What is a Flood Cut?

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

A room that had flood cuts done.

What is a “Flood Cut”?

During water damage emergency services, you may hear the term “flood cut”. A flood cut is the removal of the bottom 12-24 inches of drywall. The amount that is removed depends on how high the water has wicked up the wall, or how much of the drywall is contaminated.

There are many reason flood cuts may be done in a water-damage home or business. These reasons are:

- If the materials have been contaminated by sewage water

- If the materials have been contaminated by outdoor flood water

- If the water damaged sat for an extended number of days

- If suspected microbial growth is present

- If there is a moisture barrier behind the drywall that prevents effective structural drying

After flood cuts are done, once the sub-structure has fully dried, then materials such as insulation and drywall can be replaced.

SERVPRO technicians utilize specialized tools to cut drywall to ensure straight cut lines, and to contain dust created by cutting. We make sure we clean all work areas after we’re done by vacuuming and dusting, and properly dispose of drywall and other materials that may be removed. If appropriate, EPA-registered disinfectant is applied to the affected areas afterward.