Cabinets are often susceptible to water damage thanks to the proximity of appliances like sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators. A leak springs, and sooner or later you see water dripping down and through your cabinetry.
Wet cabinets may not raise any alarm bells for you, but water-logged wood cabinets can lead to trouble. Between warped wood and mold growth, water can ruin your cabinets and cost you more than just a headache.
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How Does Water Damage My Kitchen Cabinets?
Cabinets take up a lot of space, with all sorts of leak risks lurking in between. Your cabinets neighbor your plumbing system, making them a target for issues like pipe bursts, malfunctioning appliances, and leaky windows.
Cabinetry that has been affected by water could lead to bigger problems like mold growth and even structural damage. If you notice water accumulating on or near your cabinets, a mere swipe of a towel won’t work. Call the professionals at CTR instead.
4 Signs of Kitchen Cabinet Water Damage
If you’re wondering if you have any kitchen cabinet water damage, here are the tell tale signs:
1. Swollen, Bubbly Appearance
Water is a menace to natural wood. When water comes into contact with wood, the face of your cabinets may start to appear swollen. This is due to excess moisture entering the wood fibers, causing them to bubble up.
2. Discolored Stains and Patches
Streaks, stains, or discolored areas on your wooden cabinets are a cause for concern. Most stains like these are telltale signs of water damage. If you notice anything odd about the appearance or color of your cabinets, you should give CTR a call so we can inspect for water damage.
3. Warped Cabinet Doors
Warping is a common sign of water-damaged wood. If your cabinets don’t shut like they used to, there’s a high chance water damage has caused them to swell and warp. Warped cabinet doors should be taken seriously, as you could have substantial water damage in areas you can’t see.
4. Peeling Wood or Paint
Water tends to chip and peel away wood and paint. If your cabinets are water-logged, you’re likely noticing certain areas where the wood and paint are deteriorating. Take caution, and let the CTR team assess your home for water damage.
What to Do About Water-Damaged Cabinets
So you think you have water damage in your cabinets. Now what? The first step you should take is to call Cleanup & Total Restoration. Once you hang up with one of our representatives, a technician will be on their way in 60 minutes or less.
In the meantime, empty your kitchen cabinets and dry them off using paper towels or an old rag. Keeping your cabinets as dry as possible will reduce the chance of cabinet replacement. We also recommend you remove your cabinet doors if possible.
How Can I Protect My Kitchen Cabinets From Water Damage?
We typically advise against DIY projects, but protecting your cabinets from water damage is a safe and easy job to do if you have experience using caulk.
Keep leaks away from your cabinetry by caulking the seams between your sink and countertops, along with any gaps in your backsplash. Remember to clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent moisture from seeping into your natural wood.
Read More: 5 Ways to Tell if Water Damage is New or Old
Call CTR for Reliable Cabinet Cleanup & Restoration
Any amount of water damage is difficult to deal with. Instead of dealing with the cleanup, CTR technicians are on call 24/7 to assess your situation and create an action plan. Don’t let your home succumb to water damage. Get an expert on your property in an hour or less. Schedule an appointment with our team today.