When water enters your home, it can cause significant damage not just to carpets and floors, but also to your walls. One of the most common techniques our team at Peoria Water Damage Services uses to prevent further damage and ensure proper drying is flood cutting. While it can look alarming to see a section of drywall removed, flood cutting is often necessary to protect your home from mold, structural damage, and lingering moisture.
What is Flood Cutting?
Flood cutting involves removing the lower portion of drywall that has been saturated by water. This usually occurs about 12 to 24 inches above the affected area, depending on the severity of the water intrusion. By removing the wet drywall, our technicians can access the wall cavity, remove any moisture trapped behind it, and prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
Although seeing your home with walls cut may feel scary or drastic, it is actually a controlled and efficient step in the restoration process. Leaving water-damaged drywall in place can allow moisture to linger behind the walls, which may lead to hidden mold growth and compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Why Flood Cutting is Necessary
Flood cutting is most commonly required after flooding, plumbing leaks, or major water intrusion. Even a small leak can saturate drywall, baseboards, and wall studs. Our technicians use moisture meters and thermal imaging to determine exactly how much of the wall needs to be removed. This ensures that only the affected areas are cut while preserving as much of your home as possible.
By taking this approach, we can thoroughly dry out the structure, treat any affected areas with antimicrobial solutions, and prevent further damage. Once the area is fully dried and treated, repairs can begin. Drywall replacement is a straightforward process, and our team ensures that seams are smooth, texture is matched, and the area is painted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding walls. Most homeowners are surprised at how quickly and efficiently the restoration is completed once the drying and repair process begins.
Peace of Mind During Water Restoration
At Peoria Water Damage Services, we understand that water damage is stressful. Flood cutting may look destructive, but it’s a critical step in protecting your home and family. Resources like the American Red Cross guide on water damage cleanup and HomeAdvisor’s water damage repair tips emphasize the importance of removing wet materials to prevent mold growth and structural issues.
If you’ve experienced water damage in your Peoria home, don’t wait to take action. Prompt intervention, including flood cutting when necessary, can save thousands of dollars in long-term repairs and protect your family’s health.
Contact Peoria Water Damage Services today for fast, professional water damage restoration and expert guidance throughout every step of the process.