Left untreated, water damage can damage a home’s structure. Water can be present for many reasons, including a leaky appliance, burst pipes, or storm damage. No matter the reason, the threat of standing water is scary. With the right steps, such as flood cuts, you can rest assured that your home and family are safe. In fact, this is one of the most important parts of water damage restoration and involves removing the affected drywall to prevent the risk of mold growth.
What are Flood Cuts from Water Damage?
Flood cuts refer to the partial removal of drywall, typically 12 to 24 inches above the water’s highest point. They are most commonly used after a significant flood or water damage.
Purpose of a Flood Cut
You probably think water damage is stressful enough; why would you want your drywall cut?
There is one very good reason – moisture.
One compelling reason to cut the drywall is to prevent mold growth. Since moisture behind drywall is invisible, cutting the affected part of the wall is the only way to detect it. If left unchecked, this moisture could lead to mold growth, posing a health risk to your family.
Why are Flood Cuts Necessary After Water Damage?
Besides determining if the water got behind the walls, flood cuts allow the following:
- Moisture removal: If water gets behind the drywall, it can seep into walls and insulation, which cannot properly dry if closed up behind drywall. Cutting the area open allows for proper drying.
- Removal of affected materials: They allow access to wood framing and insulation affected by water damage.
- Prevent mold growth: When moisture is present, mold begins growing within 24 – 48 hours. Cutting drywall away allows for proper drying and potentially prevents mold growth.
- Restore structural integrity: Too much water exposure can weaken the wall structure and risk your home’s integrity. Flood cuts allow the removal and replacement of these damaged sections.
- Determine additional issues: Cutting away affected drywall allows you to find other hidden damage, such as issues with wiring or plumbing, that could cause further concerns.
How Flood Cuts are Performed
After the water is properly removed from your property and the area dried using dehumidifiers and air movers, flood cuts can be performed using the following steps:
- Mark the area 12 – 24 inches above the water height
- Cut the drywall horizontally at marked intervals
- Remove affected drywall and insulation
- Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry the exposed area
- Treat with antimicrobial spray
Benefits of Properly Executed Flood Cuts
While cutting into your drywall may seem like even more destruction, there are many benefits of doing so, including:
- Faster drying: If the drywall remains intact, the areas behind the wall can’t be guaranteed to dry. When you remove the drywall, you allow dehumidifiers and fans to speed up the drying process.
- Lower risk of mold growth: With the area opened up, mold grows less because it allows for proper drying and eliminates the conditions that would allow mold growth.
- Lower repair costs: Knowing the extent of the damage upfront and fixing the problem as quickly as possible limits long-term damage and more expensive repairs.
- Fewer health risks: Mold growing behind your walls could put you and your household members at risk of illness. However, removing part of the drywall puts your mind at ease and ensures your family’s safety.
Final Thoughts
Water damage is a daunting prospect, but there are effective solutions, including flood cuts. While the idea of your walls being cut in 12-to 24-inch increments may be unsettling, it’s the best way to gain peace of mind about what’s happening behind the walls, ensuring your home and family are safe.
If you’ve recently experienced water damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to the water damage restoration professionals at Pinnelli Mold Pros. Their safe, efficient, and trustworthy services will guide you through the restoration process, putting your house back in shape after a disaster.