How Different Types of Flooring React to Water Damage
Taylor Faulkner • July 15, 2025
Flooring is the most-affected material in a water intrusion event. Water will always flow from the highest position to the lowest, and that means that often, it ends up on your floors. Depending on the type of flooring you have, your floors will respond differently. Let’s look at some of the most common types of flooring and explore how they are affected by a water intrusion event.
CARPET
Carpet is one of the most common types of flooring in homes, and it is often installed on top of a padded layer of foam to add some softness to your floors. Both the fibrous material of the carpet and the foam of the pad will act like a sponge when exposed to water and will hold moisture. This is one of many reasons why a quick response is critical in a water loss, as this sponge-like quality can lead to mildew and mold in just 48 hours of a water intrusion event. In many cases, the carpet can be dried with air movement and dehumidification, but this depends on the contamination level of the water, as well as the water’s source. The pad, however, is typically not able to be dried in this manner and is removed. After a technician extracts as much moisture as possible with a water extractor, the carpet is lifted, the pad is removed, and the carpet is dried in place, usually with some air movement pointed underneath the carpet to “float” it, allowing air to penetrate from all sides to effectively drive out moisture.
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3 Common Water Damage Myths Homeowners Should Stop Believing Water damage can quickly spiral from a minor issue to a major headache if you fall for common misconceptions. Homeowners often believe myths that lead to delayed repairs, mold growth, and expensive fixes. At Faulkner Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how misinformation can turn a small leak into a costly disaster. From thinking minor drips will dry on their own to assuming bleach eliminates all mold, these myths put your home and health at risk. Let’s debunk three widespread water damage myths with expert insights to help you protect your property. Read on to learn the truth and discover how Faulkner Restoration can restore your home quickly and safely. Myth 1: Small Leaks Don’t Require Professional Help A dripping faucet or a small puddle under the sink might seem harmless, tempting many homeowners to grab a towel and move on. Unfortunately, even minor leaks can cause significant damage by seeping into walls, floors, or insulation. Within 24-48 hours, trapped moisture can foster mold growth, which not only weakens your home’s structure but also poses health risks like allergies or respiratory issues. Ignoring these small leaks often leads to costly repairs that could have been avoided with early intervention. At Faulkner Restoration, our certified technicians use advanced tools like moisture meters to detect hidden water and assess the full extent of the damage. By addressing leaks promptly, we prevent mold and structural issues, saving you time and money. Don’t underestimate a small leak’s potential to cause big problems. Contact us for a professional assessment to ensure your home stays safe and dry. Myth 2: Bleach Kills All Mold After Water Damage When mold appears after a water leak, many homeowners turn to bleach, believing it’s a quick fix to eliminate the problem. While bleach can kill some surface mold on non-porous materials, it’s ineffective against mold hidden in porous surfaces like drywall, wood, or carpeting. These deeper spores continue to thrive, spreading through your home and potentially causing health issues like asthma or allergic reactions. DIY attempts with bleach can also worsen the problem by spreading spores or exposing you to harmful toxins. Faulkner Restoration’s certified mold remediation experts use industry-standard techniques, such as containment barriers and HEPA filtration, to safely remove mold and prevent its return. Our process ensures that all affected areas are thoroughly treated, protecting your home and family. Don’t risk incomplete mold removal—trust our team to handle the job with precision and care, restoring your home to a safe, mold-free condition. Myth 3: Drying Wet Areas with Fans Is Enough After a flood or spill, many homeowners set up household fans, thinking they’ll dry out the damage and prevent further issues. However, fans alone can’t remove moisture trapped in carpets, subfloors, or walls, where it can linger and cause mold growth or structural damage. This hidden moisture often goes unnoticed, leading to warped floors, musty odors, and costly repairs down the line. Relying solely on fans can give a false sense of security while the real damage festers. At Faulkner Restoration, we use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to thoroughly dry affected areas, ensuring no moisture remains to cause problems. Our professional drying process is fast and effective, preventing mold and preserving your home’s integrity. Don’t let hidden moisture compromise your property—call Faulkner Restoration for expert drying solutions that restore your home to its pre-damage condition. Don’t Let Myths Flood Your Home Believing water damage myths can lead to expensive repairs, health hazards, and unnecessary stress. By understanding the truth about small leaks, mold removal, and proper drying, you can make informed decisions to protect your home. Faulkner Restoration is here to help with 24/7 water damage restoration services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re facing a minor leak or major flooding, our certified team is ready to respond. Contact Faulkner Restoration today for a free inspection and let us bring your home back to safety with professional, reliable solutions.
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Summer fades fast, ushering in cold air and hidden risks like frozen pipes or snow-damming on your roof. Winter brings more water damage claims than any other season, but by acting now, you can prepare accordingly and set yourself up for success. Routine maintenance-checking your HVAC, roofs, and chimneys- helps prevent costly repairs, and keeps you in your home. The critical maintenance you need: HVAC HVAC is a critical system for your home, and it’s important to maintain it regularly, even without the threat of water loss. By keeping your HVAC system in good working order, you prolong the lifetime of your equipment and protect your home from potential water intrusion at the same time. Swap out your dirty air filters to boost airflow, and to prevent mold from trapped moisture. Make sure your condensate drains are clear to avoid leaks. Vacuum your vents to reduce dust and schedule a professional inspection once a year before the winter freeze, to catch any issues before it becomes a problem. These basic steps can keep your HVAC running smoothly and prevent water or mold damage. Contact your local HVAC professional for expert assessments. Make sure you're covered! Roofs are the next point of focus. Your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements, and it’s critical that it be maintained correctly to prevent professional repairs. Do not attempt to get on to your own roof; it’s better to leave any hazardous tasks to trained professionals. Make sure any roof inspector is checking for loose or damaged shingles, and that the flashing is intact. In colder months, a phenomenon known as ice-damming can occur, where meltwater refreezes on the roof, causing pools of water to form and slowly seep into the roof. Water damage on the roof can cause water and mold damage throughout the entire house, especially if the water travels down through the insulation of the walls. Roof-related water damage often migrates to other rooms in the house, multiplying the cost of repairs. Let's keep it clean. Finally, make sure to inspect your chimney, if your home has one. Look out for cracks or damaged caps, and call a professional chimney sweep to remove flammable creosote. Creosote is a remarkably hazardous chemical that accumulates in chimneys, and is extremely flammable, so regular cleaning is vital. Check the flashing where the chimney meets the roof to stop water intrusion from the outside. Check the flue for proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup. These steps can prevent a house fire or water damage and keep your home cozy and safe. Maintain today to avoid repair tomorrow. Proactive maintenance now is the best way to prevent a costly repair this winter. Schedule professional inspections where they are needed to protect your home. Remember that maintenance is always cheaper than repair. If you’re in need of a restoration professional, give Faulkner Restoration a call today at 317-782-9999.