Save The Antique: Proper Water Damage Restoration Procedures

October 10, 2008

Save The Antique: Proper Water Damage Restoration Procedures

Water damage to homes occurs as a result of burst water pipes, the quelling of a fire, or from a natural flood disaster. Flood waters can damage most household items if they are soaked for some time. However, if water damage restoration is done immediately, a number of these household items may still be salvaged and restored to their original condition.

Antiques in homes are considered to be valuable both in the monetary aspect and in the sentimental aspect. Antiques are usually used as family heirlooms that are passed from one generation to another. Letting an antique be destroyed by water would be like letting down the family’s ancestry who has protected it before. This is the reason why water damage restoration should be immediately performed for antique furniture. Here are some water damage restoration techniques for antiques:

(1) The first step in water damage restoration for antiques and other wooden furniture is to move them away from the contact with water to an area where they can be cleaned and dried. Wood is porous and can contain water in their pores when wet or soaked. A water-soaked wood may easily be susceptible to damage if not handled properly. Because of this, it is important to move soaked antiques by their lowest structural member and not by lifting them up by their handles. If it is possible, remove the drawers and the contents first before moving antique furniture. (Do not force-open the drawers if they are stuck.) Always be sure that there are enough people to carry or lift the furniture before deciding to move them.

(2) The second step in the water damage restoration process for antiques should be to hose it down with water to clean them because flood water may contain harmful bacteria.

(3) When drying antiques and wooden furniture, use soft cotton cloths or absorbent paper towels to blot them dry. Again, blot them dry not wipe them dry. Flood water may contain abrasive contents which may scratch the finishes of antiques if wiping is done.

(4) In water damage restoration of antiques, it is important to dry them out slowly without the use of heat or direct sunlight. Wood may shrink when dried rapidly and this shrinking may cause the wood to warp or deform.

(5) Rest wooden furniture on top of wooden blocks to let air circulate underneath them. Do not hasten the drying of wooden furniture by applying heat to it. Instead, let them dry slowly and let the humidity fall slowly. The use of portable dehumidifiers is recommended in the water damage restoration of antiques. Dehumidifiers are also good in preventing mold growth in water-soaked furniture.

(6) When an antique is soaked in water for a period of time, the finish may become cloudy or stained. Refinishing an antique is not recommended as this may lead to a drop in its price value. Water damage restoration for antiques should only involve cleaning and drying without the use of chemicals.

(7) Lastly, if the antique has a high appraised value and the water damage is severe, it is best to call a certified water damage restoration expert for the job to ensure the proper handling of the antique. Most insurance companies include this in their coverage anyway.

Osmund Aft is a homeowner advocate on water damage for Manhattan Water Restoration and Boston Water Restoration

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