Water Damage:
What To Do When the Creek Rises
by Alan Noel
Professional Wood Finisher
Here in North Georgia we just experienced what is now being called our
worst flood in recorded history. The Chattahoochee River spilled over its banks
like never before. In the aftermath, the damage done was so overwhelming
and all consuming that those of us lucky enough to live on high ground can
and should thank their lucky stars.
I was called upon for help and advice by some of my regular customers who were struggling to deal with
the fact that their most prized possessions were floating in their own homes before being
laid to rest by the receding sludge.
Here are some tips on what to do in case this situation ever arises for you. (Hopefully,
never.)
-
Empty all contents as soon as possible.
-
Drain all water from drawers and cabinets.
-
Remove all doors and drawers wherever possible.
-
Do not stack pieces.
-
Wipe up/off as much moisture as possible inside and out.
-
Never cover wet furniture. This traps moisture and will do further damage.
-
Place fans and dehumidifiers around furniture to speed drying.
-
If you are going to repair/restore the pieces, first allow ample time
for drying. All of the absorbed moisture has to dry out
before any repairs or refinishing can be attempted.
Visiting Atlanta? Attend one of Alan's upcoming highly informative Highland Woodworking wood finishing seminars:
Furniture Repair
, October 24, 2009
Wood Coloring Basics
, October 28, 2009
Gilding and Gold Leafing
, November 4, 2009
Antique Mall Treasure Hunt
, November 14, 2009
Spray Finishing
, November 21, 2009
French Polishing Workshop
, December 9, 2009
Alan can be reached directly via email c/o Alan Noel Furniture Refinishing at
anoelfurniturere@bellsouth.net
.
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