Leakage on the floor is among the nightmares of any homeowner, especially when it results in swelling and warping of the hardwood floor. Failure to address this problem immediately will cause your hardwood floors to cup, mold to grow, and significantly lower your home’s value.
Nonetheless, there is hope because you can treat water-damaged hardwood floors by yourself if properly equipped. Also, know when you need professional assistance.
Assessing the Extent of Water Damage on the Hardwood Floor
To assess the extent of water damage on this type of floor, one must look carefully at the boards. Look for changes such as a change in color, an increase in the size of the wood, or some deformation known as cupping. This can be done using a moisture meter, which determines the moisture level on the floor in various areas.
Focus on areas that are hard to reach, such as behind the shelves or under the table. When you discover a problem, the ideal thing to do is to address it immediately. Sometimes, this can save you money and is a good way of keeping your floor in good condition.
Prepare the Hardwood Floor
When preparing the hardwood floor for staining, you should first remove any furniture or rugs that may be on the floor. Make sure that the floor is clean so that no dirt or dust will be present. This aids repair work.
This makes drying easier. One should ensure that the area has no moisture or debris before beginning the repair work. This step is critical to achieving the best results.
Dry the Water Affected Floor Area
Wood is one of the most natural materials, and it is dried out easily. It has three methods. Some companies specialize in drying the floors fast through their dehumidifier services. It is much simpler and quicker to get the floors dry and avoid further deterioration in this respect.
Wood will also shrink and plane out on its own. This may take as little as two months to twelve months, depending on the pattern of airflow, the temperature, and the humidity inside.
You can also replace wet ones with new pieces of wood. This way, you can mend the floors quickly. The price might be cheaper than drying them out.
Replacing the Damaged Floorboard if the Area is Small
However, if only a small area of the floor is affected, the replacement of the old floorboards is quite easy. First of all, the boards that have been affected by the rot should be taken out very tactfully with a saw. Take measurements of the space and cut a new board to fit in it properly. Use wood glue along the edges of the new board before trying to fit it where a gap is found.
Then, fasten it using a nail gun firmly in its position. When you are done putting the new board, ensure that you sand the edges so that they can mix properly with the rest of the floor. After completing the gluing process, one needs to put a layer of finish on the wood to enhance its quality and appearance.
Sand and Refinish the Hardwood Floor
If sanded too soon, then the floor will appear even, but it will turn into a different issue after some time. Once the floor is thoroughly dry, the respective board will have crowning, which is the direct opposite of cupping.
Note: It can be a mistake if the wood floor is sanded when it is not fully dried. It may lead the floor to crowning effect that is reverse of cupping.
Also Read: Cost of Refinishing Hardwood Floors | DIY vs Professional
When to Get Professional Flooring Service
It is wise to hire a professional for flooring services when the situation is beyond your ability to handle it or when you notice severe damage on the floor, such as significant warping or buckling. It is time to replace the floor if the hardwood lifts off the floor badly along with the fasteners.
Experts have all the appropriate means to address the problems and accomplish the necessary repairs efficiently if needed. It is advisable to consult a professional. They can analyze the situation in detail and recommend the required solutions.
How to Prevent Any Water Damage to the Wood Floor
If your wooden flooring has suffered water damage and you would like to prevent this from happening again, we are here to help.
Rugs and Mats
Preventing water damage on hardwood floors is also very simple. First, ensure that you spread mats and rugs all over the area. Put down a doormat at every entry point. This keeps your wet or muddy shoes off the floor so as to prevent water from spoiling your wooden floor. Then, placemats under the sinks, pet bowls, and faucets. This catches any splashes.
Maintenance
Take time, at least every 2-3 years, to seal your hardwood floors. It also provides your floors with a strong barrier. Moreover, it extends their life. Therefore, make sure to close them in order to have them at their best state.
Inspect Your Home
Make it a routine to examine your pipes for cracks and leaks. Leakage is a severe issue regardless of how big or small it is since it may cause your house to be flooded. Any cracks sealed to prevent the flow of water. This will help ensure that your floors are protected from water damage and remain as dry as intended. If you notice water on the floor but no leak is apparent, it could be due to condensation or spills, which should also be addressed to prevent water waste and potential damage.
Conclusion
It is not easy to repair swollen hardwood floors that were water damaged. However, by analyzing the problem, getting an appropriate tool, and being patient, one can actually repair the floors. First thing to know the situation. The sequence of the events that need to be followed is drying the affected area fully when replacing the boards or sanding and refinishing. If you are unable to manage the damages, then do not hesitate to call professional flooring services to avoid any mistakes.
FAQs
Is Water-damaged Hardwood Floor Covered by Insurance?
Generally, home insurance may cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as burst pipes or appliance leaks. However, coverage for gradual damage, like water seeping in over time, may be limited. It’s important to review your policy or consult with your insurance provider to understand what types of water damage are covered and any exclusions that may apply.
What Does the Water Damaged Hardwood Floor Cost to Repair?
Generally, prices vary from $300 to $3000, depending on whether the customer needs simply repairing or significant restoration services.
How Long Does It Take for Water to Damage Wood Floors?
Water can cause some type of damage to wooden floors if the water comes into contact with the floor, and the severity of the damage depends on different factors such as the amount of water and the humidity level in the room and also the duration the water has stayed on the floor. It can take hours or days of the event for damage to occur.
Will a Swollen Wood Floor Go Back to Normal?
An example of this is the wood floor of a room that becomes swollen due to humidity because it can regain its original shape once dry. This may take anything from weeks to months, depending on issues such as the damage level and moisture.
What Draws Moisture Out of Wood?
Proper air circulation and low relative humidity help in extracting moisture from the wood. Improved circulation of air around the wood helps in the loss of moisture, and less humidity in the surrounding environment also allows the wood to lose its moisture content in the long run.
