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We just had an ice storm here in Buffalo. My power went out and finished basement flooded, despite a home security system with a sump well water level sensor. The water level rose to 4 inches before pumping began. So the carpet and pad were under water for a total of three hours. A commercial carpet vac removed 85 more gallons. Now I have 5 turbo dryers blowing and circulating air, 3 dehumidifiers, and the heat at 80 degrees. After one day the surface of the carpet is dry to touch, however the pad is still saturated. The pad is glued to the concrete floor and the carpet was glued to the pad. Its about 30 – 40 degrees outside now. How can I maximize my drying, i.e. windows open or shut, dehumidifiers, closing or opening doors to first floor, or any other suggestions? Or is it inevitable that I will be replacing the pad and drying or possibly replacing the carpet as well? The carpet supplier informed me that the carpet and pad have an anti-microbial treatment. Thank-you.
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I think you're on the right track but you might consider using the vac again once the surface dries. This should help draw more of the moisture up allowing for more evaporation to reach deeper. Do as you are but once dry to the touch, vacuum again. You might also consider running a heavy floor roller (like those used in vinyl installs) with towels between the roller and the carpet to wick up some moisture. Sorry for your troubles but you're now seeing the downside to gluing pad and carpet down in a vulnerable area. Good luck.
*Be aware of mold growth risks.
*If the outside air is cold, letting some in will reduce the relative humidity in the house. So, open the windows and let the cold air in. It will speed up drying.Service Master can help. They have industrial water extraction equipment better than what you have at home, and can apply a mildewcide. Your insurance may cover it, too. We had them do our church basement following the Ice Storm of 1998, and the carpet was fine when it finally dried.
*LOU,If you do end up feeling the carpet and pad are too damaged to keep, and you have a nice looking flat, smooth concrete floor, but bland looking, as most concrete floors are, consider affecting the concrete, decoratively.Saw cutting, acid staining, alcohol dyeing are just part of the myriad of possibilities available to you.Most of the coloring techniques as well as the sealers available are imprevious to the water you spoke of, although I'm imagining, you will be addressing the delayed pumping issue.Any theme, any colors, with simple but comfortable and somewhat economical throw rugs to compliment the area, and you have a very unique space.Typing into a search engine, "Decorative Concrete Flooring" and you should be on your way to seeing how diversified and personalized one can get, with a simple concrete floor.Sincerely,Brian T. ChaffeeArchitectural Concrete Services1.732.237.0301