The problem with flood damage on
furniture is that furniture requires expert intervention to
implement the restoration procedures. Furthermore, furniture
restoration requires the use of the right tools. Restoration
attempts by an untrained or inexperienced individual can result
in the permanent damage of the item.
Before any restoration is even attempted on a piece of furniture
that underwent flood damage, it is advisable to assess the
damage, the possible cost of restoration, as well as the value
of the item. If the item may be replaced at a comparatively
lower cost, or if the cost is only slightly higher than what
might be needed for restoration, then it might be better to
simply replace the item.
There are, however, certain items that cannot be simply
replaced. Examples of these are antique furniture, a family
heirloom, or any item with sentimental value. Some people would
be willing to spend a fortune to restore such items.
In certain cases, the extent of flood damage may be too bad to
be salvaged. Attempting to restore furniture that has been
submerged in floodwaters may be futile. If the water was clean,
although this rarely if ever happens, then the furniture might
be salvaged by cleaning and drying.
Another factor to consider before trying to restore furniture is
the material with which it is made of. Some materials are
practically waterproof, while others are simply too sensitive to
water. These types of materials can be severely damaged by even
moderate dampness.
Flood damaged veneered furniture is one type that would usually
be impractical to salvage. Veneered furniture has particle
boards and fiber cores that tend to swell immediately when wet
or damp. The veneered ridges will also tend to come apart
easily. A rule of thumb is that if veneered furniture is
submerged in water for at least 24 hours, then the extent of
flood damage will be impossible to remedy.
If the veneer is only loose in some parts of the furniture, the
veneer in these parts has to be cleaned and pressed to be
re-flattened. Pressing has to be done for several hours until it
can be ready for gluing. Utmost care should be made when gluing
to prevent the veneer from shifting.
In most cases, restoration of flood damaged veneered furniture
should be left to the experts who have enough experience and the
right tools.
Most furniture are made of wood. When subjected to flood damage,
this type of material has a tendency to be deformed. Warping,
swelling, and staining are some of the structural damages that a
wooden piece can undergo after being ravaged by water.
It is not enough to simply dry furniture made of wood. If drying
is not done gradually, the wood may crack, warp, or split.
After being submerged in water, white spots may appear on the
surface of wooden furniture. This can be removed by rubbing with
a damp cloth dipped in turpentine, which should be wiped dry
immediately after. Once the color is restored, the surface may
be polished with wax. |
