Elevate Furniture

How to Protect Furniture from Water Damage

Water damage can be a devastating event, causing extensive damage to your home and belongings. Furniture is particularly susceptible to water damage, as it can absorb water quickly and become ruined in a matter of hours. Luckily, there are steps you can take to elevate furniture and protect it from water damage during a flood or other water emergency.

Step 1: Assess the Risk

Before a flood occurs, it is crucial to assess the risk of water damage to your furniture. Factors to consider include:

• The elevation of your home
• The presence of nearby water sources (e.g., rivers, lakes, or drainage ditches)
• The history of flooding in your area

Step 2: Elevate Furniture

The simplest and most effective way to protect furniture from water damage is to elevate it. This can be done in several ways:

• Place furniture on raised platforms. Platforms can be made from cinder blocks, pallets, or other sturdy materials.
• Use furniture risers. Furniture risers are small, adjustable blocks that can be placed under the legs of furniture to raise it off the ground.

Step 3: Seal Furniture

In addition to elevating furniture, you can also seal it to protect it from water damage. This can be done using a variety of methods, including:

• Apply a water-resistant sealant to the exterior of furniture. Sealants can be found at most hardware stores.
• Cover furniture with plastic tarps or drop cloths. Tarps and drop cloths can be secured with bungee cords or tape.

Step 4: Remove Water from Furniture

If furniture does get wet, it is important to remove the water as quickly as possible to prevent mold and mildew growth. This can be done by:

• Blot up water with towels or absorbent materials.
• Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water.
• Open windows and doors to air out the area and promote drying.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can help to protect your furniture from water damage. However, it is important to remember that no method is 100% foolproof. If you are concerned about the risk of water damage, it is always best to consult with a professional water damage restoration company.