Beautiful hardwood flooring can provide a rustic flourish of beauty to any room. However, due to the porous quality of the wood, it is prone to water damage. Our homes can be flooded by a leaking sink, a badly sealed window, or an ill-fitting door frame. When an excessive amount of moisture is absorbed by the wood, the flooring may buckle and cup.
Water Damaged Wood Floors: Signs and Symptoms
On moist wood, mold begins to grow. It often appears as a dark stain or blemish on the surface of the boards. Mold causes the boards to degrade, resulting in a mushy, spongy texture. Due to the stress, the board will occasionally buckle and break into soft splinters.
If left untreated, this mold tends to distort the board. Crowning (swelling) can occur in the center or along the board’s borders. This may cause the flooring to lift or separate, resulting in unattractive gaps or splits.
Additionally, the individual boards have begun to cup or crown, resulting in a bulge in the floor. When wood absorbs moisture, it expands; this is obvious when planks buckle or when the board’s edges rise and if this occurs, call a professional restoration company like PuroClean.
How to Handle a Water Damage Scenario
If you don’t have time to call or visit the restoration companies near you, The measures listed below should be taken if your hardwood floor has been damaged by water.
Locate the source of water.
To begin, it is critical to determine the source of the water. Stopping or halting the flow immediately may mean the difference between a repair and a complete replacement. And if you believe the water is contaminated by sewage, call your local home restoration company and ask about biohazard cleanup services.
Clear the affected area.
Prevent more damage by removing any rugs, pet beds, or other things from the area. Unwelcome weight is added to damp wood by furniture, forcing the moisture further into it. Rugs and carpets trap moisture, allowing it to seep in more slowly.
Dry the area.
With a mop and cloth, remove as much surface water as possible. Extracting a substantial amount of water leaked beneath the floors will be impossible. The purpose is to prevent more seepage. Install dehumidifiers if possible to aid in the removal of excess moisture and to prevent damage to other portions of the room.
Conduct a visual inspection for mold and warping.
This is unlikely to have occurred yet if the harm occurred recently. If a dehumidifier is operated for a few days, nothing should happen, but be sure to check for signs of blackness in corners and joints. If any of this is uncovered, it’s time to assess the damage.
Conclusion
Water damage can occur due to any sort of flooding, whether localized or broad. This is more likely to happen due to a plumbing leak or damaged equipment. Keeping all water sources in good condition will prevent them from releasing a catastrophic leak. By securing all connections and keeping pipes free of rust, you can extend their useful life and safeguard your hardwood flooring. Water damage can manifest itself in several ways. The primary consideration for homeowners is speed. The sooner water damage is noticed, the more probable the floors will be preserved. If alarming signs appear, act promptly.