Flooding not only has a dramatic impact on your life, but on many of your possessions, including your furniture. Flood water in your home and the resulting moisture in the air can dramatically effect upholstery, wood furniture, and mattresses. At American Restoration we know how difficult it can be to pick up the pieces after flooding damage, fire damage, or other disasters. Yet, if you act quickly, you may be able to salvage some of your furniture pieces, so you can begin putting your life back together after your home has been renovated and restored.
Before you begin any manner of cleanup, make sure that your home is safe to enter. Call a restoration specialist, like one of the staff at American Restoration, if you are unable to determine whether it is safe to enter your home. We are lucky enough to work with Cesar Garcia, a certified odor control technician. He helps to manage this area and ensure that our clients homes are speedily put back in order without any lingering worries about mold or odors. Remember, some of the dangers associated with flooding can’t be seen, so be absolutely sure that the site is secure. If the premises are hazard free, act quickly to remove furniture from standing water. Generally, the longer upholstered furniture and mattresses are exposed to water, the more damaged they will become. Wood furniture generally stands up better to this exposure to water, but should be removed promptly just the same. At American Restoration, we assist our clients with this process by removing, packing, inventorying, and storing furniture and other items while repairs in the home take place.
As you remove furniture, be sure to document the scene and the individual pieces with a camera for insurance purposes. Even furniture that is severely damaged by flooding should be set aside for this reason. Contact your insurance provider with questions about your coverage, and read up on Act of God coverage on our blog.
Deciding what to discard and what to restore can be difficult. Take into account not just the cost of restoration, but also the sentimental value of a particular piece. Experts can best deal with the packaging and removal of furniture items, as furniture exposed to flood water can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, requiring further services like mold remediation.
Upholstered furniture should be dried completely, and fabrics removed from the frame of the furniture to prevent any bleeding of colors. You will want to have a professional assess the piece. Depending on the extent of the damage, cushioning, fabric, or springs may need to be replaced. Mattresses face many of the same issues as upholstered furniture. Mattresses can be salvaged if they are quickly cleaned and allowed to dry. Our powerful sun in New Mexico is usually enough to thoroughly dry a mattress. Box springs, however, should be replaced if exposed to water for an extended period of time.
Wood furniture is likely to fare much better after water damage. After drying, wood furniture should be thoroughly cleaned. Commercial wood restorers and lanolin can help restore and seal wood furniture, and furniture glue can be useful in reattaching veneers.
Remember, always consult an expert before entering your home after a flood, or attempting to remove or repair any furniture. At American Restoration, we have extensive experience in flood remediation, and we service the whole state of New Mexico. If you need assistance in restoring your home after a fire or flood, please contact us with questions or for immediate services. We can make it to nearly any destination across New Mexico within just two hours and we’ll even help you remove the furniture from your home. Have more questions? Contact us!
