Why Do Mitigation Experts Make Flood Cuts?

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Flood cut after water damage in a Riverton,UT residence

A flood cut can reveal the extent of water damage after flooding as well as the severity of mold risk. Find out what the cut involves and why mitigation professionals find this method of detecting flood damage to be useful.

What Is a Flood Cut?

A flood cut is a procedure to determine the extent of water damage after a flood. These cuts

• Involve cutting out drywall
• Are made about one foot above the flood water level
• Reveal the presence of moisture behind a wall

If your residence has experienced flooding, a strategic cut can reveal whether flood water has permeated through building materials. Mitigation experts will need to tear out damp drywall or insulation, as these porous materials cannot be safely dried and will pose a contamination and mold risk.

How Does a Flood Cut Reveal Water Damage?

Flood cuts enable professionals to determine whether insulation has become damp. These cuts

• Test the condition of building materials
• Reveal insulation
• May expose the presence of mold

For all of these reasons, a flood cut is an easy way to determine how extensive the mitigation process will need to be. Homeowners should not attempt to make flood cuts, as the process may result in exposure to volatile organic compounds associated with mold growth.

How Can a Flood Cut Indicate Mold Risk?

A flood cut can help restoration experts determine the

• Amount of moisture
• Extent of contamination
• Likelihood of mold

If insulation is moist, a tear out is necessary to prevent mold. There is no way to dry out porous building materials. Drywall and insulation will need to be replaced after the space behind a wall thoroughly dries.

Schedule a consultation with mitigation and restoration professionals regarding flooding in your home in Riverton,UT. These experts can pump out water, clean, and disinfect the damaged area prior to making a flood cut.