Wood Floor Water Damage: What to Do & How to Repair
Water is public enemy number one when it comes to hardwood floors. Even though wood floors are treated and waxed, water can still seep beneath the surface, damaging the floorboards and subfloors. While wood naturally expands and contracts, water damage is not a normal part of a wood floor’s life.
If you’ve recently faced a water emergency and your floors are feeling the effects, here’s what to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your hardwood.
Check Out The Wood Floor Water Damage
The quicker you dry the floor, the less permanent damage will occur. Remove any wet rugs or carpets, and use mops and rags to soak up as much surface water as possible. Wet vacuums are your new best friend, especially around the seams between floorboards. Avoid using heaters to speed up drying – dehumidifiers are the way to go. But the most important thing is to call 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Southwestern Indiana immediately. Our restoration experts use special meters and even thermal imaging cameras to assess the extent of water damage in your wood floors. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the damage can get.
Hardwood floor water damage often shows up in one of three ways: warped or cupped floorboards, discolored floorboards, or mold and mildew growth. Keep an eye out for these signs and call us right away.
Warping Floorboards
Hardwood floors are thirsty sponges, soaking up water and expanding. This expansion can cause floorboards to push against each other, resulting in warping or cupping. High temperatures and humidity can also make this problem worse. Once floorboards warp, dirt and other debris can get trapped in the gaps, making the problem even more unsightly. While wood floors naturally expand and contract, warping or cupping is usually too severe to fix. In most cases, warped floorboards will need to be replaced.
Water Stain or Discoloration
When wood floors get soaked and then dry, or if water sits on them for too long, stains can appear. The minerals and salts in the wood react with the water, leaving behind unsightly patches.
You might be able to refinish hardwood floors with water stains, but it depends on the severity of the damage. If the stains are just on the surface, sanding can often restore the finish. However, for more severe water damage, replacement might be the better option. A water damage professional can assess your floors and give you expert advice on the best course of action.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Water trapped under hardwood floors can create a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. The sneaky thing about mold and mildew is that they often hide, only showing up days or even weeks later.
You might notice black spots, white furry mold, or a musty smell coming from your floors. If you’ve recently repaired water damage and notice these signs, it’s possible you didn’t remove all the moisture from the floorboards. Or, even worse, the mold and mildew might be lurking under the floorboards or subfloor. Either way, it’s time to call in a professional mold remediation service.
When to Call in the Experts
Hardwood floors are a valuable asset to your home. If you’ve inherited these beauties, knowing your options in a water damage situation can save you money. Our water damage restoration experts can assess the damage and guide you on the best course of action – cleaning, drying, refinishing, or replacing.
Trying to refinish the floors yourself only to discover mold lurking beneath can lead to costly repairs. An expert assessment offers many advantages and can save you money in the long run. So, use it to your benefit!
1-800 WATER DAMAGE Can Help
Time is your enemy when it comes to water damage. Mold can take root in just 24-48 hours, and water can seep through the cracks and crevices of your wood floors, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold. The sooner you know what you’re facing, the more options you have for saving your hardwood floors.
1-800 WATER DAMAGE has helped countless homeowners navigate water damage and mold remediation. We’re your go-to resource 24/7, ready to assist with any water damage emergency.
Connect with us online or call 812-625-3475.
