In Parts I and II of this series, we learned how to safely approach water damage and identify and stop the source. Now we will discuss preventing the spread of water damage and setting up effective drying systems for light water damage.
Step 4: Prevent Further Damage
Furnishings: Immediately relocate furnishings immersed in water or sitting on damp flooring. This is especially important for wood furnishings, or those that have a stain finish prone to bleeding. Nothing ruins carpet quicker than bleeding, wet furniture. Also, furnishings made from wood composite, like MDF, will swell quickly when exposed to water, and are impossible to dry to their original look and strength.
Wall Coverings: Once the furnishings is out of the way, inspect the walls. If water has wicked up the drywall or plaster, immediately remove baseboard and/or wainscoting or wall-coverings. Water gets trapped behind these items and creates a barrier to drying, not to mention a great spot for mold growth. (Speaking of mold, it begins to grow on porous surfaces after 48-72 hours of dampness. If you encounter mold, cease your demolition and hire an expert. This is especially critical if you have children, seniors or those with medical conditions in your home. Do not disturb the mold, as this releases spores into the air. More on this in a future post.) If no mold is encountered, I recommend leaving the drywall in place. It may be salvageable.
Flooring: Once furnishings are removed and wall-finishes are stripped to drywall, it is time to address the flooring. As a general rule, carpet and cushion (pad) damaged with Category I (see Part II of this series) water can be cleaned and salvaged. Carpet cushion damaged by Category II water needs to be disposed, but the carpet can be sanitized and salvaged. Flooring damaged by Category III water needs to be disposed of immediately and the slab or sub floor treated with an anti-microbial chemicals. Leave this to the experts. It takes proper training to safely remove flooring damaged to this extent.
The San Francisco bay area has a rich tradition of diy ethos. Residents take pride in their homes and environment which is unique to any other part of the country. Two of our favorite magazines were born there, ReadyMade and Dwell. It's no wonder there are so many housebloggers in the region who are fortunate to have a plethora of diy resources at their fingertips.
It seems the best value is found in Oakland & the East Bay so thanks to Gene of DIY Insanity we've got your diy needs in the East Bay covered. For other cities check out our complete list of DIY City Guides.
Let us know if we've missed any hidden gems in the comments or you feel a vendor review needs adjusting.
Hardware Stores
Markus Supply Ace Hardware 510.832.6532
625 3rd St., Oakland, CA 94607
When you just need some basics, your nearest hardware store is your best bet. But if you need a wider selection of items but don't want to go to the box stores, Markus Hardware may have what you need.
Ace Ellis Hardware 510.653.4365
5424 MLK Way, Oakland, CA 94609
If you're looking to browse the aisles, head somewhere else. Ellis Hardware has most of what they sell on huge shelves behind the counter. Describe what you need, and they'll get it for you, or tell you where you can if they don't carry it.
Get your high style on at the DWR flagship store on Greene St. in NYC on September 24th.
WHAT:
>Design Within Reach will host an evening with the editors of Remodelista, a one-stop sourcebook for homeowners going through the design and renovation process. The Remodelista aesthetic favors classic and livable over trendy and transient and thoughtfully designed products over disposable goods. Each editor will go through a room from their home and describe the signature Remodelista mix of modern and vintage, high and low.
WHO: Remodelista Editors Julie Carlson, Janet Hall, Sarah Lonsdale and Francesca Connolly. Drawing from their combined professional backgrounds as magazine editor, video producer, fabric designer and human resources director, the women have merged their similar design sensibilities with an entrepreneurial drive to form Remodelista.
To design your own sleek modern kitchen there are more options than IKEA or spending big bucks on a designer. Henrybuilt from Seattle has launched a new line of modular kitchens called Viola Park.
The goal of the company is to simplify the process of buying a kitchen, making great design more accessible for the do-it-yourself renovator. The official site went live this weekend and includes a configuration tool that provides kitchen layouts based on a simple series of questions about a customer's particular space and appliance locations. Pricing for any option chosen is immediately presented within the configuration tool.
Need more help choosing a kitchen layout?
