water damage to sub floor

[Matt Hott]

Tracy, Our home was a hud home and they "winterized it". So when the water was turned on hud was supposed to go through and shut everything off first but the cold water faucet for the washer was not shut all the way. this damaged the subfloor which I know how to repair but my question is this, it leaked down into the insulation under the house it was kept in however by the black vinyl sheet that covers the bottom of the house, I drained the water out (about 4 gallons) and cut the vinyl sheet in an X exposing the insulation. My thought is to let it dry and repair the vinyl sheet. Do you think this is sufficient or should I replace it (about a 4'x4' square. The water did not seem to travel to far. Thanks for your input Matt

[Tracy]

Matt,
I have seen insulation dry out on its own just fine with proper exposure and ventulation, and have also watched it trap water causing mold on the flood decking and joists.. Black mold or "Toxic" mold is nothing fun do deal with, especially if enhale floating spores. If this was my home,knowing what I have learned, I would play it save and remove the insulation, let the wood completely dry and add new insulation and vapor barrier. Costs are nothing compared to what you may end up breathing!

Sometimes its easier to go backwards to go forwards!!

Tracy Mason