Hardwood floors are classically beautiful and have a warm vibe, which makes them one of the most popular flooring choices in the country. They are also easy to clean and sturdy. One drawback about hardwood floors is that they are susceptible to damage when exposed to moisture and humidity.
If hardwood floors are water damaged they look bad and affect the appearance of the home. Water-damaged floors can be costly to repair. They can become uneven and lead to accidental falls. If there is a delay in water damage repair of hardwood floors they can develop mold. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. provides affordable, high-quality water damage and flood restoration services in the Gulf Stream and other parts of South Florida. In this article by Suncoast Contractors, information on water damage repair of hardwood floors is shared.
.png)
What Causes Hardwood Floor Water Damage?
If hardwood floors remain damp for long and are not dried as soon as possible they can get damaged permanently. This can happen in several situations.
- Leaks in Plumbing: Any damaged pipe, leaking HVAC system, or malfunctioning appliance can leak and affect hardwood floors.
- Structural leaks and Leaks In Foundation: Hurricanes, heavy rains, flooding, blizzards, and storm surges can result in such leaks that can cause extensive water damage. To limit the extent of water damage the water must be removed and dried swiftly.
- Spills that are not cleaned and dried soon enough.
- High humidity levels inside the building
- Swimming pool water that gets tracked into the house
Indications That Hardwood Floor Is Water Damaged
Crowning - retention of moisture can lead to slow expansion of the boards causing the center to rise higher than their sides.
Cupping - when moisture is absorbed from the air for a long time, the edges of the boards can rise higher than the center.
Buckling - occurs when cupping and crowning occur simultaneously resulting in floorboards popping out.
Odor, staining, and discoloration - water damage to hardwood floors can show as dark patches or a musty smell.
Warping - In case of water damage, hardwood boards can get split and bent
What To Do After Hardwood Floors Sustain Water Damage
The extent of water damage will determine if the hardwood floor should be repaired or replaced. The amount of water damage repair would depend on how long the hardwood was exposed to water, whether water seeped into the subflooring, whether the damaged parts of the floor can be replaced with boards of the same finish, and if the hardwood is solid or engineered. A company like Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. has water damage restoration experts with experience and is equipped to repair, restore, or replace hardwood floors. Homeowners who are good at DIY jobs may attempt to repair hardwood floors after water damage, but it is better done by a professional. If the water damage is of Category 3, professionals must be hired, as this water is contaminated.
Water damage repair of hardwood floors includes the following:
- The water source must be identified and cut off. This might involve the repair of a leaky pipe or faulty appliance.
- All wet items in the affected area must be removed to facilitate the drying of the hardwood floor. Standing water must be removed. Water removal may be done using a mop or wet vacuum.
- A disinfectant that is safe to use on wood must be used to clean the hardwood floor. This helps remove contaminants and reduce the risk of mold growth.
- The floors must then be dried thoroughly. If in a dry environment, windows can be left open to facilitate this. Moisture removal is more effectively done if a dehumidifier is used. In a humid climate like that in Florida having a damage restoration professional like Suncoast Contractors with trained professionals and equipment is better to ensure the drying is thorough.
Hardwood floors are best restored after water damage by a professional water damage restoration company. A company like Suncoast Contractors has personnel skilled at identifying hidden water damage, getting rid of mold, and disinfecting the area. They have specialized equipment to ensure water removal and dehumidification is thorough. This company that handles residential and commercial contracting and restoration services is capable of repairing, sanding, and refinishing a hardwood floor.
.png)
Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. is a full-service contracting company in South Florida that provides restoration services after water damage in Gulf Stream and other localities. They assure fast work, accurate estimates, affordable financing options, and 24/7 availability in case of emergencies. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. can be contacted by email at suncoastcpr@gmail.com or a phone call at (561) 316-3989 for water damage-related work in Gulf Stream.
