You may still salvage your belongings by following this guide on how to fix water damaged woodwork. One visible sign of this is bloated woodwork. For doors, wood bloating is a standard issue.
Water could be a destructive force of nature because it will cause floods affecting many areas. It could also inundate your sweet home, especially furniture made from wood, making it difficult to rework. Even if your tabletop was beautifully crafted, water could still find its way through the surface.
You don’t need to be a woodworking carpenter to repair. Just your crafty hands will do!
What Is Woodwork, Exactly?
Basically, anything that is made from wood is called woodwork. Furniture wise, you name it — stools, tables, doors, and window panes. All of these are made from wood.
A good amount of history goes far beyond woodworking. From Neolithic times to circa Egyptian empire up until now, wood has been pretty much used in everything.
However, our ancestors will also agree that using wood has its downsides. Getting it splashed with liquid is immediate trouble.
Signs Of Water Damage On Woodwork
Some questions you should ponder are: Has the wood changed colors? Is it swollen already?
The acceptable amount of water should only be 4-12% content. Anything higher than that is considered severe damage.
Discoloration
It’s beautiful to see mahogany dark hardwood floors, but over time it is susceptible to decline. If the color has gone from dark to pale, it is an obvious sign of water damage.
Molds and mildew
One of the most important factors in learning how to detect water damaged wood is the probability of molds. Exposure to excessive moisture content can attract fungi. Try to notice the surface of yeast-tinted fungi.
Rising nails and paint
“My handyman hammered the nails onto the platform well; why is it lifting now?” Swelling causes the nails to displace. Moreover, water damage can lift the paint as well.
How Do You Refurbish Swamped Woodwork?
Step #1. Identify the damage
Much like doctors, you need to examine the property before you can give a proper diagnosis. Knowing the damage source should be first on your list. Consider the moisture content the woodwork has already seeped in.
Just spilling coffee over the tabletop and the furniture soaked in heavy rain showers is different on a whole spectrum. Check for molds, too.
In as little time as twenty-four (24) hours, mold colonies will start to advance. Make sure that you know how to detect white mold, especially if you’re fixing natural wood.
Step #2. Dry the wood
It goes without saying that you should dry the woodwork as soon as possible. If you let it sit out in its dampness, it will continue to rot. Put it in an open area under the sun.
Also, if you have a high-powered electric dehumidifier, use it to control the lowering temperature and its rising humidity.
Step #3. Trash other materials
Dump all upholstered leather, fabric, and foam. These are soft materials that make the drying process longer.
Also, molds can grow in fiber-rich environments. Although wood is prone to fungi, other fragments with the property are more susceptible to it.
Step #4. Disinfect to protect
Better safe than never, folks. Mind the category of water damage in terms of stagnation. Category 3 means the water is a potential biohazard.
Do not forget to wear your carpenter gloves in case of splinters. Also, grab a microfiber cloth and spray a hefty amount of wood furniture cleaner. This will remove the water stains.
Step #5. Proceed to the repairs
Off to the more exciting job — repairing. Sand the furniture with an electric sander for a fine-finished stage. Use sandpaper if the stains still do not come off.
Sweep the sawdust away from the workplace. Proceed to check the joints if it has no hanging nails or if it is sturdy still. Utilize a caulking compound to seal the joints.
Step #6. Replace severely damaged parts
Take note of the measurements before purchasing new parts for the furniture. Not only does it minimize costs, but it also saves you time. The contractors in the hardware store will do the cutting for you.
Ensure that you do this process in a dry but well-ventilated area. Be careful of any moisture that can get to the woodwork.
Step #7. Polish it
There are two types of finish compounds you can put on your newly repaired woodwork. If you want thicker protection against dust and grime, you can use epoxy resin. On the other hand, use a wood polishing compound.
Apply thinly to the surface with a medium-sized paintbrush. Let it sit for 24 hours, and your woodwork should be fine.
Can You Get Insurance Claims?
In a nutshell, insurance companies will only cover damage to your property when it is out of your reach. For instance, if you have clogged water pipes due to former repair failures, they will not cover it.
Conclusion
The best way to diminish damage is to not get your furniture damp. This article is a comprehensive guide for you to know how to fix water damaged woodwork.
Taking good care of your home is an essential tip in home owning. A safe is a clean home.