If the wood in your home has been damaged by water, restoration is necessary. Doing this properly will ensure the wood remains in good shape. Without the proper steps, you may make the problem worse, according to 24/7 Water Damage Atlanta, a service business that provides water damage cleanup in Atlanta. Before restoring the wood, make sure you do your research and know what you are doing. This will help the restoration to go smoothly.
What Causes Water Damage?
Water damage can be caused by different issues. Some common causes include:
- Broken washing machine hoses
- Insulation problems
- Faulty pipes
- Flooding
- Clogged sinks
This is just the beginning of water damage. The list of possible causes is endless.
What to Do When You Find a Leak
As soon as you notice flooding or leaking, you need to take action. Locate the cause of the leak or flooding. You may need to shut off the main water line for your home.
Make sure you begin drying up the water. You may also call a professional depending on how much water there is. Acting quickly will help to cut down on the damage.
What Does Water Do to Wood?
When wood is water damaged, the wood may rot. It can become weaker or even fall apart. Mold is also a common problem. Even water stains can affect the look of the wood. Because of this, restoration is necessary.
Can You Keep Water Damaged Wood Furniture?
When water damages your wood furniture, there are some risks. This includes problems such as mold and mildew. It is important to remove the mold or mildew. According to Hunker, this should be done as soon as possible. Then, you can repair the furniture and refinish it.
If there is a lot of mold or mildew present, it may be better to throw the furniture away. Use your best judgment. If you choose to remove the mold and repair the furniture, make sure you follow instructions. This will help to save your furniture and keep it functional.
How to Restore Water Damaged Wood in Home
One common sign of water damage is water stains. To fix this, you should use a soft cotton cloth. According to Do It Yourself, you should use a mild abrasive. This includes things like tooth paste or polishing compound. Rubbing the area should help. If not, the stain is probably deeper. The entire board may need to be replaced.
Another problem is warped wood floor boards. If the board is only slightly warped, you can try to flatten it. Place something heavy on top of it for a few days. Over time, the board will stop curling.
If the warping is too strong, you can try face nailing. Do this to the edge of the wood. If these two ideas do not work, you will need to replace the warped boards.
Tips for Restoring Water Damaged Wood in Home
Here are some tips to help with the restoration process.
- Keep wood dry. As soon as any water touches your wood floors or another wood surface, you should dry it. This means water from wet shoes and any other types of spills. This will cut the damage. It will help to keep your wood looking new.
- Look out for mold. If you find mold, it is important that you treat it properly. If not, you will run into bigger problems.
- Protect your floors against water damage. The right flooring can be protected in case of future water damage. Choose flooring such as ceramic or high-end vinyl. According to Family Handyman, some types of engineered wood materials can work too.
- Follow all restoration instructions. As you restore the wood in your home, pay attention to the guidelines. This will help to make sure you fix the problem. This will ensure the project goes smoothly.
Should You Hire a Professional to Restore Water Damaged Wood?
This decision is up to you. For many people, leaving this to a professional is the best option. This is a good idea if there is a great deal of damage. This is also smart if you have not done this before. Additionally, hiring a professional can help to make sure the job is done properly.
If you choose to hire a professional, be sure to do your research. Look for a reputable company with plenty of experience. Look at online reviews. Ask questions about the process. Then, you can make an informed decision on who you are hiring.
Conclusion
When it comes to water damage restoration, take care of the problem as soon as possible. This will limit the extent of the damage. You can tackle the problem on your own with the proper equipment. Be sure to follow any guidelines to make sure you do it right. When in doubt, call a professional.