Cabinetry Assessment and Drying After a Leak or Accident 

Water damage to a kitchen, particularly from an appliance or pipe leak, is the homeowner's worst nightmare. The stealthy nature of water is such that it can quietly seep into inaccessible spaces, often causing cabinetry to take the full force of the damage. Restoring water-soaked cabinetry in a Westlake kitchen is a time-consuming and multi-step process that prevents further damage and costly secondary issues.

The Immediate Aftermath: Figuring Out the Damage

The first step of water damage restoration for Westlake homes begins with you turning off the water supply. Once the flow has been turned off, an inspection is conducted for any damage. Water warps wood, delaminates particleboard, and causes mold development within hours. When inspecting cabinetry, look for swelling, discoloration, bubbling of finishes, and a telltale musty odor.  

The Restoration Procedure in Phases 

1. Water Removal

  • Source Removal: This is as simple as it sounds – our AdvantaClean team will locate the source of the water damage and conduct the necessary repairs to resolve the issue.  

  • Bulk Water Dryout: We inspect the wet areas of the cabinets and utilize our wet vacuums to remove excess water collected within them.  

  • Moisture Meter Readings: Using moisture meters and advanced imaging, we track moisture levels to ensure our technicians place drying tools appropriately and identify ruined materials.  

2. Controlled Demolition and Access 

  • Toe Kick Removal: In most instances, the toe kick is the first item to remove. This will provide visual access and ventilation under the cabinets. 

  • Base Cabinet Access: Drawers and shelves may need to be removed and discarded based on their exposure periods. In more extensive damage situations, we may need to dismantle and remove entire units to protect abutting cabinetry.  

3. Scheduling Drying and Dehumidification 

  • Directed Airflow: Powerful air movers are placed strategically to move air through the wet cabinets and promote evaporation. Airflow gets pushed to open wall spaces under the base cabinets.   

  • Desiccant and Refrigerant Dehumidifiers: Dehumidification is a critical component of effective drying, ensuring that excess moisture produced by the presence of water around the cabinets does not ultimately lead to structural degradation or mold development.  

4. Reconstruction and Restoration 

We have a team of contractors on our roster to help reinstall cabinetry that has been removed, along with any base materials, such as toe kicks, drywall, or framing. Repairing and replacement are often necessary when widespread cabinet damage occurs, especially with pressed wood materials.  

Advanced Restoration of Westlake Kitchens 

We offer comprehensive water damage restoration, mitigation, reconstruction, and mold prevention. Our experienced technicians use modern cleaning and recovery tools and trusted methods to restore your home promptly, with minimum disruption.  

Contact AdvantaClean of the West Side today for fast help after kitchen water damage by calling (440) 568-0300.

Schedule an Appointment or Call (440) 568-0300

To request a service call, please fill out the form below and we will contact you via phone, email or text as soon as possible to confirm an appointment time. You will receive an email confirming your service request. 

*All fields required. By submitting this form, you agree to receive calls, text messages, or emails at the contact information provided. Message rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out at any time. We won’t share your information. Not all locations provide the same services. View our Privacy Policy.

(440) 568-0300
Categories