To replace the carpet or not to replace the carpet…..

Many of our water restoration projects involve damage to carpet. The water soaks not only the carpet but also the padding and the subfloor underneath of it. When we arrive on site, we extract most of the water which leaves the carpet damp. The carpet is then pulled back and fans are placed strategically to allow for drying. However, the padding typically falls apart in many cases due to the moisture. In many homes, we are able to salvage the carpet but unable to salvage the pad. There are times with the carpet is replaced as well depending on the size of the damages area and the length of time the carpet was wet. So, to replace the carpet or not to replace the carpet? There is not a cut a dry (pun intended) answer until we are able to extract the water.