One of the most difficult issues you can face in your home is water damage to your wooden furniture. Water intrusion can be caused by different accidents and completely ruin your wooden elements.
Not only does this lower the value of your home, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of your property. That’s why launching the repairs immediately is essential.
However, chances are that you’re not familiar with the process of restoring water-damaged wood. No worries. Highly knowledgeable Orange County water damage repair professionals are about to show you how to fix the wood in your home, no matter the type. Read on for detailed instructions!
How do you treat wood after water damage?
Before you start the repairs, keep in mind that you should always file a water damage insurance claim. If it was caused by an accident, you’re very likely to receive coverage.
As for fixing your wooden elements, here’s what you can do:
Dry the affected areas
It’s crucial to remove all moisture before it leads to more damage. Small leaks may not be too difficult to resolve, but make sure you’re thorough. Place fans to circulate air in the affected areas.
For larger projects, consider renting a high-capacity dehumidifier to dry out the surrounding carpet, wood, and other materials.
Remove ruined items
If your wood has been soaked in water, it may need to be cut out and thrown out. Left unchecked, water can permanently damage your furniture and even develop mold and mildew. Get rid of ruined materials to prevent any health risks.
Replace damaged wood
All severely warped wooden components (flooring in particular), rotting wood, and wood with mold or mildew have to be replaced. Pry apart damaged boards and thoroughly clean the area beneath before installing a replacement.
When it comes to wood that’s a structural component of the house, be extra careful replacing it. The structure needs adequate support both during and after the repairs.
Use a filler for carved areas
Fill any carved areas in your furniture with an auto filler putty. Make sure you can push the putty in to completely fill the hole. Let the substance dry and sand for a smooth finish.
Can you sand down water-damaged wood?
You can sand down water-damaged wood but bear in mind that this method doesn’t fix the core issues. Before you can sand your elements, you first need to clean the area from mold, mildew, and remove any stains. Additionally, sanding is generally accompanied by several other tasks:
- Gluing any loose joints
- Painting
- Applying varnish
Can I paint over water-damaged wood?
You can paint over water-damaged wood, but it’s trickier than it sounds:
- Make sure the wood is completely dry. Use towels and fans to collect any moisture.
- Test the dampness of the wood with a moisture meter. To proceed, interior wood should contain up to 12% moisture, whereas exterior wood is good to go with up to 15%.
- Apply your paint using a paintbrush.
Reach out to top-rated Orange County water damage repair experts for comprehensive services
EHS is the most trusted and renowned emergency plumbing service provider. You can contact us at any time of the day, and our plumbing contractors will be at your doorstep in record time. They will employ all their cutting-edge tools and extensive knowledge to repair your water damage so that you don’t have to get your hands dirty.
Disaster can strike at any time and prevent you from taking your kids to Knott’s Berry Farm. Luckily, you can call EHS and have us resolve the issue in no time!