basement with laminate flooring flooded! help!

[viv2367]

We recently finished our basement and put in walls and laminate flooring. After a huge storm, we had about 2 inches of water in the basement (b/c the electricity went out and the sump pump couldn't work). We have pumped out the water and the top of the flooring is dry. But when we walk on the floors, it sounds like there is water underneath on the vapor barrier/underlayment. Do we need to rip up the floors or will the water dry on its own? Do we need to replace the drywall that was under water? You can't really see it because it is below the level of the trim along the walls. ANY advice is greatly appreciated!

[mdshunk]

Sorry to be the bearer of more bad news, but....

that floor must come up. If you don't, you'll be breeding your own private mold colony underneath. No two ways about it.

This sounds like an insurance claim. Hope you took pictures.

[Mr T]

There is a thin layer of padding under the floor. It is probably soaking up the water.

Cut your drywall 2 feet up and replace from there. You can use half sheets then. DO this as soon as you get you claim started. Wall cavities are popular mold spots too.

As mentioned, dont do anything before notifying insurance. THen take actions to prevent further damage/safety issues.

[john m]

Take pictures and get the floor up ASAP! There is no way to save the floor. If Pergo or similar laminate it's ruined anyway as the laminate will buckle and separate from the backing. The foam padding is soaked with water and will never dry out completely and you will have a mold growth problem. It's toast.

I had the same problem and by the time the insurance company adjuster came out (ten days later) mold growth already started and spread. They then tested the air found mold levels unacceptable and required the entire basement to be completely gutted to the studs.
Plus once it was gutted the building inspector required everything to be brought up to present day code.
$50,000 in damage!

jm