Water can pose a significant threat to various components of your home, including hardwood floors. Despite treatments like waxing, wood remains porous, leaving it susceptible to water infiltration, even reaching subfloors. This can wreak havoc on hardwood flooring, as water damage disrupts its natural stability. If you’ve encountered water damage on your hardwood floors, it’s essential to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether restoration is feasible or if replacement is necessary. Here are some tips to help you restore and repair water damage from your hardwood floors.
Assessing The Water Damage
To mitigate the effects of water damage on your floor, prompt action is crucial. Start by drying the floor as quickly as possible to minimize permanent harm. Remove any wet rugs or carpets, and use mops and rags to absorb surface water thoroughly. Pay close attention to the seams between floorboards, utilizing a wet vacuum for more effective extraction. Avoid the use of heaters, as they may exacerbate the damage. Instead, employ a dehumidifier to capture excess moisture. Equally important is contacting a trusted water remediation specialist like 1-800 Water Damage of North Dallas without delay. Our experts utilize specialized meters and advanced technology, including thermal imaging cameras, to assess the extent of water damage in your wood floor. Remember, the longer you delay seeking professional assistance, the greater the potential for further damage.
Water damage to hardwood floors typically manifests in one of three ways: warped or cupped floorboards, discoloration, or the growth of mold and mildew.
Warping Floorboards
Water absorption by hardwood flooring leads to expansion, resulting in warping or cupping as the boards push against each other. Factors such as high temperatures and humidity exacerbate this process. Warped floorboards create gaps where dirt and debris can accumulate, exacerbating the issue. Although some degree of expansion and contraction is natural, severe warping or cupping prevents the floor from returning to a flat surface. In such cases, replacement of the affected floorboards is typically necessary.
Water Stain or Discoloration
When water is absorbed by wood and subsequently evaporates, it can leave behind unsightly discolored patches on hardwood floors. This discoloration occurs as minerals and salts in the wood react with the water, resulting in stains. Depending on the severity of the damage, stained hardwood floors may be salvageable through refinishing or, in cases where refinishing is not viable, by replacing individual planks.
If the condition of the hardwood floor is still solid, sanding can be employed multiple times to restore the finish. For cases where the water damage is superficial, refinishing presents a viable solution. However, when the damage is more extensive, opting for replacement may be the more prudent choice. Consulting with a water damage professional can provide valuable insight into the condition of your hardwood floors and help you determine the best course of action.
Mold and Mildew Growth
When water accumulates beneath hardwood flooring, it can create an environment that is conducive to mold and mildew growth. The signs that mold and mildew are growing don’t always manifest right away, so it might be difficult to detect any new growth until several days after the incident.
Symptoms of mold and mildew include the presence of black spots or white furry patches on the flooring, accompanied by a musty odor emanating from the affected area. Additionally, the room may feel damp. If these signs manifest following the repair of a water-damaged spot on your hardwood floor, it suggests that residual water may remain trapped within the floorboards. Moreover, the presence of mold and mildew may indicate a more extensive infestation beneath the floorboards and potentially within the subfloor. In such cases, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional mold remediation company for prompt and thorough treatment.
When To Call 1-800 Water Damage of North Dallas?
Your hardwood floors can represent a significant investment in your home and if a water damage situation occurs, then time is of the essence. By acting quickly, you can avoid any further damage issues that might be a costly fix later on, like mold or replacing any flooring. Mold can develop within 24-48 hours of the initial water damage incident, and when it comes to hardwood floors, water can easily seep through cracks and crevices in the wood floor. Unfortunately, that dark and damp location underneath the floorboards creates the perfect habitat for mold growth, so the sooner you can know what you are dealing with, the more options you will have for your hardwood floors.
Call the water damage restoration experts at 1-800 Water Damage of North Dallas as soon as you are able. We have helped thousands of homeowners make smart decisions when it comes to treating water-damaged hardwood floors. We are here to be a resource for you in any kind of water damage or mold remediation situation.
