4 Materials That May Need Expert Water Damage Repair

Water damage can stem from a relatively clean water source, such as rainwater from your roof, or from an extremely hazardous water source such as the city sewer. The first is called greywater and the second, more hazardous type is called blackwater or alternatively sewage. Depending on the type of water damage in your home, some items that have absorbed water may still be salvageable. However, they may need professional help to remove or ameliorate the damage.

Here are some of the types of materials that could absorb water and need professional water damage restoration to get back to usable condition.

1. Fabric

While some fabrics may be washable and can easily have their water damage solved by a trip through the clothes washer, others may not be that simple. Fabrics with care tags indicating a need for dry cleaning or spot cleaning only may need professional care. Not only are these fabrics potentially especially vulnerable to damage from water, but they may need special processes to repair such damage.

2. Books

Books and other paper materials are so easily damaged with water because paper not only absorbs moisture, but can also wrinkle, warp, and even dissolve when wet. While some water damage may never be completely solvable, professionals can use special techniques. For instance, they can place the books in an extremely low-humidity area or use a vacuum-assisted freeze-drying process to draw out excess moisture and, if possible, re-flatten the pages or papers.

3. Wood

Like paper (which is typically made of wood pulp), wood can easily swell and even warp, crack, or otherwise break when exposed to water. Some types of wood, such as laminate, particleboard, or other manufactured woods may actually disintegrate when exposed to water. 

Professionals know the fastest ways to safely remove moisture from wood furniture without causing additional damage (after all, wood can crack if it dries too quickly). They may also need to remove the finish, then re-apply it once the wood is back to normal.

4. Stone

Different types of stone may be damaged in different ways by water incursions. For example, the stone may become discolored after a flood. Mildew, dark marks, and other types of discolorations may occur. A professional water damage restoration company can help to treat any stains on your stone floor.

These are some of the types of materials that could need professional treatment after a water damage experience. As you can see, many different drying, cleaning, and restoration processes could be needed depending on the extent of the damage. Get in touch with water damage restoration providers in your area to learn more.


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