When large spills or leaks happen, first comes the water, and then comes the, “Hey, can someone bring me a towel?”. We’ve all wasted water and cried over spilled milk a few times in our lives. These are the times for a nice, good old wet vacuuming.
However, using a shop vac for water is NOT the right answer when there’s standing water from an overflowing sink, or a busted supply line, or even a leaky dishwasher.
As a trained professional in mold remediation and water damage restoration in the Georgetown, DE area for the past 8 years, and with 12 years in the construction industry before that, I’ve seen my fair share of damage. I can tell you that it never, ever hurts to ask a professional.
Most companies will come take a look and give you an honest professional opinion. Some companies will even do this for free. The right company will guide you through the process no matter the situation.
833-267-3247
When Can You Use a Shop Vac for Water?
When liquid hits a hardwood floor it first moves in the direction of least resistance. With gravity in play, this will more than likely be down.
This means that it moves into the cracks, into the places where the floor covering meets the baseboards, into thresholds, and into the wood itself. Under the hardwood there may be tar paper, rosin paper or a vapor barrier. Under that is the subfloor. All of these can absorb water, too!
Your shop vac can’t get the water out of water-damaged wood. It can’t get under your floor, between all of these layers. And it definitely can’t get any mold or mildew growth that might already have started there.
Sure, using a shop vac for water will get the standing water, but that’s not enough most of the tie. It is a very important step but not the last one.
Instead, multiple layers cause a need for specialty drying. Special equipment was designed to handle such a task, but even equipment alone is not enough. Knowledge of building science, developing a plan of action around the full scope of the damage, and proper implementation of drying equipment is the best approach.
Get Professional Help for Water Damaged Wood
We all know the risks of not properly addressing water damage to hardwood. In case you don’t, here’s a few of the bad things that could happen: Mold… Cupping… Warping…
You never want to deal with these issues with your floor. If the damage is caught soon enough, cupped or warped floors may return back to the subfloor if dried correctly. Additional work may be required, such as nailing, sanding or refinishing, but the floor is there to stay!
The best-case scenario in a worst-case scenario is to call a professional. Find one who values your home and property, and one who cares about doing all they can during your bad situation. Know who to call before the problem occurs.
At Core24 Services, we’ll help you get your home back to normal no matter what happened to it. Call now for professional water damage restoration services in Georgetown from people who care about you!
833-267-3247