Water damage typically includes surface mold growth, splitting and deformation of wood members, lifting of veneers, staining of finishes, and failure of glue joints. In most cases, a conservator will ultimately be needed to treat water-soaked furniture and wooden objects.

What do I do if my wood furniture gets wet?

Drying wood[edit | edit source]

1. If wood is fully wet and dirty consider rinsing it with clean water.
2. Pat dry, don’t wipe.
3. Dry slowly, not in direct heat; cover with polyethylene to slow drying if necessary.
4. If possible, open doors and drawers to allow air to circulate.
5. Remember that you can take the back off if you need to.

What happens if water gets on wood?

Water can cause the wood to rot, weaken, fall apart, and allow the formation of mold to grow. The longer the water sinks into the wood, the greater chances of black mold spreading throughout your home. Black mold can leave drastic health consequences to everyone inside your home.

How long does it take for water to damage wood?

Wood can Start to Rot in 1-6 months If: Water and/or air space is hot & humid.

Is wood ruined if it gets wet?

Wood rot can and will start when the moisture content of the wood reaches 20 percent. The wood needs to remain damp and wet all the time for wood rot to advance. It’s much more likely that you’ll start to see mold growth in as little as 48 hours as mold spores are everywhere on your home construction site.

Is wood furniture ruined if it gets wet?

Wood, upholstery, and wood finishes are more susceptible to damage in handling when they are water-soaked. In certain instances, it may be preferable to block up large pieces of furniture from the floor rather than attempt to move them to another area and risk damage during the process.

How do you remove moisture from wood?

Place a dehumidifier in the center of the room once all of the standing water is removed. Set it to the highest extraction setting possible. Turn it on and leave it running for at least 24 hours to pull moisture from the boards. Place fans blowing across the surface to further aid in drying the wood out.

How can you tell if wood is water damaged?

How To Tell If You Have Wood Floor Water Damage

1. You Notice Cupping.
2. The Wood Has Dark Colored Spots.
3. Bulging Seems Apparent.
4. The Wood Is Buckling.
5. Seek The Help Of An Experienced Contractor.

Does water make wood rot?

As discussed in Build Green: Wood Can Last for Centuries, water is the main culprit in wood decay. Because of this, buildings should be designed to minimize wetting of wood or to maximize how quickly wood dries when wetted by rain.

What does water damage look like?

Water damage could be present if the drywall or paint on your ceiling or walls is beginning to crack, bubble, or flake. Leaks or ongoing drips can lead to pools of water. If a puddle comes back once you’ve cleaned it up that could mean you have a leak.

What does water damage look like on wood?

Wood and laminate floors will begin to warp, cup, or buckle. Stains and mold are another potential sign of water damage. While we often think of black mold, mold may appear blue, green, grey, or black. It often appears fuzzy and grows in thread-like structures.

How long does it take for untreated wood to dry?

Wet lumber will naturally dry out if given enough time. If the outdoor temperatures are above 60 degrees F, it usually takes about 4 weeks for moisture content to decrease about 4%. It might take 6-12 weeks for a 4% drop if its cold and rainy. And if it’s below freezing, it might take many months.