Cabinetry is more than just pieces of wood or metal. The cabinets in a home store food, medicine, electronics, and other valuable possessions. The team of water damage restoration technicians at Austin Fire and Flood, serving Allandale, Austin, TX, wants customers to be aware of the signs of water damage to cabinets so they can prevent further damage and repair the damage. Left untreated, water-damaged cabinets can lead to mold damage and require more extensive mitigation, so know the signs and when to call for professional water damage restoration.
1. Warped Wood
Wood is porous and expands as it absorbs water. As the boards that make up wooden furniture expand, they can warp out of shape. In severe cases, warping can threaten the structural integrity of the cabinet and prevent the cabinet from opening and closing properly.
2. Rusted Metal
Depending on their composition, metal shelving and filing cabinets might be prone to rust. Even wooden cabinets can develop rust on hinges and other metal parts when exposed to moisture. Rusted hinges could become sticky or squeak when someone opens the cabinets.
3. Cracks or Peeling on Painted Cabinets
If water warps painted surfaces or seeps underneath the paint, it could cause the paint to crack or peel. In either case, peeling or cracked paint lets water slip past the sealants in the paint and enters the wood, causing the wood to warp more.
4. Odors and Rot
Damp wood and other cabinet materials can breed bacteria and create a habitat for insects. Over time, these infestations can degrade the cabinet and cause earthy or musty odors. Odors can also come from contents of the cabinet that have grown mold or started to rot.
5. Signs of Mold
Musty odors and dark spots on cabinets are signs of mold growth. Mold thrives in moist environments, so the mold indirectly points to water damage. Mold on cabinets can become airborne and cause respiratory problems and other illnesses. If kitchen cabinets have mold, examine food for signs of mold and discard any contaminated food.
Even if homeowners eradicate mold, it is likely to return unless the cabinet has a chance to dry out. A professional water damage restoration company such as Austin Fire and Flood will address the root cause of mold and offer mold removal services.
6. Discoloration of Walls Around the Cabinet
Even if the visible parts of the cabinet do not show obvious signs of water damage, water could have seeped behind the cabinet. If the wall above or beside the cabinet shows water stains, buckling wallpaper, or other signs of moisture, consider that the back of the cabinet might also have water damage.
Trust the Professionals at Austin Fire and Flood for Water Damage Restoration
Homeowners who notice any of these signs should call the water damage experts at Austin Fire and Flood for an assessment.
Once Austin Fire and Flood identifies the source of the water damage, they work quickly to protect other cabinets and appliances from water damage and restore the damaged cabinets whenever possible.
Call Austin Fire and Flood at (512) 912-6814 for professional water damage restoration in Allandale and throughout the Austin area.
