Many Mississippians prefer hardwood floors in their homes. They provide a classic, sophisticated look that works well with many interior design styles. While hardwood floors offer numerous benefits to homeowners, water-damaged hardwood can have detrimental and long-term effects. Laurel homeowners should understand how to fix water-damaged hardwood floors in case of a leak, spill, or humidity issues. Fortunately, that’s exactly what we’re going through in this article.
Identify the Type and Severity of Hardwood Floor Damage
Water intrusion creates different effects depending on the material. Hardwood, in particular, is a porous material that absorbs and stores moisture inside. This results in various physical signs of water damage that can affect the air quality or structural material. Homeowners can use these signs to assess how severe the water damage is and whether repairs or replacement is necessary. Here are some signs of hardwood floor moisture damage to watch out for.
- Cupping or crowning of floorboards indicates a moisture imbalance.
- Discoloration or dark stains showing deep water absorption.
- Warping or buckling signals structural deformation.
Stop the Water Source Before Beginning Repairs
While water-damaged hardwood floors need to be addressed promptly, the first step is to stop the root cause of the water leak. If you don’t stop the water source, moisture can continue to enter the house and damage your floors. Repairs also won’t hold unless moisture entry is resolved.
For plumbing issues, you may need to shut off the water supply to stop pipes from leaking. Homeowners might also need to locate the source of the leak by inspecting the house for ongoing leaks. Be sure to document the cause of a water leak, as this information may be important for potential insurance claims.
Begin Drying the Hardwood Floors Thoroughly
The next step is to completely dry the wet hardwood floors. Hardwood floors that remain damp can lead to mold growth and structural deterioration. Because wood absorbs moisture, both the surface and underlying layers need to be effectively dried. Below are a few ways to dry hardwood floors safely.
- Increase the ventilation with fans and open windows.
- Use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air and materials.
- Clear rugs, mats, and furniture from the affected area.
Repair or Restore the Hardwood Flooring
Repairing water-soaked wood floors involves multiple steps that vary depending on the damage that was done. The process should only begin once the wood is fully dry. Here is a brief look at the hardwood restoration process.
- Sand and refinish boards once moisture levels normalize.
- Replace individual planks that are beyond repair.
- Restore the entire room if matching the wood stain or finish is too difficult.
When to Call a Professional for Hardwood Water Damage
When it comes to knowing how to fix water-damaged hardwood floors, professionals understand the most. Restoration experts have the expertise and professional-grade tools to dry structural materials thoroughly and restore the wood safely. They can also remove, replace, and repair damaged hardwood before the problem escalates. Here are a few scenarios where professional hardwood water damage assistance is needed.
- Damage extends across multiple rooms or levels.
- Boards remain warped or soft after drying efforts.
- Mold growth or musty odors develop beneath or around the flooring.
Work with Restoration Professionals to Protect Your Hardwood Floors
At ServiceMaster Action Cleaning, our specialists are equipped to handle various forms of residential damage, including water intrusion. With years of experience restoring water-damaged hardwood floors, we have the tools and expertise needed to restore your home to its pre-loss condition.
As a local team serving the Laurel area, our team is available 24/7 to help Mississippians whenever they need it. Contact ServiceMaster Action Cleaning today for professional assistance.
