Residential Water_126_How To Restore Water Damaged Building Materials

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Swelling wood floor in a Santa Maria,CA home

How To Restore Water Damaged Building Materials

When your home in Santa Maria, CA, sustains flood damage, one of your top priorities will be preserving the building materials that form your home's foundation. Swelling wood is often one of the biggest issues that arise after a catastrophic water incident, and you may be wondering if it's worth the effort to repair your wood materials as opposed to simply replacing them. By keeping some basic guidelines in mind, you can minimize the damage to your home if the worst happens.

1. Determine which materials are worth salvaging.

Sentimental or valuable items such as heirloom furniture may be worth the time and expense of restoration. Building materials that substantially add to the value of your home, such as finished hardwood floors, may be cheaper to restore rather than fully replace.

2. Allow adequate time to restore materials.

Swelling wood can easily crack, warp, and shrink if it's dried out too quickly after a water event, so plan on allowing two to three weeks for wooden furniture, cabinets, and flooring to dry properly. More porous materials such as drywall can be aired out much faster, usually around three days on average.

3. Take preventative measures to avoid damaged materials.

A simple water pipe repair to a leaking plumbing system can prevent a major flood, so take time to maintain your home's pipework. You should also familiarize yourself with the location of your water supply line in case an immediate shut off is needed. And it's a good idea to keep the contact information for a reputable water damage remediation specialist on hand who can help you assess building material restoration cost in the event of a flood.

While water damage in your home is stressful enough, trying to restore your home's valuable building materials, furniture, and heirlooms can add an extra challenge. By implementing the proper procedures for preserving swelling wood and other materials that have been affected by water, you can keep your home looking beautiful after a flood event.