My husband and I have really busy lives and often don't have time to clean the house. Unfortunately, both our kids have quite bad allergies to dust and mould, which means we need to keep the house spotless, which can be quite hard. We have started having a professional cleaning service come in a few times a week to give the house a good scrub while we are at work. It means that we can come home to a clean house. It means everyone is healthier, happier and less stressed out. This blog is for other parents of kids with allergies and has tips on how you can keep your house allergen free.
1.3 million homes in Australia have a flood risk rating, and dealing with the aftermath of flooding is a reality for many home-owners. Replacing carpet is one of the biggest jobs after a floor and makes a huge difference in how comfortable your home is. There are a few things to consider when laying new carpet after flood damage to ensure a quick, easy, cost-effective installation.
Does my carpet need replacing?
As a general rule, carpet that has been wet for more than 24 hours should be replaced. Carpet that is wet for a long period of time can become damaged and split, and the chances of mould growth are high. Carpet with an under layer of padding is particularly vulnerable, as the thick padding is slow to dry and difficult to clean thoroughly.
You should also consider the type of flood water that has affected your carpet. For example, contaminated water from an unclean source means you'll definitely need a replacement for health and safety reasons. Clean water — like from a bath that was accidentally allowed to overflow — may cause less of an issue if the carpet is dried out quickly enough. If you're still unsure about the need for a replacement, then contact a professional for a full evaluation.
When should I replace my carpet?
First, decide whether you need to replace your carpet and padding or just the padding. If the carpet wasn't damaged by unclean water and was dried out fairly quickly, then you can have the padding removed and replaced, and the original carpet replaced on top. If your carpet is too damaged for this to be an option, then you'll need a new carpet and a full re-lay.
Before arranging for carpet laying, it's extremely important to ensure that the entire area is completely dry. Laying carpet over a wet surface can cause mould and bacteria to grow. Where possible, you should also ensure that the risk of flooding has passed — you wouldn't want your new carpet damaged when it's just been installed!
What kind of carpet should I choose?
When replacing your carpet you need to think carefully. If the chance of flooding has passed completely, then this is a good opportunity to buy a high-quality carpet with a colour and design you love, since it will last you for the foreseeable future.
If there's still a risk of flooding then the decision might be more difficult. A fast-drying carpet could be salvageable in the event of a clean water flood, but carpet affected by dirty water will always need replacing. In this case, choosing a lower cost option may be wise, considering the high likelihood of another replacement being needed. Asking a professional to advise you on the best carpet according for your situation will save you time and money in the future.
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