Fire & Water Damage Restoration for Antiques: a Guide

Storm and fire damage can wreak havoc on cherished heirlooms.

At Mumford Restoration, we specialize in antique restoration after disasters. We help clients across North Carolina recover and repair their most treasured pieces.

Hurricanes' water, wind, and lightning strikes are dangerous to both you and your beloved items.

If you live in an area at risk for hurricanes, floods, or wind damage, hurricane season can be an especially stressful time.

We know Hurricane Helene damage still weighs heavily on North Carolinians’ minds. 

Even homeowners outside of traditional hurricane-prone areas are nervous these days.

When a hurricane pops up in the news, you might ask yourself, "What should I do if my antiques are damaged in a flood or fire?"

The most important thing is having industry experts on your side every step of the way. 

Your insurance company and Mumford Restoration can collaborate to help you bounce back seamlessly from property damage. 

Why Choose Mumford Restoration for Antique and Collectible Repairs

Mumford Restoration has been the go-to for antique, heirloom, and collectable restoration since 1982.

We know how to save fire- and water-damaged items that untrained home restoration companies have tried to throw away. 

In fact, we have saved the day innumerable times when other companies insisted an item was beyond repair.

We have experts who can repair and refinish nearly any antique: 

💠Grandfather Clocks (includes the case & the mechanical elements)
💠Pianos
💠Fire Arms
💠Paintings
💠Photographs
💠Modern and Antique Wooden Furniture
💠Upholstered Furniture
💠& Countless Other Categories

Thanks to our decades of experience, we’ve worked directly with clients as well as collaborated with insurance and restoration companies. It's given us profound insight into how to make the claims and repair process smooth. 

We hope your antiques and heirlooms will always be safe and that you'll never need our fire and water restoration services!

But if a fire or water damages the pieces you love, it's important to know how to act quickly to save your items!

So, let Mumford Restoration teach you the R.O.P.E.S!

How to Save Your Antiques after Storm, Fire, & Water Damage

Review

Review your insurance policy for damage coverage.

◾Does your insurance cover 
     ~hurricane damage?
     ~tornado damage?
     ~flood damage?
     ~wind damage?

◾What are the policy limits?

Above: This flour chest was badly burnt in a house fire.

Mumford Restoration was able to remove much of the fire damage and restore it!

Open an Insurance Claim for Your Damaged Antiques, and Collectables

     🔷   Call your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process.

     🔷   Insurance companies can recommend certain vendors, but ultimately you get to choose who works on any of your covered items. 

    🔹Your opinion matters. Your insurance company is there               to  help you.

    🔹Don't be afraid to tell them that you want Mumford                      Restoration to handle the repairs

Above: Mumford Restoration restored this antique bassinet after a fire.

Prevent Further Damage to Flooded or Burned Furniture

🔷   Get air flowing immediately. 

🔹Place fans throughout damp areas to speed the drying process    but do not put the fans in standing water.

🔷   If your furniture is in standing water, where possible elevate pieces to prevent further damage.

🔷   Begin inspecting your home and furniture for mold, which can begin growing within 24 hours. 

🔷   Contact a mold remediation company if you see any mold growth.  

Mold poses serious health risks!

Above: A family heirloom portrait and its antique

frame suffered significant soot damage during a fire.

Evidence

🔷   Document damage for insurance 

🔷Take extensive photos and videos of damage.

🔷   Put together an inventory of damaged items and gather receipts if you have them.

Safety First!

🔷Ahead of the storm, if you know an area is prone to water intrusion, unplug any unnecessary appliances in the area.

🔷During or after the storm, DO NOT wade into standing water, period.

Above: Mumford Restoration's specialists

were able to restore the photo and the frame! 

Why North Carolina Trusts the Antique Restoration Experts at Mumford

Mumford Restoration has restored countless water- or fire-damaged antiques, heirlooms, and treasured collectables around Raleigh AND across all of North Carolina !

We have a 5-step damage-restoration process that allows our customers to sit back and relax while we work with insurance and restoration companies!

Visit our fire and water restoration page and learn more about the process!

Need Help Restoring Fire- or Water-Damaged Antiques?

Call Mumford Restoration today for expert antique restoration after fire or water damage.

To speak with a restoration specialist, call  919-510-6310! 

Or you can submit photos via our convenient online form: