How Are Flood-Damaged Documents Recovered?

If you cannot dry documents within a couple of days, freezing them can halt mold growth and further deterioration. Place papers in sealed plastic bags or containers before freezing to protect them. Frozen documents can be thawed and dried later, one batch at a time.

Freezing works especially well for books, photographs, and important records. It does not reverse water damage, but it buys you time. For large quantities, a local water damage pro can arrange commercial freezing and vacuum drying, which is the most thorough method for paper recovery.

• Separate wet documents from each other with wax paper or paper towels.
• Do not use heat to dry paper, as it can warp or set stains.
• Handle wet photos by the edges to avoid smudging.
• Keep a log of what you salvage for insurance purposes.
• Air-dry books by standing them upright with pages fanned out.
• Wear gloves if water is contaminated.

For a few pages, home drying may be enough. But if you have boxes of documents, irreplaceable photos, or legal papers, professional recovery is often worth the cost. The pros can handle large volumes and use equipment that is not practical for home use.

They also know how to handle moldy or contaminated materials safely. If the flooding came from a sewer or storm surge, do not handle documents with bare skin. Contact a local water damage pro for advice on the right course of action.

• Large collections of books or file folders.
• Documents with sentimental or legal value.
• Mold growth is already visible.
• Water is black or smells like sewage.
• You lack time or space to dry everything properly.