Water and vinyl flooring do not go well together. While vinyl is waterproof, leaks and moisture build-up under the panels can cause them to swell and delaminate. Are you noticing water damage to your vinyl flooring? Then you need to take action by drying it out right away to minimize the damage. Here are some ways to dry out water under vinyl flooring.
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Ways to Dry Out Wet Vinyl Flooring In Your House
The second water is spilled on vinyl planks, you should absorb as much as possible with a cloth or a rag. This should take care of most of the water. To help eliminate any additional moisture, you should run a fan over the area. In the case of a pipe leak under the vinyl flooring, the leak will need to be stopped first. Then, using a shop vac or dehumidifier, you can get rid of the moisture.
Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Waterproof?
While vinyl planks are waterproof—they can still be damaged from long-term water exposure. That does not mean they are a bad choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms. But it does mean that any spills need to be cleaned up right away to help prevent damage. Not all accidents are preventable, and some water may still find its way underneath the planks. To combat this, some homeowners and businesses have underlayment installed.
Can a Large Amount Of Water Cause Damage To Your Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Simply put, yes. A large spill or accident can cause water damage under your vinyl floor if left unaddressed. The longer water sits below and on top of vinyl surfaces, the easier it is for damage to occur. So when cleaning your vinyl floors, do not use too much water. You can also run a fan as you clean to help surfaces dry faster.
Subfloor Or Substrate Problems
Before laying down vinyl flooring, ensure the concrete slab you are placing it over is moisture tested and completely cured. Additionally, flooding, crawl space leaks, and other water damage sources can increase moisture content in the subfloor. If left untreated, it can lead to mold growth and lasting damage to the floor.
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What Water Damage On Vinyl Plank Flooring Looks Like
There are a few ways you can easily spot water damage on your vinyl floors. No matter the cause, keep an eye out for the following indicators:
- Deteriorating adhesive – Are some planks moving that were not before?
- Deteriorating Seams – Are plank seams opening?
- Discoloration – Vinyl planks are stain-resistant, so any discoloration is a bad sign.
- Bumps, ridges, and bubbles – Some of these may be visible, while others can only be detected by touch.
How to Repair Water Damaged Vinyl Floors
The first step in fixing water damage under vinyl plank flooring is to ensure you locate the source of water and stop it. Otherwise, you will be making routine repairs and headaches. Once you have confirmed the water source has stopped, you can proceed with the following repairs.
- Remove & replace damaged planks yourself, or call a professional.
- Patch the area with new vinyl.
- For minimal damage, you could just clean and dry the affected area.
Water Damage Restoration Services Offered By Dry Force
Has recent flooding or other water sources caused damage to your home or business? It is easy to get stressed out over it—but before you do, know that there are certified water damage specialists standing by to help. Our professional technicians offer fast and safe water damage restoration solutions in San Antonio, TX and other areas.
In addition, our team provides other types of restoration services such as flood damage restoration, roof leak maintenance, storm damage restoration, burst pipe cleanup, and water overflow maintenance. We understand accidents can happen at any time for any reason. That is why Dry Force offers 24/7 services to homeowners and facility operators in your area. No matter the severity of water damage to your vinyl flooring, we can help restore it to its pre-loss condition. As soon as you notice signs of water damage, give us a call at (877) 589-7504.
