SERVPRO Crew Race to Dry out Your Property

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to small amounts of flooding, much of the damage is not to the home itself, but rather to the contents inside. An overflowing kitchen sink or a cracked pipe in the laundry room does not usually result in structural problems, but it can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair and replacement of furniture throughout the house.

SERVPRO has decades of experience in restoring and repairing furniture in Phoenix after it suffers flood damage. We understand the effects of flooding and how to deal with all but the worst of them.

Wood or a wood composite (i.e. particleboard) makes up most furniture. Each type of material has its uses, but each one also has drawbacks when it comes to being affected by flooding.
Wood develops two problems after exposure to floodwater. There is swelling and cracking, as well as a weakening of the joints. The other problem is spotting, which damages the finish. Our technicians can remove most water spots with one of the wood care products in our chemical inventory. For great spotting, we may have to recommend a professional refinisher to repair the damage.

The best way to deal with swelling, cracking, and joint weakness is to remove the excess moisture carefully. Too fast or too slow can cause permanent damage. Our technicians use dehumidifiers to draw out moisture and, if needed, use air movers to force warm, dry air across the surface and underneath an item to speed up the process.

Particleboard does not survive exposure to water very well. Since it makes up pieces like kitchen and bathroom cabinets and other cheaply made and replaceable items, only one side is laminated or otherwise treated to repel moisture. Since the opposite side is exposed, the treated side acts as a vapor barrier, which does not allow moisture to pass through the board, trapping the water and eventually warping the cabinets.

If there is no visible warping, our technicians may be able to lower the moisture content and restore an item made from particleboard. Since the pieces are relatively cheap, we recommend replacing them rather than investing the time and effort to keep them.

Returning your home to its pre-flooded condition requires a company with the experience and training to complete the process as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is here to support our neighbors in putting their home back together; however, we can help. Call today at (623) 394-6033 to get started with an inspection and an estimate.