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Your Art Collection and Flooding: Preventing Water Damage from rains in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Orange County
From:
Scott M. Haskins -- Art Conservation-Restoration, Pets and Heirlooms, Art Damage Scott M. Haskins -- Art Conservation-Restoration, Pets and Heirlooms, Art Damage
For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Santa Barbara, CA
Monday, April 1, 2024

 

Are you concerned about the effect of flooding on your art collection? This article is for you. As torrential rains and floods wreak havoc in regions like Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Santa Barbara, art collectors face a significant risk: water damage to their prized paintings and artwork. From cherished family heirlooms to valuable masterpieces, the threat of water-damaged paintings and artwork looms large, posing a potential threat to the artworks. Here are some essential tips to safeguard your collection and prevent water damage to your paintings.

Understanding the Risk of Water Damage to Paintings and Art

The current weather conditions, increases significantly the risk of water damage to artwork. Floodwaters can seep into homes, causing damage to paintings, whether they are displayed prominently or stored in basements or attics. It’s crucial to recognize the potential dangers posed by flooding and take proactive measures to protect your art collection.

image of a flooded living room

Learn to protect your artwork from water damage so you know what to do if this happens to your home!

Assessing Vulnerabilities

Begin by assessing the vulnerabilities of your home or art storage space. Identify areas prone to water intrusion, such as basements, ground-level rooms, or areas near windows and doors. Inspect for signs of existing water damage, such as dampness, mold growth, or discoloration on walls and ceilings. Understanding these vulnerabilities will help you develop a targeted strategy to mitigate the risk of water damage.

Implementing Protective Measures Against Water Damaged Art 

Take steps to protect your artwork from water damage. Install drainage systems, such as gutters and downspouts, to direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation. Seal windows and doors to prevent water intrusion during heavy rainfall. Consider investing in flood barriers or sandbags to create a protective barrier around your home in flood-prone areas. Additionally, elevate valuable artworks to higher ground or store them in waterproof containers to minimize the risk of water exposure.

Maintaining Climate Control

Maintain stable indoor humidity levels to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth and deterioration of artwork. Consider speaking to a professional art conservator about the ideal humidity and temperature levels for your artwork. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioning systems to regulate humidity levels, especially in areas with high humidity or during periods of heavy rainfall. Proper ventilation is essential to ensure air circulation and prevent condensation, which can contribute to water damage. Many art collectors choose professional art storage facilities for their pieces that are not on display.

flat boxes organized in a sturdy, gray, metal shelving unit

ensuring a proper storage environment for your artwork is a key part of preventing water-damaged paintings and artwork

Seeking Professional Assistance

In the event of water damage to your artwork, seek immediate assistance from professional art conservators like Scott M. Haskins and his team at FACL, Inc. Their expertise in water damage restoration can help salvage and restore water-damaged paintings, preserving their beauty and historical significance. With specialized techniques and equipment, they can assess the extent of the damage, remove moisture, and treat affected artwork to prevent further deterioration.

By taking proactive measures and seeking professional assistance when needed, art collectors can minimize the risk of water damage to their paintings and artwork. With careful planning and preparation, you can protect your art collection from the devastating effects of floods and rain, ensuring that your prized possessions remain safe and preserved for future generations.

Remember, prevention is key to preserving the beauty and integrity of your artwork. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and safeguard your art collection from water damage in flood-prone areas.

Has the Rain Already Damaged Your Paintings? We Can Help with an Insurance Claim!

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind. 

Art conservator, Virginia Panizzon, cleaning water damage on paintings

Professional art conservators have the expertise to mitigate the effects of water damage on paintings.

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News Media Interview Contact
Name: Scott M. Haskins
Title: Author, Art Conservation/Restoration, Pets and Heirlooms, Art Damage, Expert Witness
Group: www.fineartconservationlab.com
Dateline: Santa Barbara, CA United States
Direct Phone: 805-564-3438
Cell Phone: 805 570 4140
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