The short answer
Act Fast and Stay Safe
The first step is to get rid of standing water. Use towels, a mop, or a wet/dry vacuum to soak up as much as you can. Be careful on wet floors, as they can be slippery. If the water came from a leak, turn off the water supply if you can find the shutoff valve. If the water is from a sewer or flood, avoid contact and consider wearing gloves and boots.
Check for electrical hazards before you start. If water has reached outlets or appliances, turn off the power at the breaker. If you feel unwell or notice a strong odor, step away and see a doctor if needed. Your safety comes first. If the water is deep or the space is unsafe, wait for the pros to handle it.
Move Air and Remove Moisture
Open windows and doors to let fresh air in. Set up fans to blow across the wet area, pointing them toward an open window to push humid air out. A dehumidifier can help pull moisture from the air, especially in a closed-off loft. Empty the dehumidifier's tank regularly, as it will fill quickly.
Use a moisture meter if you have one to check how damp the wood and drywall are. This helps you know when the space is truly dry. Keep the air moving for several days. Even if the surface feels dry, moisture can linger in insulation and behind walls. Patience is key to preventing mold.
- Set up fans at different angles to create cross-ventilation.
- Place a dehumidifier in the center of the loft, away from walls.
- Keep windows open during the day if outdoor humidity is low.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to extract water from carpets or padding.
- Remove wet rugs and take them outside to dry.
- Check hidden spots like under eaves and behind stored boxes.
Dry Your Belongings
Books, papers, and photos need special care. Separate wet pages and lay them flat on a clean surface. Use fans to dry them slowly, but avoid direct heat, which can cause warping. For important documents, you might want to consult a document drying service. They have the tools to salvage paper items.
Fabric items like curtains, blankets, and clothes should be washed or dried if possible. If they are too wet to move, try to wring them out and hang them to dry. Wooden furniture can swell, so dry it slowly and keep it out of direct sunlight. Electronics should be unplugged and dried thoroughly before use.
Know When to Call the Pros
If the loft has soaked insulation, drywall, or flooring, the job may be too big for a weekend effort. Wet insulation can hold water and lead to mold, so it often needs to be removed. The pros have industrial dehumidifiers and moisture meters to dry the space properly. They can also check for hidden water in walls.
You should also call for help if you see mold starting to grow or if the water came from an unclean source. Mold can be a health risk, so it's sensible to have a mold professional assess the situation. If you live in Layton, keep your insurance policy handy in case you need to file a claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Water is more than a few inches deep.
- You see or smell mold.
- Insulation or drywall is saturated.
- The water source is unknown or contaminated.
- You have health concerns or breathing issues.
- The loft has been wet for more than 48 hours.
Prevent Future Loft Water Damage
Once the loft is dry, check for the source of the water. Look at the roof for missing shingles or cracks. Inspect plumbing lines that run through the loft. If you find a leak, fix it or call a plumber. Regularly check your roof and gutters to keep water from pooling.
Consider adding extra insulation or a vapor barrier to protect the loft from humidity. Keep the area well-ventilated, especially in warmer months. If you have a water heater or HVAC unit in the loft, check for drips. A little prevention can save you from a big drying job later.
Water damage does not wait
Call (801) 383-0232 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry out a wet loft?
It depends on how wet the loft is and the airflow. Surface drying may take a few days, but soaked insulation or drywall can take a week or more. Using fans and dehumidifiers speeds up the process. If mold appears, you need professional help.
Can I dry wet loft insulation myself?
Usually, wet insulation is hard to dry properly and can hold moisture, leading to mold. It often needs to be removed and replaced. If the water is clean and you dry it quickly, some types might be saved, but it's safer to replace it.
What should I do with wet loft documents?
Separate wet papers and lay them flat on a clean, dry surface. Use fans to dry them slowly, but avoid heat. For important documents, consider a professional document drying service. They have special techniques to prevent further damage.