Wicking
Wicking is the sneaky way water travels upward through porous materials (like drywall, wood, or carpet fibers) even after the main flood is gone. Think of it like a paper towel soaking up a spill—but inside your walls!
Why It’s a Hidden Danger:
- Causes damage above the visible water line (e.g., wet walls when only the floor flooded)
- Spreads moisture to new areas, fueling mold growth
- Often missed in DIY cleanups (leading to surprise repairs later)
Common Victims:
🧱 Drywall (wicking can climb 12+ inches!)
🪵 Wood studs (acts like a straw for water)
🧶 Carpet pads (soaks upward, leaving damp floors under “dry” carpet)
How Pros Stop It:
✂️ Flood cuts (remove bottom 1-2 feet of drywall)
🌀 Injectidry systems (force air into wall cavities)
⏱️ Fast drying (within 48 hours to halt spread)
Example: The basement carpet felt dry, but wicking had pulled moisture into the drywall—requiring mold remediation weeks later.
⚠️ Rule of Thumb: “Where you see water, assume it climbed higher!”
🌡️ Science Bit: Wicking happens through capillary action—the same physics that moves water up plant roots! 🌱💧
Visual: Like a ghostly water ladder climbing your walls! 👻🪜
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