Water Damaged Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are one of the top choices for many businesses today. They are easy to clean, low maintenance, and enhance the aesthetics of your property. Additionally, with the proper care and maintenance, they can last longer than other floors. One thing to keep in mind with the care of hardwood floors they are very sensitive to water damage. To prevent further damage, you have to act fast and get the floors repaired.
What Are The Signs of Hardwood Floor Water Damage
- Staining and discoloration
- Cupping and moisture causing it to buckle
- Lifting nails
- Lifting floorboards
- Mold growth
How Much Water Does It Take to Damage Hardwood Floors?
Acceptable moisture content in hardwood flooring usually ranges between 6 and 12 percent, but flooded wood flooring can often have up to 40 percent moisture content, resulting in severe damage. Hardwood flooring retains water and if left to dry on its own any moisture that is retained could end up causing greater damage the longer it sits.
How To Fix Hardwood Floor Water Damage
Find and Resolve the Source of The Problem
The damage can be caused by several things like spills or an imbalance of moisture level between the air and wood. If the problem is caused by leaking pipes, you can’t fix the floors until the water leak is repaired. After finding and fixing the source of the water problem, you can begin the floor repair process.
Remove Water and Dry Affected Areas
Water or moisture must be removed from the area in order for it to dry out. Wet/dry shop vacuums are efficient in removing excess water that has seeped deep into the wood. Alternatively, you can use a mop or towels to wipe away any sitting water or moisture from the floor.
Treat Moldy Areas
Inspect the wooden floors and subfloors for any signs of mold growth. One of the most obvious signs of mold growth is the musty smell. If you believe mold started to thrive in the room, use a bleach treatment to kill off mold and spores.
Dry and Ventilate The Floor
To dry the floors you can use fans, but make sure that you don’t apply any heat. If you apply heat to the wood, it may lead to mold growth and other problems. If the weather permits, open windows and doors for proper air circulation. If the room is humid, you can use a dehumidifier to remove the moisture from the room.
If you suspect your hardwood floors have suffered water damage, you can take the steps above to fix the problem on your own. However, in any cases involving water damage, it is always best to seek consultation from licensed professionals like Express Restoration Services.
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