Quick Action Saves Water Threatened Inventory at Bethlehem Store

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's IICRC certified technicians remove water from wood flooring then use a variety of techniques to restore them "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO's Thorough Drying and Restoration Process

Unique products and a quirky approach to selling make a repurposed historic house the perfect place to display home furnishings and décor in Bethlehem. Interesting and eclectic surroundings come with the unpredictability of an aging building. When water damage develops from leaks in old pipes, we have the experience and strategies to save your room stagings from a soaking.

Creating an inviting atmosphere in the various rooms used for display, the 100 plus-year-old radiators in your retail space also create havoc as their rusted valves begin to leak. The water at first was unnoticeable, drops at a time, but then rugs and carpeting nearby became sodden. The designer furnishings are next, but we have other and much more constructive ideas.

Even before we arrive, you can help avoid water damage in your Bethlehem retail space by lifting furniture up and place blocks or foil covered towels under the legs. This keeps water from wicking up the wood or rusting metal fittings. Roll up area rugs for evaluation and potential specialty cleaning, and also to prevent dyes from staining other flooring. SERVPRO crews assess the scene upon arrival, and a plan for drying and restoring the antique wooden floors and the modern carpeting takes shape.

The water source to the radiators must be shut down and arrangements for repairs made. Once that is secured, SERVPRO technicians begin water extraction. Care is taken when using vacuum extractors on the wall to wall carpet to minimize stretching and prevent tearing at seams. Delamination, where the backing pulls away from the fiber layer, is a risk reduced when IICRC trained workers complete the task. The padding, if left in place, must be dried through the carpeting as well, which requires weighted wand techniques to force all moisture out. Air movers and dehumidifiers speed the process by moving moist air away from the areas affected, allowing the drier air to absorb water vapor given up by the carpeting.

Wood flooring is resilient if treated fast. After standing water is removed, SERVPRO technicians use a variety of techniques to resolve the remaining moisture issues. Drying the subfloor is critical, as the top layer wicks up any dampness, resulting in cupping -- where the planks rise on the edges, leaving a valley. Surface dampness left unresolved can cause crowning, where the center of the boards swells up. Buckling happens when the floorboards curve up from the subfloor after prolonged water exposure.

Drying mats lie directly on the floor and pull up moisture. We may pull up a few sections to aim air movers at both the main and the subfloor. Small holes drilled or, in severe cases, finishes removed, allow the wood to release trapped moisture, helped by dry air provided with dehumidifiers and air movers. Throughout the process, SERVPRO workers measure and monitor the progress of moisture reduction.

SERVPRO of Alexander & Caldwell Counties has the highly qualified technicians and powerful drying equipment to reduce moisture to normal levels in floors and other surfaces. Call (828) 396-1070 to help with water damage due to any source.

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