Can Wet Wood Items Be Saved After a Flood?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Hardwood Flooring.

Because of its porous nature, wood can be particularly susceptible to water damage. Problems such as swelling wood, rot, discoloration and mold can make it difficult to salvage some wood items. However, quick action can increase your chances.

Saving Wood Items After Water Damage

Hardwood Flooring

Flooring that is made from real wood can often be dried out and repaired. Several steps should be taken to save hardwood flooring:

• If the source of the water is a broken pipe or supply line, have water pipe repair done.
  
• Use a mop or wet/dry vacuum to remove water or push it out of your home through a nearby door.
  
• Open doors and windows and run fans and dehumidifiers to accelerate drying.
  
• Apply disinfectants to kill bacteria and reduce mold growth.
  
• Consider contacting a water remediation company in Rocky Mount, NC, to quickly and safely remove water.
  

Baseboards and Subflooring

Baseboards and subfloors are often constructed from multi-density fiberboard. This material does not hold up to water well and you will often find swelling wood in these areas. Most of the time, you will need to replace these materials. Wet baseboards and subfloor should be removed as soon as possible to avoid additional damage to hardwood flooring or drywall that may be able to be salvaged.

Wood Furniture

Much like flooring, furniture that is constructed from real wood is more likely to be salvageable than furniture constructed from fiberboard. Wet furniture should be removed from your home and air-dried. Some furniture may need professional repairs to fix loose joints caused by water exposure. The furniture may also need to be refinished due to discoloration.

Swelling wood and wood items made from composite materials that don't resist water well usually require replacement. However, many real wood items can be salvaged if quick action is taken. A professional inspection may be necessary to determine whether structural damage exists after extensive water damage to your home.