The Processes and Cost of Water Damage Restoration Rate this post Rate this post

Introduction

When wooden furniture is well cared for, it offers an attractive appeal for your living space. However, it is unfortunate that wood is very susceptible to water damage. Water not only makes

wood look unattractive but also causes it to rot.

Therefore, there is need to restore your pieces of wooden furniture the moment they are exposed to water damage. Although wooden furniture restoration requires some skill and concerted effort, it is a relatively simple task to complete on your own.

How to Restore Water damaged Wood Furniture

Water damage can occur in variant forms. The process of repairing your wooden furniture is dependent on the type of water damage it has undergone. Water damage can be caused by flood

water, water spills, or even humidity in the air.

Restoring Wood Damage caused by Flood Water

• Drying your Wooden Furniture

At one time, your home could get flooded. As a result, your wooden furniture might be badly damaged. The most significant step here should be removing your furniture from the flood water as

soon as possible to allow the furniture to dry. Remember, the essence of fast drying out of the furniture is to prevent mold and fungus from growing in the joints and on surfaces of the furniture.

If debris and mud are covering the furniture, hose down the dirt and leave the furniture to dry. Do not place your furniture in direct sunlight. It is recommended that the furniture dries in a well-ventilated and warm location. Turning the fans and the heating is a possible alternative. Unless the weather permits, do not leave the furniture outside. Appropriate temperature is vital. Mold forms when it is too cold, and the furniture dries for longer. On the other hand, cracks form on the furniture when it is too hot. Remember, depending on the type of furniture and the extent of wetness, it might take weeks or months for complete drying to take place. Therefore, patience is necessary for the full restoration of the furniture.

Use absorbent cloths to dry all the furniture surfaces properly. If the furniture is soaked, it is advisable that it is taken apart to allow for proper drying of its parts. Therefore, doors, back panels, drawers, and backs of chairs should be removed carefully without forcing any items apart. When these pieces dry, they are bound to shrink to their normal sizes.

• Treating White Spots

White spots form on wooden furniture and only affect the veneer or top layers of wood since these spots are purely superficial. White spots are common on wood with lacquer or shellac finishes. To restore your wooden furniture, you need mix a solution of equal amounts of baking soda and toothpaste. After dipping a wet cloth into the solution, rub it on and around the white spots. Dry the region using a piece of cotton.

Equally, you can apply and rub in furniture wax on the white spots after drying the water from the furniture surface.

White spots can also be removed by placing a thick, clean and dry absorbent cloth on the white spot and pressing an iron on a low to medium heat range onto the cloth for a few seconds. The cloth absorbs the moisture from wood as a result of the heat from the iron. Repeat this procedure until all the white spots are gone after which you can apply polish.

If you prefer using solvents like methylated spirit, ensure that this alternative is your last resort since they are known to destroy the finish. Therefore, they can only be applied sparingly. Before using any solvent, test it on an area underneath your furniture. Upon removal of all white spots, polish and buff your furniture to a high sheen.

• Cleaning Mildew

The appearance of black spots on your wooden furniture is an indication of successful penetration of water into the wood through the finish which triggers the formation of mildew. Mildew can be eliminated by the removal of the finish, eradication of the mildew using a bleach solution, and coating the wood with a new finish layer.

• Restoring Buckled Veneer

When veneer comes into contact with water, it tends to warp or buckle. Buckled veneer can be restored through soaking it using a moisturizer until it flattens out, after which you can wipe it clean and dry. Next, fill veneer glue into a syringe and empty it between wood and the veneer. Allow enough time for the veneer glue to dry up as recommended by the manufacturer.

Restoring Wood Damage caused by Humidity

It is common for white blushes or hazes to form on wood with shellac or lacquer finishes. Eradicate all blushing from your wood in the same way as white spots. You can also opt to rub the hazes using linseed oil and extremely fine steel wool. Polish the wood thereafter.

Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Professional

Do you need your water damage restoration process to be completed professionally? Then, you should seek the services of a reliable and licensed contractor. Dryfast General Contractors is

a renowned company which offers specialized water damage restoration services.

Our experts will document the whole repair process for a smooth insurance claim. We offer special discounts to clients who do not have insurance covers. We complete the restoration process with the help of commercial grade equipment. Therefore, we can locate trapped moisture, determine the extent of the damage, and remove all the damaged material. We also provide effective dehumidification and ventilation services.

Such was the restoration that our experts completed when we were called upon to repair a cosmetic studio based in Pittsburg. The studio had experienced flooding, and overall restoration was necessary. Among our most important tasks was the extraction of water from the studio surfaces and carpets. Our technicians removed the affected materials before restoring all damaged parts. The technicians repaired the carpet padding, the ceiling, the sheetrock, and the wood paneling.The technicians also changed all the damaged equipment and furniture, in addition to repairing the bathroom. The detailed restoration services alongside pictures of the studio before and after the repair can be found here.

Give us a call anytime, and our dedicated water damage restoration professionals will be handling your case within 45 minutes.

Understanding the Typical Cost of Water Damage Restoration

Excessive moisture or water is harmful to your house and its contents. For this reason, immediate cleanup and restoration of water damage are necessary to avoid further harm to your property. It is important that you have an understanding of the costs associated with water damage restoration. Below are the typical water damage restoration costs.

Typical Water Damage restoration Costs

Some factors come into play when determining the water damage restoration costs. Before the final cost of restoration is determined, the repair professionals must consider these factors. These factors include the size of the affected area, the type of the water causing the damage, the materials used in the restoration process, and the extent of the damage caused. However, there are standard charges that apply to all water damage restoration companies following the adoption of the Xactimate software system. This system takes in data on various cost factors and determines the overall restoration cost.

The typical restoration costs are as follows:

• Removal of flooring material, walls, ceiling, and fixtures costs $0.25 per square foot.

• The cost of replacement of walls and the ceiling is $1.03 per square foot.

• Painting costs $0.22 per square foot.

• Replacement of fixtures and flooring costs $2.76 per square foot.

• The cost of transportation and disposal of damaged material is $45 per cubic yard.

• The material cost stands at $11.03 per square foot.

• Cost of materials and labor in removal and cleaning services is $28 per hour.

• Cost of materials and flooring and sheetrock services is $32 per hour.

• Cost of materials and painting services is $32 per hour.

The type of water also significantly affects the cost of cleaning. Category 1 (clean) water costs

$3.75, category 2 (gray) water costs $4.50, while category 3 (black) water costs $7.00;all per square foot.

The total cost of water damage restoration is calculated on this basis, taking into account the total area to be worked and the type of restoration to be completed. Other general considerations when calculating the water damage restoration costs include;

• The costs detailed above do not cater for any special measures concerning disposal, ventilation, or hazard containment. If you wish to have these services provided, then the restoration cost will

increase accordingly.

• There is need to correct the source of moisture. Otherwise, the damage caused by humidity is bound to reoccur after restoration services.

• The costs indicated are in line with services offered in the immediate operation area of the restoration service provider. Clients outside this area might be subject to higher costs.

• Permit and tax charges are not catered for in these costs.

If you intend to do it on your own, it is okay as the process of water damage restoration does not demand any professional certification. However, due to the complexity of sheetrock installation and flooring restoration processes, it is recommended that a suitable professional is hired.

When the Restoration Prices are Low and High

As a homeowner, you need to know when the cost of water damage restoration is low or high. Such knowledge will enable you to make an informed decision when faced with the problems posed by water damage in your home.

• Firstly, the price of water damage repair is low if you receive a quote before any form of inspection. You can also roughly determine the price of restoration by carrying out research online and obtaining information from related websites. On the other hand, the prices can be high if you have your home thoroughly inspected ahead of the restoration

process.

Why the disparity?

This disparity results from the fact that determination of the price of restoration before and without inspection does not take into account the extent of the damage caused. For instance, without expert inspection, it is possible to overlook moisture trapped under the floor, in air ducts, or behind walls. This can lead to a lower price estimation.

• Secondly, the costs are low if the damage is caused by clean water. The costs are considerably higher when the damage is caused by gray water. However, the price is highest when damage is caused by black water.

Why the disparity?

The price is low when dealing with clean water since the technicians themselves are at no risk of health threats. However, when dealing with black water, the prices are high since the professionals are exposed to possible hazardous health risks. Further, the costs of dealing with category 2 and 3 water types tend to be higher compared to category 1 since the technicians must offer additional cleaning services using special protective gear and equipment as well as specialized chemicals.

• Thirdly, the price is low if you opt to repair the water damage by yourself. However, the price will be high if you hire the services of a technician.

Why the disparity?

If you hire a professional, you are bound to pay for their expertise and labor.

• Lastly, the cost of water damage restoration is low when repair is done immediately after the damage. However, the price increases over time after the damage. Therefore, the longer water sits around in your home, the higher the restoration price you are likely to pay.

Why the disparity?

The typical prices of water damage restoration are derived on the assumption that the repair is to be made immediately after the damage occurs. However, if some time passes after the damage, it is likely that the damage increases. For instance, if your basement is flooded and the water is left there for days, it is possible that some water will be trapped in some areas, and it will be more challenging to extract it. Additionally, there is the possibility of mold growing on some surfaces. Dealing with mold and trapped water will increase the restoration price.

Dependencies and Factors Affecting the Water Damage Restoration Cost

1.Water Type

Experts in water damage restoration classify water into three categories. These three water types significantly influence the price of restoration. These types are:

• Clean Water

This water is often referred to as the category 1 type. This is rainwater that may get into a house through an open window or door, or from a running tap. Such water poses no health risks.

It has the least cost.

• Gray Water

Also identified as category 2 type, gray water typically is the discharge from appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Gray water has biological and chemical pollutants

which pose slight health threats. It is associated with average costs.

• Black Water

Black water is the category 3 type which is sewage water. It also forms flood water from ground sources like streams and rivers with broken banks. Black water poses extreme health risks. Black water has the highest costs.

2.The Extent of the Damage

The degree of the damage caused by water is the most important determining factor in the determination of the cost of repair. Most professional restoration service providers bill by the extent of the damage often measurable per square foot. It, therefore, follows that the larger the area damaged, the higher the price.

3.The location of the Damage

The price of restoration is dependent on the part of the house damaged. This is the case since some

materials are easily replaced or repaired than others. For instance, drywall replacement is more costly than baseboard replacement.