Water Damage to Specific Materials

What can be saved depends on the material, the category of water and how long it has been wet. A crew makes that call with moisture readings, and should explain it before anything is removed.

This topic is part of our complete guide to water damage restoration. The articles for this topic are listed at the end of the page.

Material by material

• Drywall: dries in place after clean water if caught early. Removed if it has crumbled, swelled or had gray or black water.
• Insulation: fiberglass batts that are soaked are usually replaced; blown-in insulation almost always is.
• Carpet and pad: carpet can often be dried after clean water; pad is usually replaced.
• Hardwood: can cup and then flatten as it dries; needs time and specialty drying.
• Laminate and vinyl plank: water gets under it; laminate usually swells and is replaced.
• Cabinets: solid wood often dries; particleboard boxes and toe kicks swell.
• Tile and concrete: the surface survives, but water trapped under it has to be dried.

How the decision gets made

Readings, the category of water and time wet decide it. We document what was removed and why so your adjuster sees the same reasoning.