Natural disasters can occur at any time and harm anyone. Some areas are more likely to be flooded than others, even though they are in a flood plain; this is because a very severe storm might impact even areas that are not generally at risk of flooding. Your home and its contents might take a serious hit if a flood occurs.
If your furniture has been damaged in flood, there is still a chance for it to be restored. Depending on the type of furniture you have, and the extent of the flooding in your home will determine whether or not you can salvage it after a flood. Because solid wood furniture is less porous than upholstered or particleboard furniture, it has a better chance of being rescued.
Restoration from water damage is typically more involved than restoration from normal wear and tear and is best left to experts. To a certain extent, you don’t need the help of a professional firm to accomplish some things. What follows is some further data about flood-damaged furniture, as well as some considerations to make if you wish to restore your item following a moderate flood.
Why Does Furniture Get Wet?
The primary reason why water damage occurs to furniture is because of the moisture that the furniture collects. Multiple potential sources exist for this, such as:
- Flooding
- Hurricanes
- Rain
- Seawater and Leaky Roofs or Windows
How Can Water Affect Furniture?
When furniture collects water, it can cause a variety of problems. Water damage affects wood, linen, and leather differently. Here’s how it’s done:
Furnishings Made of Wood
Water damage affects wooden furniture in a variety of ways. The most prevalent issue is that wood expands and warps. The swelling of wood furniture makes it difficult to use and shatters. Moisture can cause it to deteriorate. If water damage is not repaired, the furniture may fall apart.
Furnishings Covered with Upholstery
Because it absorbs more moisture, upholstered furniture is more likely to suffer water damage than wooden furniture. If upholstered furniture is exposed to water for an extended period, the fabric can become mouldy and mildewed. The foam inside the cushions might also become moist and stink.
Furnishings Made with Leather
Water can also ruin leather furniture, making it particularly delicate. If the leather becomes damp, it might rot and split. Leather can even break down if conditions are severe enough.
In the event of water damage, what should I do?
Inspect your house and belongings as soon as possible and take appropriate action. The longer it takes after a flood, the more severe the damage. You must contact a water damage restoration firm without delay. When water damage occurs, call Reztor Restoration for assistance. They have the expertise and equipment to dry your home and repair damaged belongings.
Get pictures of your flood-damaged furnishings so you can use them as evidence in your insurance claim. Consider the severity of the damage, sentimental worth, and cost of restoration while determining which artefacts to rescue. A water damage restoration service can help with this issue.
Move salvageable furniture to a dry location to begin the drying process. If a piece is too heavy to move, consider putting wood blocks or aluminium foil under the legs to keep it from becoming wet on the floor.
How Can I Restore My Furniture After a Flood?
When the furniture has been damaged by water, there are a few options for fixing the damage. The easiest way to decide the most effective strategy for restoring your furniture is based on the type of furniture and the damage it has incurred.
If the furniture is soaked,
Wooden furniture needs to be ventilated with the help of fans. Wooden furniture is prone to damage from direct sunlight, which can lead to cracking and warping if left unprotected. It is also critical to allow wood furniture to dry slowly to avoid warping. Because wood expands while wet and contracts when dry, warping can occur if the drying process is rushed. Solid wood furniture is more water resistant and may typically be saved.
As a first step, the entire surface must be free of dirt and mildew. The object should then be properly dried and re-glued if necessary. Use caution when opening or closing bulging cabinets or drawers. Let the wood dry completely by allowing air to circulate.
Upholstered furniture soaked in floodwater is usually unsalvageable since pollutants are difficult to remove. Professional restoration services are essential if you intend to restore soaked upholstered furniture.
Furniture that is upholstered can sometimes be saved if it is only exposed to a small amount of pure water during floods. Then, dry the furniture properly to avoid mould and mildew. Different upholstery fabrics and other coloured things can cause colour bleeding.
If the furniture is completely dry
If the furniture is dry but appears to be damaged, you may be able to repair it with wood glue or wood filler. If there are any cracks in the wood, use a putty knife to fill them up. Sand the area until it is smooth after the glue or filler has cured.
If the furniture is dry, but in decent shape, you might not need to restore it. Just give it a proper, thorough cleaning, and it should be good to go.
Call Reztor Restoration for water damage restoration help!
Flood-damaged furniture restoration may be difficult, but with some knowledge and effort, it is possible. You can restore the look and fragrance of your furniture by following the instructions in this blog. Water damage can occur anytime from various causes, including natural disasters and leaking or damaged pipes.
Contacting a specialist as soon as possible is critical to mitigate the damage and begin the restoration procedure. Our skilled specialists are here to assist you 24-hours a day, 7 days a week! To learn more about our water damage services, visit our website or call 1800 739 867. You can also speak with a representative from your local Reztor Restoration office now!
