Re: Wet carpet

Posted by Andy Beal on August 02, 1999 at 11:15:02:

In Reply to: Wet carpet posted by Ken Bartell on July 22, 1999 at 14:30:40:

There are a number of variables to consider. Carpet that has a natural "jute" backing will decompose if it is wet too long. Damage can begin to occur after only three days if it is not dried out. The backing of carpets that are all synthetic will not be damaged by moisture. However, all carpet has adhesive which connects the primary to the secondary backing. Moisture will loosen this adhesive and cause delamination to occur where the carpet literally "disconnects" with itself. You will notice this when the carpet looks "wavy." We say that you can "wave goodbye" to your carpet when it does this. To be certain this has happened you must pull it up from the corners and check the construction to be sure that delamination has occured. Sometimes a natural backing will "relax" when it gets wet and become "wavy." This is different. Collins & Aikman manufacturs Powerbond which has a "closed cell" construction. It is impervious to water. Therefor the water cannot penetrate to the primary backing. So, there is not one single answer to your question. It would be best to consult directly with the carpet manufacturer.
: At what point in time can you no longer salvage carpet that has been wet (ie flooded from a broken pipe? If we wait more than 24 hours is it a total loss?

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Comments:
: There are a number of variables to consider.  Carpet that has a natural "jute" backing will decompose if it is wet too long.  Damage can begin to occur after only three days if it is not dried out.  The backing of carpets that are all synthetic will not be damaged by moisture.  However, all carpet has adhesive which connects the primary to the secondary backing.  Moisture will loosen this adhesive and cause delamination to occur where the carpet literally "disconnects" with itself.  You will notice this when the carpet looks "wavy."  We say that you can "wave goodbye" to your carpet when it does this.  To be certain this has happened you must pull it up from the corners and check the construction to be sure that delamination has occured.  Sometimes a natural backing will "relax" when it gets wet and become "wavy."  This is different.  Collins & Aikman manufacturs Powerbond which has a "closed cell" construction.  It is impervious to water.  Therefor the water cannot penetrate to the primary backing.  So, there is not one single answer to your question.  It would be best to consult directly with the carpet manufacturer.
: : At what point in time can you no longer salvage carpet that has been wet (ie flooded from a broken pipe?  If we wait more than 24 hours is it a total loss?