Water and wood are like oil and vinegar, they just do not go together. Due to the hygroscopic nature of wood, water will make your floors warp, buckle, and swell. Yes, water can also seep into wood floors that have been sealed and waxed. The best way to prevent permanent damage is by drying the hardwood as fast as possible. To help you avoid water damage, we have created a guide that discusses how to remove moisture from wood flooring in your home.
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How Can I Draw Moisture Out of Hardwood Floors?
The last thing you want is for your beautiful hardwood floors to become damaged beyond repair. Below are steps you can take to avoid water damage to your wood floors.
Remove Wet Objects From the Floor
Sopping wet rugs and furniture will continue to leak water into your wood. Wet objects are also a breeding ground for mold and mildew growth, which can get into the seams of your hardwood. Ensure that you prevent any future damage by removing all wet objects from your floor.
Draw Up as Much of the Moisture as Possible
Most homeowners will reach for a towel or rag as soon as they spot a small puddle on the floor. While this is fine for most common small spills, you will need a wet vacuum to draw a large amount of moisture out of your wood floors. Use the wet vacuum until you see no more water in the canister.
Clean the Surface of the Wood Floor
Dirt and debris can harbor moisture and bacteria. Use a disinfectant cleaner to thoroughly clean the entire surface of your hardwood. Once all dirt and debris have been wiped away, hit your hardwood with a wet vacuum.
Dry the Wood Flooring
Even though your floor looks dry, chances are moisture is still lurking beneath the surface. Moisture can and will find its way into the cracks and crevices of your hardwood flooring. An easy way to remove moisture from your wood floors is to use a dehumidifier. Set the dehumidifier at the highest setting possible and leave it in the center of the room for at least 24 hours.
Check for Mold Growth
Mold is dangerous and poses a health risk to your entire household. Give your floors a comprehensive check for mold and mildew. If you see mold spores or smell musty odors, contact the team at Dry Force right away. We provide expert mold remediation and removal services in Texas for homes and commercial properties.
Read More: Top Causes of Severe Water Damage to Wood Floors
Do I Need to Repair or Replace Water-Damaged Wood Floors?
This answer depends on the source of the water, how long ago it happened, and the severity of the damage. Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace water-damaged wood floors should be based on a thorough assessment of the specific circumstances.
The best way to find out if you need repair or replacement services is by getting a professional pair of eyes on the damage. Our team has the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that your wood floors are restored properly, so you and your family can enjoy the beauty of hardwood for years to come.
When Did the Initial Water Damage Occur?
If you are not sure how long ago the damage occurred, just take a look at your floors. Are they stained or discolored? Are the boards buckling? Is mold growing? All of these signs hint at how long ago the water damage occurred.
Talking with a water damage specialist can provide expert advice and help you make an informed decision. They can evaluate the condition of your wood floors, recommend solutions, and carry out necessary repairs or replacements. Now, let’s unpack what these signs mean.
Signs of Water Damage to Hardwood Floors
Repairing wood flooring is obviously the best-case scenario—but oftentimes, this is not the case when it comes to water damage. The decision to repair or replace water-damaged wood flooring depends on a few different factors. To help you determine how to respond, we have compiled a list of common signs of water damage on hardwood floors in your house.
1. Crowning
This refers to an area that has been forced together in the floorboard, usually caused by excessive moisture absorption. Boards can even look raised, creating a bumpy hill or mound effect. Unfortunately, crowning usually indicates long-term water exposure and may require floor replacement.
2. Buckling
If the floorboards are noticeably warped, lifted, or distorted, that is a surefire sign of significant water damage. Buckling often happens when moisture seeps into the subfloor, causing the boards to swell. In most buckling cases, replacing the damaged sections or the entire floor is necessary.
3. Staining
Stains or discoloration on the wood surface can be a sign of water damage. If the stains haven’t penetrated the wood fibers, then refinishing or repairing the floor could be a possibility. However, deep stains that have damaged the integrity of the floor most likely will require total replacement.
4. Cupping
Cupping looks like concave craters along the width of the floorboards. When your floor starts to cup, the edges will be higher than the center of the depression. It occurs when the bottom of the boards absorbs moisture, causing them to expand and buckle. Depending on the severity, cupping may require repair or replacement.
Water Damage Restoration and Mitigation Services
Hardwood floors are statement makers. However, once water damage hits the floorboards, your hardwood floor is in jeopardy. Luckily, the team of technicians at Dry Force offer exceptional wood floor water damage repair services for small to large homes. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive water damage restoration services in San Marcos, TX and other areas.
Whether your entire house has flooded or an appliance sprung a leak, our team of skilled technicians is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading techniques to address water damage fast. From the initial discovery to water extraction and dehumidification, our team works hard to restore your property to its pre-damaged condition.
Contact us today by phone at (877) 589-7504 for same-day water mitigation services. When in doubt, reach out to Dry Force. We understand the urgency of water damage situations. This is why we offer 24-hour emergency services. Submit a service request to get an IICRC-certified technician on your property in 60 minutes or less.
