choice for basements because it’s warm and insulating, but it’s the most challenging to deal with after water damage. Carpet will need to be removed as quickly as possible after extreme flooding. If it’s left on the floor, it can quickly grow mold or mildew, which can possibly ruin your subfloor. The good news is though it can be saved if you call professional cleaners within 24 hours.

Outdoor Carpet: If your outdoor carpet is on a concrete subfloor, water damage may be held to a minimum. By sucking out the standing water and allowing it to dry thoroughly you can probably save the carpeting.

Hardwood and Laminate Flooring: Unfortunately, wood and laminate floors are often permanently damaged after flooding because they are porous. Engineered wood and laminate flooring are good options for basements in areas that are not prone to flooding though, because they are dense and more moisture resistant than solid wood.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile: These tiles only absorb about 1-2% of standing water because they’re made of stone, making them the most waterproof floors available. Tile is especially good for areas with warmer climates, as they keep homes nice and cool.

Vinyl: If there are water pockets below the flooring, you can typically remove and replace the flooring once the subfloor is completely dry.

With any flooring, the key is cleaning the area from top to bottom after water damage has occurred. Mold growth is not something to be messed with. Homeowners can mitigate the damage, cost and stress of flooding by choosing flooring that is durable and low-maintenance. To learn more about our carpet and hardwood  flooring or for any other flooring questions or needs, feel free to call us at (804) 527-2929 or contact us here.

Content Source: Flood Damage on Different Types of Flooring

Carpet Can Improve Air Quality

Carpet is not typically associated with improved indoor air quality, but surprisingly it has a very positive effect on the air in your home. This is because gravity causes common household particles, like dust, pollen, pet and insect dander, to fall to the floor. Here’s where the benefits of carpet come into play. Carpet traps these particles, removing them from the breathing zone and reducing their circulation in the air, which is not the case with hardwood flooring. Proper carpet cleaning with a good vacuum cleaner then removes these dust and allergen particles from the carpet and keeps them out of the air we breathe.

The Asthma and Allergies Myth

It’s a common misconception that people with asthma and allergies should avoid carpet in their homes. In fact, the opposite is actually true. Studies have shown that properly cleaned carpet helps reduce symptoms and is the best flooring choice for people who suffer from allergies and asthma.

Mold Misperceptions

If carpet is kept clean and dry, mold cannot grow on its synthetic fibers. Carpet is recognized as one of the lowest emitters of volatile organic compounds among flooring choices and interior finishes.

The bottom line for Costen Floors is we have it all, wall to wall, when it comes to your flooring needs. Still family owned and operated, Costen Floors is committed to providing quality through every step of the flooring process-and backs this commitment with a level of personalized service that’s unmatched in the industry.

To learn more about our carpet or hardwood flooring or for any other flooring questions or needs, feel free to call us at (804) 527-2929 or contact us here: www.costenfloors.com/contact/