Everything You Need to Know About Wood Floor Water Damage Repair
When it comes to minimizing property damage due to water, time is of the essence. Swift flood cleanup is especially important when it comes to wood flooring. In this article, Be Happy Restoration discusses the top considerations in water damage repair, cleanup, and restoration.
Why It’s Important to Act Fast to Protect Wood Flooring
Wood flooring is a popular, beautiful, and durable flooring option and is favored for its natural appeal. But, it is an organic material that is porous and hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb and retain any moisture in the environment. The longer water has time to sit on wood flooring, the more that will be absorbed and the more damage that it causes.
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What Kind of Damage Does Water Cause to Wood Flooring?
The type and extent of damage water can cause to wood flooring depends on many things including the type of finishes used, the length of time the water is on the floor, and flood cleanup and methods.
Some of the common damages include:
Cupping
Cupping happens when the edges of individual planks of flooring raise higher than the center of the board. This most often happens when water is coming from beneath the flooring. After a flooding incident, cupping can happen because water seeped into the subflooring and the untreated side of the wood flooring absorbs and retains the water from the subsurface.
Crowning
Crowning is when individual planks of wood have an arched appearance with the middle being raised higher than the edges. This happens when the moisture content on the top side of the flooring is significantly higher than on the underside of the planks, as happens during any flooding event.
Warping
Moisture can also cause the boards to curve and lift away slightly from the subflooring. This is called warping.
Buckling
When warping, cupping, and crowing is severe enough, it can cause buckling. This is when boards lift from the subflooring and may even form peaks where they push against one another.
Stains and Discoloration
Flooding can also cause stains and discoloration to wood flooring. These stains may be on the finish or the wood.
Mold Growth
After a flooding event, water retained in the wood can lead to mold growth. This can cause the wood to become spotted and discolored and can cause potential health issues.
Can Hardwood Floors Be Saved After a Flood?
Whether or not a wood floor can be saved from flood damage depends on how long the water sits on the flooring and the extent of damage caused. If the water is removed swiftly and effectively, it may be possible to save the floor with some effort. If there is minor damage, some flooring may need to be repaired or replaced. If the floor has major damage and the water was on the surface of the wood for a length of time, it may be necessary to repair parts of the flooring or consider flood restoration services to replace the flooring and ensure the safety of the living environment.
When Should You Consider Water Damage Restoration Services for Flood Cleanup?
It is always best to consider water damage repair and restoration services for flood cleanup as soon as possible. Water can cause immediate damage to hardwood flooring and continues to cause further damage the longer it sits on the surface. A professional can employ the right equipment to extract the water from the surface and dry the materials thoroughly to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Water damage restoration experts provide a full suite of services and can do much more than flood cleanup, including repairs and restoration. This is a huge advantage to the homeowner for several reasons including:
- The expert knows what can be repaired versus replaced.
- They help mitigate damages and costs.
- Working with restoration experts saves time and hassle working with several companies to get the job done.
- Having restoration experts complete all the tasks is very beneficial when dealing with insurance claims.
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Water Damage Restoration Services Mesquite, TX
If you are looking for “flood cleanup near me” look no further than the Dallas area expert, Be Happy Restoration. The company can be reached by email at: jesseh@behappyrestorationservices.com or by phone at (214) 616-9951.
