Wooden furniture in homes may become soaked by water due to a number of reasons such as natural flood disasters, broken water pipes, leaking roofs or the suppressing of fire. Whatever the cause of soaking, appropriate water damage restoration procedures for the wooden furniture should be taken immediately after the disaster, to significantly lessen the damage.
Water damage to wooden furniture typically includes the growth of surface mold, staining of the furniture finishes, the splitting and deformation of wood members and the weakening of the glues on the furniture joints. Improper water damage restoration techniques to wooden furniture may cause them to warp and eventually become useless.
Wooden furniture that has been water-soaked should immediately be handled. Water damage restoration of wooden furniture should be based on (1) the extent of the water damage, (2) the cost of the furniture, (3) the sentimental value, and (4) the cost of restoration. If the restoration of the item will be more expensive than replacing the item completely, then do not bother with water damage restoration and simply buy new furniture. Wooden furniture that is considered an antique is worth the time, effort and the expense for water damage restoration. However, the restoration procedures for antiques should only involve cleaning and drying without the use of chemicals since minor changes to an antique may greatly reduce its price value.
When performing water damage restoration to an antique, it is important to preserve its original finishing. Do not attempt to refinish an antique unless you want to spoil its value. Antique furniture that has been water-soaked should be dried slowly. The slow drying process will prevent the wood from shrinking and deforming which would lead to cracking and splitting. If the antique is appraised to be very valuable, the services of a certified water damage restoration expert specializing in wooden furniture should be obtained to protect the value of the item.
Veneered furniture that has been soaked in water for quite some time may not be worth the effort of water damage restoration unless it has a sentimental value. Veneered furniture is usually made up of cork board and plywood and is not that expensive. If the house is insured against flood and water damage, it is advisable to use the money from the insurance to buy new veneered furniture rather than use it for the repair costs.
If water damage restoration is to be performed for wood and antique furniture, it is best to remember that wood should be dried out slowly. Drying wood under the sun is also not recommended since drying with heat will cause wood to deform and warp.
Drawers and cabinet doors may expand when wet and may get stuck. This is normal because water seeps through the wooden pores. Do not force them out; instead wait till the most of the water has seeped out of the drawers. Check the drawers regularly and once they can be removed easily, remove them and dry them upside down. Check the glue on the wooden joints for weakness and apply glue if necessary.
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