Water damage can be a major disruption to your life, but it doesn't have to be the end of your hardwood floors. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be possible to repair the floor without having to replace it entirely. In some cases, it may only be necessary to repaint the hardwood floors or apply patches to replace damaged plates before reapplying the finish. In the worst case, however, it is necessary to remove and replace the entire floor.
Rarely, water damage is so severe that individual floorboards stick out. The first step in treating water-damaged hardwood floors is to mop and soak up any surface water. If you have one, you can even use a water vacuum to vacuum everything quickly. Be sure to also remove and dry any carpet or wet material from the floor. If there has been a black water leak, do not try to clean it yourself - call All Dry USA for help. It's important to note that after 24 hours of water damage, mold may grow and floors may need replacement.
Depending on the damage, the hardwood floor can be repaired rather than completely replaced. If there is minor damage, most of the floor can be saved and an insulated floorboard may need to be fixed. However, if the damage is significant, it may be necessary to replace the entire floor, and sometimes even the subfloor. The type of wooden floor you may have determines and limits the type of repairs that need to be performed. Solid wood floors allow for a wider range of options to solve the problem.
With solid hardwood floors, you can sand and scrape up to a quarter of an inch of wood to eliminate water damage to the surface. This type of flooring can also have replacements for individual planks. Wet subfloors should be replaced when damaged by water leaks or flooding, especially if mold is growing. If you have discovered only minimal damage because the water drains well and the floor dries quickly, you need to wait about 4-6 months before sanding the wooden floor to make it look previously flat. When cleaning smaller amounts of liquid or using a water vacuum, it will help prevent excess water from being absorbed into the hardwood and can dry completely faster. At the end of the day, remember that your insurance company may or may not cover any of these types of water damage. Many homeowners use water damage as an opportunity to install new floors that are better protected against future accidents.
Before starting any repair on your hardwood floor, it is essential to determine where the water causing the damage comes from - this could be from a leaky pipe or appliance, flooding from outside sources, or even from a pet accident. All of these examples show places where water is placed directly on the wooden floor, which has the potential to cause bulging and further damage. Orange Restoration has been providing mold removal, fire damage repair, and water damage restoration services in the San Diego area since 2004. The best way to treat water-damaged hardwood floors is to remove all furniture and other items from the room, and then clean the area thoroughly with a mixture of soap and water. You can still save hardwood floors with immediate action and, if necessary, the help of professionals like Jenkins Restorations can help with repairing water damage to the hardwood floor. Once there is no more water flooding the floors, you need to know what kind of water damage you are dealing with. The five-step process of flooring, water damage to your hardwood floor should become a thing of the past.
Most engineered wood floors have a core that is not water resistant and will be damaged if submerged in water. Water damage doesn't have to mean replacing your entire hardwood floor - with quick action and professional help if needed, you can restore your hardwood floors back to their original beauty. Remember that routine maintenance and managing any signs of water damage immediately will ensure that your hardwood floors stay nice and beautiful in your home.
