Flood cuts

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Damage from flooding is among the most trying of challenges for any homeowner. Depending on the severity of the saturation and level of contamination, it may be necessary to tear out certain building materials to avoid bigger problems down the line. Restoration professionals might advise making what is known as a flood cut in order to spare as much existing drywall and insulation as possible. Learn what you should expect if this approach is recommended for your residence or business.

The Cut That Heals

If you dip a paper towel into a pool of water, the liquid will begin to wick upward and absorb into the towel. Unfortunately, drywall tends to act in a similar fashion when flooding occurs, allowing moisture to creep up well beyond the visible high watermark. This is one situation where a flood cut may be employed as follows:

1. Cuts are typically made at least 12 inches above the waterline, ensuring that a majority of affected materials are safely removed.
2. Industrial air movers and dehumidifiers can be placed to begin drying the environment, returning it to the dry standard.
3. Building inspection tools such as moisture meters can be used to determine that flood-related effects have been effectively eliminated.