How Flooding Damages Building Materials in Two Bridges Commercial Properties

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Water damages building materials, and those materials will likely need replacing.

Common Issues with Building Materials After Commercial Flood Damage in Two Bridges Properties

The cleanup of commercial flood damage is never a one-size-fits-all project. Things that make the structure unique, also make the mitigation process individualized. 

The parts of properties that traditionally receive commercial flood damage in Two Bridges are flooring and building materials in. SERVPRO technicians arrive on-site to save property owners from the replacement cost for both contents and structure with their advanced restoration methods.  

Insulation

Of all the types of insulation, only fiberglass insulation has the potential for cleaning and reinstallation. However, when the water intrusion is floodwater, the insulation does not have the potential for a return to sanitary levels for reuse. The technicians collect and bag wet insulation for disposal.  

Wet Sheetrock

Sheetrock has a very narrow window of recovery after exposure to water. It wicks moisture, and once it warps, buckles or sags, it requires removal as it has no restoration potential. When removing sheetrock, the techs measure above the highest level moisture has gone within the core and cut several inches above that waterline. Known as a "flood cut," this action halts any further damage and opens up the interior wall cavity for extraction and drying.  

Floorcovering Challenges

Floodwater most often affects the flooring of a commercial property. Different types of floorcoverings react in various ways to exposure to water. Glue-down carpet and tile tend to fare the worst and delaminates. Depending on the construction materials, particularly of tile, it may have the potential for reinstallation after cleaning. Vinyl laminate and other engineered and composite boards fall apart after prolonged exposure to water and are usually a loss.  

Hardwood flooring may buckle or crown, but that is due to the wood absorbing water. On a case by case basis, the boards can dry in place or get removed for drying and reinstallation. The technicians rely on specialized drying equipment such as drying mats to accomplish this level of restorative treatment. 

SERVPRO of Lower East Side / Downtown Manhattan (332) 900-2337 cleans up and restores properties with commercial flood damage with their advanced equipment and methods to make the loss, "Like it never even happened." 

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