The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, turn off the power to the affected area if water has reached electrical outlets or appliances. Wear rubber boots and gloves to protect yourself from contaminated water. If the water is deep or you feel unwell, see a doctor and leave the area.
Floodwater can hide sharp objects or chemicals. Do not wade in it without protection. If you have a gas meter, check for leaks and shut off the gas if you smell it. Your safety comes before any cleanup effort.
- Turn off electricity at the main breaker if safe to do so
- Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves
- Avoid contact with floodwater if it may contain sewage
- Check for gas leaks and ventilate the space
- Keep children and pets away from the flooded area
Remove Standing Water
Use a submersible pump or a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much standing water as possible. Work from the deepest part of the felt outward. If the water is on a flat roof, you may need to push it toward a drain or edge.
Do not try to speed up the process by using a regular vacuum. Water can damage the motor. After the bulk of the water is gone, use towels or mops to soak up the remainder. If the flooding is severe, local water damage pros can handle the extraction with heavy-duty equipment.
Dry the Felt and Structure
Once the water is removed, the felt and the structure beneath it need to dry completely to prevent rot and mold. Open windows and doors if the weather allows, and use fans or dehumidifiers to circulate air. If the felt is on a roof, you may need to remove sections to let the wood or insulation dry.
Drying can take days or weeks, depending on how saturated the materials are. Do not rush to replace the felt until everything is dry. If you are unsure about the moisture level, a moisture mapping service can show you where water remains hidden.
Inspect for Damage
After drying, inspect the felt for tears, bubbles, or lifted edges. Check the underlying wood or concrete for signs of rot or cracking. If the felt is blistered, it may need to be patched or replaced. Look for any gaps where water could enter again.
If the flooding came from a burst pipe or heavy rain, the cause matters. A plumber can fix a broken pipe, while a roofer can repair the felt. For a full assessment, a water damage inspection can identify hidden issues that you might miss.
Prevent Future Flooding
Once the immediate issue is resolved, think about why the felt flooded. If it was heavy rain, ensure gutters and drains are clear. If a pipe burst, consider installing a leak detection system. If you live in an area with spring thunderstorms, keep your shutoff valve location written down.
You can also add a sandbagging flood barrier around the perimeter if your property is prone to flooding. This is a temporary measure but can buy you time during a storm. For long-term protection, talk to a roofer about improving the roof's drainage.
- Clean gutters and downspouts regularly
- Install a leak detection system for pipes
- Use sandbags as a temporary barrier
- Trim trees that could drop branches on the roof
- Check the felt for wear each season
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Call Now (469) 698-4610Frequently asked questions
Can I dry a felt roof with a space heater?
A space heater can help, but only if the space is well-ventilated. Heat alone can trap moisture. Use fans to move air and a dehumidifier to pull water out of the air. Do not place a heater directly on the felt, as it could melt or damage the material.
Should I remove the felt myself?
Removing felt is a big job and often requires special tools. If the felt is loose and you can peel it back, you can do it to let the structure dry. But if it is glued or nailed down, you may need a roofer. The pros can also help with the cleanup and drying.
Will my insurance cover flood damage to a felt roof?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Flood damage from a storm might be covered, but damage from a pipe leak might be treated differently. Check your policy and talk to your insurance company. They will tell you what to document and what steps to take.